LAPD finds Tesla impractical as a police cruiser

After a year of patrolling the streets of Los Angeles with a pair of Tesla Model S police cruisers, the LAPD just isn't ready to convert to electric... yet.

LAPD Police Administrator Vartan Yegiyan told CNBC, "Tesla definitely stepped up and gave us the Model S to do some evaluation with them," but added, "Is it practical now? No."

There are many reasons the LAPD isn't ready to patrol with a fleet of EVs — specifically Teslas. The two biggest concerns, however, are price and charging infrastructure.

Although the police-outfitted Ford Explorers that are beginning to dominate police departments around the U.S. aren't cheap, running $40,000 to $50,000, they're a sight cheaper than the $100,000 Model S.

However, as electric car prices decrease and the electric grid becomes more robust, Yegiyan could see the LAPD's eyes look toward EVs. Specifically, he sees lightning-quick cars like the Ludicrous Model S working as a high-speed pursuit vehicle.

EVs aren't just impractical for electricity-starved LA, though. Flood-prone cities also worry they'd be a liability, too. Since, well, water and electricity don't mix so well.

That said, the LAPD is still intrigued by EVs. Since electric cars are typically imbued with technology, they come already outfitted with some features police departments might have to bolt on to non-electrified vehicles.