Hutto Weighs Cybertrucks for Police and City Fleets

Source: Community Impact Newspaper ↗

Before Hutto, Texas, buys any Tesla Cybertrucks, its City Council wants the math: members directed staff to price a three-truck trial for the police department and other city operations.

The comparison will examine fuel and maintenance costs, safety features and longevity against current patrol vehicles. The comparison is meant to cover more than sticker price. Staff must also weigh insurance and warranties, data privacy and liability, charging infrastructure and how easily the trucks can be repaired and parts obtained.

Council member Jerrel Reynolds, who said he bought a Cybertruck in April and has tracked its fuel and maintenance costs, told the council he found the vehicle to be low maintenance. Reynolds also noted that the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department runs 10 Cybertrucks in its fleet and suggested Hutto staff contact that department for operational data.

“I think this is the future,” Mayor Mike Snyder said. “Are we ready for the future today? I don’t know. It’s going to come down to what is the cost of the vehicles side by side.” Snyder told the council the trucks’ safety systems, among them collision avoidance assist, would help the department.

“I’m in favor any time we can save money and improve safety,” council member Corina Zepeda said. “In addition to the cost of maintenance and upkeep and charging, I want to make sure we take a really good look at how much this is going to improve city safety.” Staff has not yet presented the cost comparison to the council.