Las Vegas Police Add Cybertruck to Fleet Amid Controversy

Las Vegas Police Add Cybertruck to Fleet Amid Controversy-

The Las Vegas Police Department (LVPD) has officially commissioned the Tesla Cybertruck as a patrol vehicle after unexpectedly receiving a fleet of 10 vehicles at no cost.

According to reports by The Guardian, the Cybertrucks were donated by a previously unnamed benefactor who was later revealed to be billionaire investor Ben Horowitz, a close associate of Tesla co-founder and CEO Elon Musk.

A High-Profile Donation Raises Questions-

While the donation provided LVPD with cutting-edge electric vehicles, it also raised eyebrows due to the Cybertruck’s controversial reputation. Although several police departments across the United States have tested Tesla vehicles for law enforcement use, many have faced public backlash and internal concerns.

Several police chiefs have previously concluded that Tesla vehicles, particularly the Cybertruck, are not well-suited for modern policing needs due to practical limitations.

Criticism and Performance Concerns-

The Cybertruck has been the subject of widespread criticism since its launch. Forbes labelled it “the worst industry flop in decades,” citing a series of recalls and recurring issues related to build quality, design practicality, and overall usability.

Priced at around USD 80,000 (approximately BD 30,000), the vehicle has struggled to justify its cost. Despite early projections that annual sales could reach 250,000 units, Tesla reportedly sold fewer than 25,000 Cybertrucks.

Mixed Reactions to Police Adoption-

The introduction of the Cybertruck into LVPD’s fleet has reignited debate over the suitability of high-profile, experimental vehicles for public service roles. Supporters argue that electric vehicles signal innovation and sustainability, while critics question whether reliability and functionality have been compromised in favour of novelty.

As the Cybertruck enters active patrol use in Las Vegas, its real-world performance may determine whether it becomes a long-term asset or another chapter in the vehicle’s ongoing controversy.