Central Washington University Police Adding Tesla as Patrol Vehicle

The Central Washington University (CWU) Police Department is adding an energy-efficient Tesla to its fleet of patrol cars.

According to the university, the Tesla will replace a recently retired Ford Explorer in order to meet Governor Inslee's sustainability goals. Inlsee signed an executive order last month mandating that the state's pool of about 5,000 vehicles transition to fully electric by 2040.

Although the Tesla cost about $7,000 more than a gas-powered patrol car, it's estimated the electric car will save the university about $18,000 over its life.

CWU now has nine electric and twelve hybrid vehicles in its fleet.