Californian cops splash-out $230,000 on Tesla Cybertruck to impress kids

Police in Southern California have converted the first Tesla Cybertruck for police use but have announced it won't be used alongside its current fleet of Ford Explorer-based Interceptors.

Instead, Irvine Police Department said that its latest recruit, that cost US$153,175.03 ($A230,000) including the lightbars, will be used for anti-drug events at schools through its Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) program.

To publicise its arrival, Irvine police released a minute-long video on its social media channels showing the Cybertruck driving slowly with its new flashing light bars in action.

"For over three decades, our DARE officers have driven attention-grabbing and one-of-a-kind vehicles that never fail to turn heads and excite students,” said the Irvine PD in a caption accompanying the video.

In an attempt to head-off criticisms of misuse of public money, the Orange County-based police force told media that the money spent on the Cybertruck wasn't that much as it will serve on the force for 10 years.

The Ford Police Interceptors, meanwhile, cost US$116,000 ($A174,000) each and only have a life expectancy of three- to four years of use.

Justifying the switch to the flagship Tesla, a spokesperson for the police added that in the long run the fuel savings would help justify the higher price.

Even though not bought to be used for proper police work, Irvine PD said it wouldn't be afraid to use the Cybertuck should the need arise.

“While the fully equipped vehicle won’t be used as a patrol car, it can respond to emergencies and assist the community when needed,” said the cops on a social media post.

The new Tesla Cybertruck police car is believed to be the first in the world, the battery-powered truck went on sale in the US back in November 2023. Since then, it has been recalled no less than five times, with owners reporting issues with its stainless-steel body being difficult to keep clean prompting the US brand advising owners not to wash it in direct sunlight.

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