City of Bargersville

Location: Bargersville, Indiana

Fleet Type: Light-duty electric vehicles – Police Department

Narrative

The Bargersville Police Department has become one of the most recognized examples of sustainable law enforcement in the United States. Beginning in 2019 with the purchase of a single Tesla Model 3, the department set out to reduce operational costs, lower emissions, and modernize its patrol fleet. Over time, this initiative grew into a transformative program that now stands as one of the largest municipal electric patrol fleets in the country. As of 2025, the department operates a total of 13 Tesla Model 3 and Model Y vehicles dedicated to patrol, administrative duties, and community policing.

The city’s early adoption of electric patrol vehicles was driven by both fiscal prudence and a commitment to environmental stewardship. While the initial cost of an electric vehicle is higher than that of a traditional gasoline-powered cruiser, the long-term savings have proven substantial.

The Bargersville Police Department reports annual fuel savings between $70,000 and $80,000 due to the switch from gasoline to electricity. In 2025, for example, four remaining gasoline-powered Ford patrol units accumulated fuel costs exceeding $3,100 in one month, while the 13 Tesla patrol cars required only about $300 in charging costs during that same period. The difference equates to an approximately 90 percent reduction in fuel expenses across the fleet. Through the collaboration of Drive Clean Indiana and the state

Outputs and Outcomes

 In addition to these energy savings, the electric vehicles have dramatically lowered maintenance expenses. Their Tesla fleet requires far less routine maintenance because regenerative braking technology reduces brake wear and there are fewer moving parts to service compared to internal combustion engines. 

Over a five-year period, the department estimates that it has saved roughly $500,000 through reduced fuel consumption, fewer maintenance requirements, and extended vehicle lifespans. The department’s first Tesla, purchased in 2019, logged nearly 100,000 miles before being sold for approximately $21,000—an impressive resale value for a retired police unit.

1. Operationally, the transition to electric patrol vehicles has enhanced fleet performance. Officers report smoother acceleration, quieter rides, and less driver fatigue, all of which contribute to improved focus and responsiveness in patrol situations. The EVs’ quiet operation has also reduced noise pollution, creating a more community-friendly presence during overnight patrols. Moreover, the shift has improved fleet reliability, as EVs experience less downtime due to fewer mechanical issues and simplified servicing. 
2. The environmental impact of this transition continues to be significant. By eliminating tailpipe emissions, Bargersville’s EV fleet directly reduces greenhouse gas emissions and supports cleaner air for residents. This initiative aligns with the State of Indiana’s clean energy and transportation goals, particularly through GOEVIN, which promotes infrastructure development, awareness, and adoption of electric transportation across the state. Bargersville’s leadership also helps strengthen Indiana’s reputation as an emerging hub for EV adoption and innovation. 
3. While the program’s success is undeniable, the continued progress requires thoughtful planning. Upfront purchase prices for electric vehicles remain higher than for traditional police cruisers, and expanding charging infrastructure to accommodate future fleet growth will require collaboration with utility partners and strategic budget allocation. Nonetheless, the proven financial return on investment provides strong justification for continued fleet electrification.

Best Practices & Lessons Learned

Looking ahead, the Bargersville Police Department plans to build on this momentum by gradually replacing its remaining gasoline-powered units with EVs as they reach end-of-life.

Implementing Data-Driven Operational Planning – The department also intends to increase on-site charging capacity, explore partnerships for public charging access, and develop internal tracking tools to measure energy use, maintenance costs, and emissions reductions more precisely. Additionally, by sharing its data and success story with other municipalities, Bargersville aims to inspire broader adoption of clean transportation solutions across Indiana.

Home Charging Options – The department has implemented a new program to install home chargers. With help from Drive Clean Indiana and Uber Energy, police officers were able to install Level 2 chargers in homes. This move demonstrated that the police officers are now able to take vehicles home with ease and no real need to change or add chargers to the current infrastructure. 

In conclusion, the Bargersville Police Department’s transition to an EV fleet has delivered measurable fiscal, operational, and environmental benefits. With 13 electric patrol vehicles in active service, the department saves more than $70,000 annually in fuel costs and has achieved cumulative savings exceeding $500,000 since the program’s inception. The initiative demonstrates how innovation and sustainability can strengthen public safety, reduce costs, and serve as a model for forward-thinking governance. Through continued leadership, collaboration, and strategic planning, Bargersville stands as a national example of how clean technology can drive meaningful progress in municipal operations.

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City of Bargersville Fleet Story