- The Tesla Cybertruck’s been transformed into a police vehicle
- The Irvine Police Department has received its police-spec Cybertruck
- The conversion to police spec was carried out by UP.FIT
The world hasn’t reached the point of needing RoboCop just yet, but California has welcomed its first police-spec Cybertruck to the force.
In July, the Irvine Police Department announced on Twitter (now known as X) that they would be taking delivery of a Cybertruck. Months later, the Cybertruck has been transformed into a police utility vehicle as shown in a video on Facebook released by the Irvine Police Department on Tuesday.
The Irvine Police Department stated that the Cybertruck would be utilized in its Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) program and community outreach initiatives. While the truck will not be used for patrol or pursuit duty, it will be available to respond to emergencies and support the community when needed, according to the department.
UP.FIT, a division of Tesla tuner Unplugged Performance, was responsible for converting the Tesla into a police-spec Cybertruck and showcased it on Facebook.
UP.FIT unveiled a Cybertruck police cruiser in June, stating that police departments and other agencies had already shown interest, with deliveries set to begin later this year.
Customers have the option to customize the Cybertruck with typical police equipment, such as radios and additional communication devices, as well as prisoner partitions, storage for weapons and other gear, and K9 enclosures, as highlighted by UP.FIT during the truck’s unveiling. The company also offers heavy-duty suspension and brake packages, along with an off-road package.
Irvine Police Department Cybertruck police car via Unplugged Performance
Irvine Police Department Cybertruck police car via Unplugged Performance
Although UP.FIT offers an aftermarket conversion, Ford revealed an electric police truck based on the F-150 Lightning in 2022, available through the automaker’s Special Service Vehicle (SSV) factory upfit program. In 2021, the automaker, which has traditionally dominated the police market, showcased a Mustang Mach-E police testbed, followed by the announcement that the NYPD had shown interest in Mach-E police cars.
Until recently, police departments have been hesitant to adopt EVs due to limited options for suitable vehicles, with cost being a significant factor, according to a 2022 report. However, this changed in July when the City of South Pasadena transitioned its entire police fleet to electric Tesla Model 3s and Ys.
Note – This article has been updated to reflect the delivery of the police truck to the Irvine Police Department