Tesla Model Y Becomes Model PD: EV Police Car Conversion by Design

Electric vehicles are quickly evolving from environmentally conscious consumer choices to high-performance tools for critical industries. One standout example is the Tesla Model Y police car conversion, dubbed “Model PD.” In a recent teardown and walkaround with Zak from Model PD, the Munro team explored how this all-electric crossover was transformed into a fully capable law enforcement vehicle. This Model PD conversion combines Tesla’s electric performance with police-duty demands. It delivers speed, durability, and customization for departments across North America.

From Consumer EV to Patrol Car

Zak, an industry veteran with over two decades of experience in police vehicle outfitting, has seen the progression from Ford Crown Victorias to Dodge Chargers and Chevrolet Tahoes. But since 2019, he’s been working on adapting EVs—especially Teslas—for police use, anticipating the trend toward electrified municipal fleets.

Driven by climate goals and procurement mandates, some agencies now face restrictions. These police departments can only purchase electric vehicles, accelerating the shift to EV patrol fleets. However, few EVs arrive police-ready. That’s where Model PD comes in. Starting with a Tesla Model Y Long Range, Zak and his team reengineer it into a legitimate police package, complete with law enforcement-specific reinforcements, utilities, and safety features.

Why It’s Called “Model PD”

Just as Ford rebrands the Explorer into the “Police Interceptor Utility,” the Tesla Model Y becomes “Model PD” under this transformation. This isn’t merely a cosmetic refresh—it’s a reengineering effort that turns a high-performance EV into a tool of the trade.

Key differences between consumer and police versions include:

• Steel wheels and specially formulated Goodyear or Firestone police tires.

• A solid carbon fiber roof (replacing the factory glass) for mounting antennas, cameras, and light bars.

• An integrated headliner to house extensive wiring.

• High-output dome lights, essential for interior visibility during operations.

These elements fulfill requirements that standard Teslas don’t meet, making Model PD a serious contender in the law enforcement market.

Lighting, Integration, and Stealth Design

Zak’s team focuses on a clean, aesthetic integration of police lighting—embedding red and blue lights into the factory headlights, taillights, and fog lamps. Unlike traditional vehicles where lights are often bolted onto bumpers or haphazardly placed on panels, Model PD’s setup is sleek, hidden, and especially useful for undercover and detective work. The LEDs stay invisible when inactive but deliver full alert functionality during pursuits or emergency stops.

EV Speed Advantage: Ending Chases Fast

One major benefit of a Tesla police vehicle is acceleration. The Model Y’s instant torque and high top speed mean it can outrun almost any suspect vehicle—even Ferraris—when needed. This capability dramatically shortens high-speed pursuits, reducing danger to officers and civilians alike.

During officer test drives, many are surprised at how quickly the vehicle responds—an immediate education in EV superiority over internal combustion police cruisers.

Built for Duty, Not Just Display

Model PD isn’t a one-off showcase; it’s designed for daily patrol use. Phase One of the program ensures the vehicle meets baseline operational needs across departments. Plans for future upgrades include:

• Ballistic paneling for doors and firewall areas.

• Enhanced shielding for the front trunk (frunk), which, unlike traditional ICE vehicles, lacks a motor block to absorb ballistic impact.

• Custom electronics bays, housed inside rather than in the frunk, to centralize system control and access.

Interior Upgrades and Officer-Centric Features

Inside the Model PD, Zak has replaced many OEM components with police-grade alternatives:

• Heavy-duty prisoner seating made of hard plastic for hygiene, durability, and contraband prevention.

• Cinch-down seatbelt systems without retractors, preventing detained individuals from manipulating or escaping restraints.

• Dual-screen control systems, enabling officers to toggle between Tesla driving UI and a Windows-based police desktop interface.

• Secondary dash displays for speed, turn signals, and gear—ensuring operational safety when the main screen is used for administrative tasks.

These upgrades prioritize both function and safety, recognizing that officers often rely on muscle memory and intuitive access under stress.

Cleanability and Ruggedization

Police vehicles take abuse, and cleanliness is more than a matter of aesthetics—it’s about biohazard control. Model PD addresses this with:

• Spray-on flooring materials, similar to those used in truck bedliners, for extreme durability and ease of sanitization.

• Reinforced panels that maintain OEM weight targets by using lightweight aluminum over steel.

Notably, all these upgrades keep the vehicle’s total weight close to Tesla’s original specs. Removing bulky factory parts and optimizing replacements ensures that performance and range remain uncompromised.

Department Efficiency and Space Utilization

With both a frunk and trunk—and no internal combustion engine—Model PD offers greater flexibility than many ICE-based police vehicles. While its cabin is slightly smaller than a Ford Interceptor Utility, the layout allows smart organization for department-specific equipment.

Most departments don’t transport more than one detainee per vehicle. More commonly, vehicles serve as mobile command posts or gear haulers. In that respect, the Model PD provides ample cargo utility, made even more efficient by folding seats and streamlined compartments.

Looking Ahead: Cybertruck for Law Enforcement?

Zak’s ambitions don’t stop with the Model Y. His team is preparing for Phase Two: converting the Tesla Cybertruck into a police vehicle. Although the current Cybertruck price is a barrier, Model PD hopes that by the time development completes, cost parity or availability of lower trims will make it viable.

If successful, a Cybertruck police package could revolutionize light tactical and rural law enforcement applications, thanks to its rugged build and near-silent cabin.

Conclusion: Model PD Sets the Standard for EV Police Vehicles

As departments look to modernize fleets with electric patrol vehicles, Model PD offers a compelling solution. From advanced lighting and communication integration to robust interior upgrades, this Tesla Model Y conversion is more than a novelty—it’s a full-service, front-line tool ready for action.

With future developments on the horizon, including ballistic enhancements and Cybertruck adaptations, Model PD is positioning itself at the forefront of electric police vehicle design.

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