---
title: "NYPD Might Buy 250 Tesla Model 3s in $12.4 Million Deal"
description: "The department already manages a fleet of 9,000 vehicles."
date: "2021-12-16"
modified: "2021-12-16"
authors:
  - name: "Peter Holderith"
    job_title: "Contributor"
    link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/peter-holderith"
url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/43548/nypd-might-buy-250-tesla-model-3s-in-12-4-million-deal"
categories:
  - "Car Tech"
  - "Electric Vehicles"
  - "News"
  - "News by Brand"
  - "Tesla News"
tags:
  - "compact"
  - "Electric Vehicle"
  - "model 3"
  - "sedan"
  - "Tesla"
---

# NYPD Might Buy 250 Tesla Model 3s in $12.4 Million Deal

![](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/images-by-url-td/content/2021/12/tesla-cop-car-lead.jpg>)
*\<em\>www.thedrive.com</em>*

The [Ford Crown Victoria](<https://www.thedrive.com/news/41982/buy-this-1999-ford-crown-vic-limo-for-2800-and-feel-no-regret>)'s days are [essentially over](<https://www.thedrive.com/news/36122/the-last-ford-crown-victoria-cop-cars-have-finally-retired-from-the-california-highway-patrol>) when it comes to major police department duty, with most now opting for SUVs. A few departments, however, have been trialing electric vehicles for use by officers [with mixed results.](<https://www.thedrive.com/news/36119/the-los-angeles-police-departments-fleet-of-bmw-i3s-is-up-for-sale>) Thanks to potential long-term savings on fuel and maintenance, the popularity of EVs as police cars could change in a hurry.

[*Bloomberg*](<https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-12-15/nypd-eyes-order-of-250-teslas-as-city-pushes-to-electrify-fleet>) reports that a New York City procurement contract draft shows a potential order for 250 [Tesla Model 3s](<https://www.thedrive.com/tech/38915/it-costs-nearly-16000-to-replace-a-tesla-model-3-battery-pack>) intended for the NYPD. The vehicles would be part of a citywide push for entirely electric fleets, and per the contract draft, they'd cost taxpayers $12.4 million if they were purchased.

To be clear, the order for these [Teslas](<https://www.thedrive.com/news/41220/tesla-model-3-is-the-most-american-vehicle>) isn't set in stone yet. *Bloomberg* viewed a draft that was discussed at a hearing Wednesday morning and no decision date was mentioned. If the cars are purchased, they would join the NYPD's fleet of [9,000 vehicles,](<https://www1.nyc.gov/site/nypd/about/about-nypd/equipment-tech/police-vehicles.page>) doing a small part to offset the larger group's carbon emissions.

The city would reportedly pay $51,940 for each vehicle, although it's unclear what trim the Model 3s might be. At that price, the vehicles are more expensive than the base car that costs $46,490, and just short of the dual-motor, long-range model at $52,490. The NYPD could receive some sort of discount as a part of a fleet sale, although that's pure speculation.

NYPD, the nation's largest police force, has reportedly been operating at least one Model 3 patrol car [since July of this year,](<https://electrek.co/2021/07/07/nypd-buys-tesla-model-3-electric-patrol-vehicle/>) although details on fuel savings and other relevant usage information haven't been publicized.

I've reached out to the NYPD for comment and will update this article with its response.

*Got a tip or question for the author? You can reach them here**: peter@thedrive.com.*

## Author
Peter Holderith is a former staff writer for The Drive. He enjoys covering the regular news cycle, writing reviews, and hunting down long features on obscure pieces of automotive history.

### Author social links  
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