The Green Bay Common Council has approved the purchase of two additional Tesla Model Y vehicles for its police department. The move follows strong results from the city's first two electric patrol cars, which have operated at very low cost over the past two years.
The finance committee approved the $89,390 purchase on June 9 for two 2026 Model Y units. Police Chief Chris Davis presented data showing each of the existing cars cost under $500 annually to operate, with only occasional windshield wiper replacements needed.
The new vehicles will receive the standard police package and begin active patrol later this summer. Savings stem from the absence of oil changes, transmission work, and reduced brake wear due to regenerative braking.
Other departments have reported similar benefits. Somerset Police Department in Wisconsin saved more than $80,000 per vehicle over its lifecycle, while Bargersville, Indiana, recorded roughly $80,000 yearly in fuel savings across 13 Tesla cruisers.
