Police departments around the country have several options for squad cars. Of course, the Ford Interceptor is the most used. However, one police department in California is coming under fire for buying an ultra-expensive Tesla Cybertruck. Members of the community are accusing the department of wasting tax-paying money on the all-electric pickup truck. 

This California is using a Cybertruck as one of its squad cars

The Tesla Cybertruck is one of the most controversial vehicles on the market. Now, according to CarScoops, the Irvine, California police department has a new one as one of its squad cars. However, it will be primarily for display for the D.A.R.E program. Reportedly, the department spent $150,000 in total for the all-electric truck. Apparently, the truck itself came out to be $99,990. However, with upgrades and alterations, the vehicle was a six-figure purchase. 

The Irvine Police Department first announced that it was buying the all-electric truck to use as one of its squad cars in July. Naturally, people are upset because it seems like an outlandish purchase, especially considering its intended purpose. Many outraged citizens wonder why they couldn’t simply use a Ford Interceptor or any other police vehicle. Additionally, there are other options if they want an all-electric truck. 

Squad cars are typically nowhere near as expensive as a Tesla Cybertruck. For example, a 2025 Ford Interceptor has an MSRP of $49,620. A Rivian would have been less costly than what they bought, and so would a Ford F-150 Lightning. Because of this, it’s understandable why taxpayers are upset about the expensive purchase.