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hubie [soylentnews.org] writes:

The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department just launched the world's first public-safety fleet built from Tesla Cybertrucks [autoblog.com]:

The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) has officially unveiled the world's first public-safety fleet built entirely from Tesla Cybertrucks, marking a new chapter in electric law enforcement. Ten Cybertrucks, modified by Unplugged Performance's UP.FIT [up.fit] division, were revealed at a ceremony in Las Vegas. Each truck has been outfitted for full patrol capability, complete with emergency lighting, integrated communication systems, police-grade tires, and dedicated storage for gear and equipment.

The department said the Cybertruck [autoblog.com] program was funded through private partnerships, not taxpayer dollars, and will serve as both a pilot and proof-of-concept for future electrified patrol fleets. According to LVMPD, the goal is to test how electric vehicles perform in 24-hour duty cycles and under Nevada's extreme climate conditions.

Choosing the Cybertruck wasn't just about style. The vehicle's stainless-steel body, torque-heavy dual-motor setup, and adaptive air suspension make it well-suited to the demands of police work, from pursuit operations to disaster-response deployments. It also delivers the quiet operation and low running costs that have made EVs increasingly attractive to municipal fleets.

For Tesla, this debut is a welcome shift in attention following a series of controversies. International regulators have challenged the truck's design [autoblog.com] and pedestrian-safety credentials, preventing sales in the EU. The Las Vegas fleet, by contrast, provides the company with an opportunity to highlight the truck's practical capabilities in a legitimate, mission-critical setting.

Meanwhile, Tesla's production and allocation strategy for the Cybertruck remains in flux. Recently, unsold units are being redirected to Elon Musk's other ventures [autoblog.com], SpaceX and xAI, for internal fleet use. That underscores the challenge of managing public demand while meeting niche commercial orders like this one.

[...] The Las Vegas deployment may set a precedent for police agencies across the country considering EVs for frontline duty. While the Cybertruck's unconventional design has polarized public opinion, its blend of durability and zero-emission performance could prove ideal for roles that demand high torque, instant power, and long idle times.

This rollout also offers Tesla a chance to reframe its narrative, shifting from social-media spectacle to public-sector innovation. If the LVMPD's results show measurable efficiency and reliability gains, Cybertrucks could become a common sight in law-enforcement fleets within a few years.

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