Police Chief Explains How Tesla Model Y Patrol Car Will Save Them $80,000
photo credit Electrek
The police chief of Somerset in Wisconsin explained in detail why his police department decided to go electric with a Tesla Model Y patrol car and how he expects the single electric vehicle will save the town $80,000.
The Model Y cost the department $60,000, though they had some subsidies and help to acquire it, but more importantly, Joel Trepczyk, Somerset PD Chief, believes Somerset PD will save over $80,000 over 10 years thanks to these benefits to the cost of operation: no oil changes, regenerative braking, battery designed for 500,000 miles, and more.
Chevin Fleet Solutions Announces New CEO
Chevin Fleet Solutions, creators of fleet management software FleetWave, announced that company founder Ashley Sowerby is moving to a new role of Executive Chairman, passing on the CEO role to Gary Thompson, current Chevin COO.
Talking of his new role as Executive Chairman, Mr. Sowerby said: “It is important to further empower the Operational Board as they drive the business forward. This change enables me to step back from day-to-day operations whilst continuing to offer support on strategic decisions and product direction.”
The Fleet Poll: Vehicle Shortages Today
When it comes to hot trends and burning questions, there’s plenty going on in the world of fleet. That’s why we feature The Fleet Poll, sponsored by our friends at FLD. Please share your take on today’s Hot Fleet Questions with us!
This week’s questions are “Do you think today’s fleet shortages are better or worse than last year?” and “What will the quantity of new vehicle available look like by the end of 2023?”
CLICK HERE to TAKE THE POLL (and to see how other fleet professionals are answering these questions).
Should Big Screens Be Banned From Cars?
Large screens are no longer just a prestige car thing. Generally, technology trickles down from luxury cars to more affordable ones, only it’s not a trickle now, more a torrent.
The legal and safety implications of using the systems while driving could also be significant. When the car is switched on most ‘infotainment’ systems ask the driver to agree to not let the content on the display distract them while driving.
Carmakers would argue that many physical controls remain on the steering wheel and this is true, but we’re not just talking about skipping to the next track or adjusting the volume. Many controls are only accessible now through a screen such as safety systems like lane keeping assistance; convenience functions like the heated steering wheel, seats and lighting; vehicle set-up from suspension to drive modes; and even the engine stop/start function.
Biden Admin. Makes EV Credits Available to More Buyers
By rewriting the definition of what counts as an “SUV,” the Biden administration will make EV tax credits available to a significantly larger number of U.S. motorists.
The original definition of SUV followed a fairly narrow formula that excluded many familiar vehicles, such as the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Tesla Model Y. Other vehicles that now will qualify include the new Cadillac Lyriq, while a number of other crossovers could be redefined as SUVs under the revisions.
The Inflation Reduction Act included significant changes to the EV incentive program, among other things setting a price cap of $80,000 for vehicles defined as SUVs. But the price cap is a much lower $55,000 for vehicles falling into the sedan, coupe, hatchback and wagon categories.
