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As electric vehicles (EVs) gain momentum across every sector, Unplugged Performance is leading the charge in a specialized arena: Tesla police vehicle conversions. From their Los Angeles headquarters, the team is redefining what it means to upfit electric patrol cars—delivering rugged, low-maintenance, high-performance EVs that meet the demands of modern law enforcement. This teardown-level look at their workshop and methodology reveals just how deeply Unplugged applies lean design, expert engineering, and aerospace-grade detail to every Tesla conversion they build.
Born from Speed, Built for Service
Unplugged Performance didn’t begin in law enforcement—it started in motorsports. Originally known for building 2000-horsepower Nissan GT-Rs, the company pivoted to Tesla customization after Tesla designers noticed their ICE builds. Since 2013, Unplugged has channeled its aftermarket racing knowledge into optimizing EVs. Now, they operate across four buildings in Hawthorne, California, within sight of Tesla’s design studio and SpaceX.
Their transformation of the Tesla Model S into the “S Apex” widebody racer—featuring pre-preg carbon fiber, carbon ceramic brakes, and massive 13-inch forged wheels—marked just the beginning. The same engineering rigor now drives their approach to Tesla police car conversions.
Engineering Patrol-Grade Teslas
Unplugged’s Up.fit division focuses exclusively on law enforcement EVs. Their conversion process begins with a deep understanding of Tesla’s factory engineering—then pushes the platform’s capabilities further without compromising safety or reliability.
One of the most critical upgrades? The wheel and tire package. While Tesla’s stock wheels prioritize aerodynamics, they lack the rugged sidewall protection needed for patrol work. Unplugged replaces them with forged 18-inch wheels and Elite Force BFG tires designed for high-speed pursuits, curb strikes, and all-weather durability. The result: fewer cracked wheels, reduced tire damage, and extended service life under real-world conditions.
Another breakthrough is their ballistic protection solution. Rather than insert heavy steel plates into door cavities—a common method that risks hinge failure—Unplugged created lightweight external ballistic door panels using Dyneema and ABS. These panels meet NIJ IIIa standards, offering protection from common handgun rounds while preserving door function and structural integrity. If damaged, they can be quickly replaced, minimizing vehicle downtime.
Keeping Teslas Smart and Safe
One of Unplugged’s guiding principles is preserving Tesla’s factory systems, including Autopilot, FSD, and over-the-air (OTA) updates. Their “Insomnia Box” and custom-made wire harnesses ensure that upfitted Teslas stay awake, connected, and compatible with Tesla’s ecosystem.
Even the notorious glass roofs are left intact. While other upfitters might remove them to mount antennas, Unplugged opts for under-glass integration to preserve the vehicle’s crash safety certification. Every detail is scrutinized to retain Tesla’s original engineering intent.
Inside the cabin, Unplugged outfits patrol cars with secure partitions, weapon racks, radios, light controls, CAD systems, and redundant power systems—all ergonomically optimized. For example, they lowered the center console height in later builds to improve access to duty weapons and gear. Wireless charging pads and integrated USB-C ports make it easier for officers to manage department and personal devices.
Modular, Scalable, Repeatable
In line with lean manufacturing principles, Unplugged prebuilds and tests electronic modules before installation. Their streamlined process allows for rapid assembly and customization—whether it’s a single vehicle or a multi-unit fleet. Each police Tesla is programmed with standardized software, allowing fleet-wide updates with minimal hassle.
The Up.fit division now occupies a 22,000 square-foot facility solely dedicated to fleet production. From sourcing to final wrap, every step is designed for efficiency. The team includes veterans from aerospace, EV manufacturing, and motorsports, and their attention to quality is evident—from oscilloscope-tested wiring to the spotless auto spa used for final detailing and paint protection.
Tesla Cybertruck Police and Military Builds
Unplugged isn’t just working with Model Ys and Model 3s. Their upcoming builds include fully customized Cybertrucks for patrol, military, and civilian overlanding applications. The “Invincible Cybertruck” prototype showcases steel bumpers, beadlock wheels, and carbon fiber hood mods designed not for weight savings—but to house off-road lighting and rugged accessories.
They’re also developing forged wheels, enhanced rear bumpers with high-lift jack points, and Molly panel systems for modular cargo. It’s a comprehensive effort to unlock the Cybertruck’s potential in roles where durability and self-sufficiency matter most.
Real-World Deployment: South Pasadena Police
South Pasadena became one of the first U.S. cities to fully electrify its police fleet—ten Tesla Model Ys for patrol and ten Model 3s for admin and detectives. Their journey began after extensive research, including watching Munro teardown videos. After comparing EVs like the Mach-E, ID.4, and Ioniq 5, they chose the Model Y for its simplicity, thermal management, and long-term reliability.
Their upfitted vehicles include NIJ-rated ballistic doors, upgraded suspension and brakes, single-prisoner partitions, digital license plates, hidden sirens, and Title 13-compliant lighting. Officers cite reduced maintenance, lower fuel costs, and higher performance as immediate operational advantages.
Key Takeaways for Law Enforcement Agencies
- Lower Total Cost of Ownership: No oil changes, fewer moving parts, and regenerative braking translate to reduced maintenance and longer service life.
- Rapid Deployment: Unplugged offers turnkey Tesla patrol vehicles with pre-programmed systems and nationwide support.
- Future-Proof Design: OEM functionality—including Autopilot and OTA updates—remains intact, ensuring long-term adaptability.
- Officer-Centric Engineering: Ergonomics, safety, and usability are prioritized through constant feedback and iterative upgrades.
- Fleet Management Ready: With tools like Tesla for Business and Standard Fleet, departments gain real-time data and centralized control.
Final Thoughts
Unplugged Performance is proving that electric police vehicles aren’t just viable—they’re superior in many ways. By blending motorsports-grade engineering with fleet-grade durability, they’re setting a new standard for EV patrol vehicles. Their partnership with law enforcement agencies across North America is more than just a product offering—it’s a glimpse into the future of sustainable, smart public safety.
Explore More
Interested in seeing how Tesla platforms evolve across performance, durability, and design? Dive into more exclusive teardown videos, technical breakdowns, and cost analysis at Munro Live.
Ready to electrify your fleet? Reach out to Unplugged Performance and discover what a turnkey Tesla patrol vehicle can do for your department.