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In a time when electrification is sweeping the automotive industry, Up.Fit—Unplugged Performance’s police vehicle division—is making headlines for its innovative approach to converting Tesla electric vehicles (EVs) into mission-ready law enforcement tools. Their work showcases a radical rethinking of what patrol cars can be: powerful, efficient, high-tech, and, above all, safe. This revolution in Tesla police vehicle conversions is turning heads across North America.
From Performance to Patrol: Why Teslas?
Tesla vehicles—especially the Model Y—are known for their speed, handling, and low maintenance requirements, making them ideal candidates for patrol applications. As Sergeant Abdallah from South Pasadena Police Department explains, his city’s sustainability goals, coupled with years of research (including Sandy Munro’s teardowns), led them to fully transition their 20-vehicle fleet to electric. Ten Model 3s serve administrators and detectives, while ten Model Ys are out on patrol.
The team at Up.Fit builds on Tesla’s robust platform, keeping its OEM features intact while integrating mission-critical components. Autopilot, Full Self Driving (FSD), Sentry Mode, and all Tesla safety systems remain fully operational after the conversion—critical for departments seeking cutting-edge performance without compromise.
Enhanced Durability: Custom Wheels and Ballistic Panels
Police vehicles undergo tremendous abuse: jumping curbs, intense braking, high-speed chases. Standard EV components weren’t designed for this. That’s why Up.Fit replaces Tesla’s aero-optimized wheels with lightweight, forged 18-inch wheels. These wheels mimic the look of old-school steel wheels but are FEA-rated for strength and feature high-sidewall BFG Elite Force tires built specifically for law enforcement.
Additionally, Up.Fit offers optional NIJ III+ rated ballistic door panels. Rather than heavy steel plates mounted inside the door—an inefficient and ergonomically poor solution—Up.Fit uses lightweight Dyneema-backed panels that absorb impact without straining hinges or interfering with window operation. These panels can be easily replaced in the field if damaged, reducing downtime and cost.
Smart Lighting and Compliance
Up.Fit collaborates with Whelen Engineering to integrate customizable emergency lighting that meets California’s strict Title 13 compliance for color, visibility, and flash frequency. Departments can program light bars for various patterns and adjust spotlight behaviors. In California, vehicles must have red and blue lights; other regions may opt for all-blue configurations.
One elegant solution is the recessed siren in the front fascia—a design evolution from earlier models where the siren was visible. By hiding the siren without compromising volume or performance, Up.Fit preserves Tesla’s sleek aesthetic while delivering full functionality.
Preserving Tesla Integrity: No Compromise on Engineering
Rather than altering Tesla’s complex safety systems, Up.Fit takes a “do no harm” approach. For instance, the panoramic glass roof remains untouched, ensuring the vehicle’s structural integrity and crash compliance. Even the front trunk and rear hatch areas remain accessible.
A particularly impressive innovation is Up.Fit’s proprietary system for keeping Teslas awake during long shifts. Law enforcement vehicles often need to power radios, lights, computers, and record systems for extended periods—even with the car off. Up.Fit’s solution allows full electronic operation with less than a 10% battery drop after a full week—without disabling Tesla’s ecosystem.
Ergonomics, Electronics, and Officer Comfort
Inside, Up.Fit prioritizes officer usability. Every Model Y police car features a fully integrated command center:
- Control heads for lights and sirens
- Mounted computers for CAD and RMS
- Dual wireless phone chargers
- USB and 12V ports
- Single-prisoner partition for space and safety
The ergonomic center console now features lower sidewalls to accommodate officers’ duty gear, improve egress, and allow easier access to rifle racks mounted behind the seats. A future enhancement includes headrest-mounted printers—streamlining traffic stops and citation issuance.
Up.Fit also relocates antenna systems to remain hidden, preserving the vehicle’s drag coefficient and further improving range and performance.
Fleet Feedback and Continuous Improvement
One of Up.Fit’s greatest strengths lies in its iterative design process. By working closely with departments like South Pasadena and Douglas, Georgia, Up.Fit captures real-time feedback and evolves its offerings. Whether it’s adjusting prisoner partitions, customizing light controls, or refining electronics packaging, the company treats every police car as a chance to innovate.
This partnership-driven mindset allows them to scale intelligently—offering turnkey police Teslas ready to ship with minimal lead time, while still accommodating department-specific needs like color, livery, or electronics layout.
Behind the Scenes: Production and Manufacturing
Up.Fit’s production philosophy mirrors that of Tesla itself: lean manufacturing, continuous iteration, and vertical integration. They’ve designed their own wire harnesses to interface with Tesla’s system without causing compatibility issues. All electronic modules are neatly organized in dedicated bays to preserve cargo space and ease maintenance.
Their Los Angeles production floor reflects the discipline of an OEM supplier—organized, modular, and constantly optimizing. The result: a more cost-effective, scalable solution for municipalities seeking electric patrol fleets without sacrificing safety, functionality, or reliability.
A Real-World Example: South Pasadena’s Fully Electric Fleet
Sergeant Abdallah’s department stands as a case study in successful EV integration. Not only do the vehicles perform reliably on duty, but they also support broader city goals around sustainability. Each Model Y is equipped with everything from ballistic protection to CAD terminals—proving that electrification can enhance, not hinder, mission performance.
By adopting Teslas, the department reduced fuel costs, maintenance demands, and emissions—all while benefiting from superior acceleration and operational uptime. It’s not just about going green—it’s about building better patrol cars.
Conclusion: The Future of Law Enforcement is Electric
Up.Fit’s approach to Tesla police vehicle conversions exemplifies what’s possible when high-performance engineering meets public safety needs. These aren’t concept cars—they’re in active duty, backed by thoughtful design, robust manufacturing, and user-driven evolution.
As departments face increasing pressure to modernize and reduce emissions, Up.Fit offers a scalable, field-tested solution that delivers. Whether you’re a city official, fleet manager, or automotive engineer, it’s clear: the next generation of police vehicles isn’t just electric—it’s engineered smarter.
Explore More:
Discover additional teardown insights and vehicle tech reviews at Munro & Associates and at Munro Live. For law enforcement agencies interested in Tesla-based fleets, visit Up.Fit to learn about fleet packages and customization options.