The Carl Junction Police Department in Missouri has added two Tesla Model Y electric vehicles to its fleet, testing whether EVs remain cost-effective for law enforcement in the post-subsidy era. KSNF in Joplin reports that one Model Y has been assigned to the detective division while the other serves patrol duty, with officers documenting significant operational cost savings compared to traditional gas-powered cruisers.

The timing is notable: Carl Junction’s EV experiment comes just over five weeks after the September 30, 2025 federal tax credit expiration eliminated the $7,500 subsidy that made electric vehicles more affordable for government fleets. While larger departments committed to EVs years ago with federal support, small-town agencies are now evaluating whether the operational savings justify higher upfront costs without subsidies.

Real-World Cost Comparison From the Field

Officer Amos Bindel, who drives Carl Junction’s patrol Tesla, reported compelling economics that challenge assumptions about EV affordability. “To fill it up from zero to 100 percent is roughly $2.30,” Bindel told KSNF. “In comparison in fuel, if gas was $2 a gallon, which it’s not, 12 gallons is $24.”

The charging frequency advantage proves equally significant. Bindel previously filled his gas-powered patrol vehicle at least once per day, while the Tesla Model Y operates up to three days between charges. This reduction in fueling stops translates to more patrol time and fewer interruptions to officer schedules.

Model Y vehicles retail between $43,000 and $54,000 depending on configuration options like rear-wheel versus all-wheel drive, according to KSNF’s reporting. The Carl Junction department purchased both vehicles specifically to evaluate whether the total cost of ownership beats traditional internal combustion engines over the vehicle’s service life.

Testing Phase Reflects Cautious Approach

Unlike police departments that fully committed to electric fleets before federal incentives disappeared, Carl Junction is taking a measured approach. The two-vehicle pilot program allows the department to gather operational data on charging infrastructure needs, winter performance in Missouri’s climate, and maintenance costs before making larger fleet decisions.

This cautious strategy mirrors broader trends across small law enforcement agencies watching how early adopters fare. The department’s focus on cost-effectiveness over environmental benefits reflects the practical considerations driving police EV adoption nationwide.

EVXL’s Take

Carl Junction’s pilot program represents an important test case for the post-subsidy EV market reality we’ve been tracking throughout 2025. While South Pasadena made history becoming the first US police department with a fully electric fleet back in 2023—when federal tax credits still applied—smaller departments are now asking whether the economics still work.

The answer appears to be yes, at least for operational costs. Officer Bindel’s real-world comparison shows roughly 90% savings on “fuel” costs ($2.30-$2.40 electric versus $24+ for gas), which aligns with data we’ve reported from other departments. Our August 2024 analysis of police EV adoption found South Pasadena expects $4,000 annual fuel savings per vehicle, while Bargersville, Indiana saved $80,000 in fuel costs—enough to hire two additional officers.

The charging frequency advantage matters more than cost savings for 24/7 operations. Three days between charges versus daily gas station runs means officers spend more time on patrol and less time at pumps. This operational efficiency explains why conservative institutions like law enforcement are embracing EVs despite political skepticism around electric vehicles.

Canadian police forces added EVs earlier this year, with departments in Ontario and Prince Edward Island testing Ford Mustang Mach-E and Chevrolet Blazer EV models specifically for harsh winter performance. Carl Junction’s Missouri location provides similar cold-weather testing conditions that will help validate whether Tesla’s battery technology holds up through Midwest winters.

What makes this story significant is the timing. Carl Junction is testing Teslas after the federal subsidy expired, proving that the operational economics can stand on their own without government support. If small departments with tight budgets can justify EVs purely on cost savings, it suggests the technology has reached a maturity level where subsidies are no longer essential for adoption.

The department hasn’t committed to full fleet electrification—this is explicitly a test. But the early results from Officer Bindel suggest that even in post-subsidy America, electric patrol vehicles may be cheaper to operate than the gas-powered cruisers they’re replacing.

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