Cotati Puts First Electric Police Patrol Car in Sonoma County into Service
Cotati, CA – As the next step in the City of Cotati’s aggressive measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, on September 15, 2022, the City officially put Sonoma County’s first fully equipped electric police patrol car into service. This follows on the City Council’s commitment to greenhouse gas reductions, including recent action to prohibit new gas stations in Cotati, switching all municipal electricity use to Sonoma Clean Power Evergreen 100% renewable energy, numerous energy conservation lighting and motor retrofits, and moving the city’s vehicle fleet to all electric.
“Cotati is one of the first cities in California to put a fully equipped electric police patrol car into service. Our police fleet was an obvious place to prioritize, as these vehicles idle and drive extensively, with an overall efficiency of 9 miles per gallon. Even with the higher initial costs of purchasing the car, it’s less expensive overall with gas and maintenance savings. We are happy to help lead the way to a healthier gas-free future with electric patrol cars that refuel on electricity from Sonoma Clean Power Evergreen that saves our residents money over the life of the vehicle,” said City of Cotati Mayor Mark Landman.
The City of Cotati purchased a Tesla Model Y for police patrol use, which is made right here in the Bay Area. Assuming a gas price of $3.50 per gallon, the total cost of ownership is less than the smaller and less expensive police patrol cars that it will replace. In addition to the gas savings, the total cost of ownership is lower because of less frequent brake changes, and no smog testing or any gasoline engine related maintenance. Additionally, the residual value of the vehicle is projected to be significantly higher than the comparable gas vehicle, allowing the City to reinvest more funds back into the community when the vehicle is retired.
We invite our news media partners to record videos, photos, and interviews.
Event: Unveiling of City of Cotati’s New Electric Police Cruiser
When: Thursday, September 15
(4 pm, La Plaza Park, Cotati, CA)
Available for Media Interviews:
Mark Landman, Mayor, City of Cotati
Michael Parish, Chief of Police, City of Cotati
Suzanne Smith, Executive Director, Sonoma County Transportation Authority/Regional Climate Protection Authority (SCTA/RCPA)
Geof Syphers, Chief Executive Officer, Sonoma Clean Power
For more information, contact Damien O’Bid, City Manager at 707.665.3622.