The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department's pioneering use of donated Tesla Cybertrucks for patrols highlights innovation but contrasts with the vehicle's commercial struggles, including dismal sales and recalls, amid criticism of Tesla models in policing.
Following the November 2025 rollout of 11 donated Tesla Cybertrucks—10 for patrols and one SWAT vehicle—the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) continues to integrate the fleet, gifted via charity by tech investor Ben Horowitz and his wife Felicia at a value of $2.7 million. No taxpayer funds were used, and the vehicles were modified with law enforcement gear, though high-performance features were disabled.
This marks the largest Cybertruck police fleet in the US, praised by Sheriff Kevin McMahill for advancing technological capabilities. However, it diverges from experiences elsewhere, where other departments tested Tesla vehicles but deemed them unsuitable amid backlash.
The Cybertruck itself has struggled commercially since launch. Priced around $80,000, Tesla sold fewer than 25,000 units against projections of up to 250,000 annually. Forbes dubbed it 'the worst industry flop in decades,' citing build quality issues, usability problems, and over 10 recalls affecting panels, lights, and accelerators. Sales dropped 63% in Q3 2025, compounded by protests over Elon Musk's political affiliations.
While LVMPD addressed recalls pre-deployment and touts the trucks' toughness, broader doubts persist on their reliability for high-stakes policing.
