Militarized Cybertrucks, Operated by Police and Private Security Forces, Could Soon Roll on US Streets – One Scenario repeatedly endorsed by Tesla CEO Elon Musk himself. And while fans of the fat, soap-phobic, recall-prone EV previously teased similar projects, at least one California-based Tesla customization company is officially advertising Cybertruck “enhancement” packages to police and other “tactical response” customers.
Cybertruck goes @UpfitTesla
Introducing the world’s first patrol-ready police cyber truck, now from here to Mars! Police CT IRL pic.twitter.com/Jyb9CQjh24— UNPLUGGED PERFORMANCE (@UnpluggedTesla) May 30, 2024
But judging by the recent rumblings on one of the most popular Cybertruck forums, fleets of “Bladerunner” law enforcement may be in the offing. On May 30 mail to the Cybertruck Owners Clubuser and website sponsor “UP_Frank” has uploaded a short video clip featuring a customized, matte gray version of the vehicle with blue-red flashing LED light bars on the roof and sides.
“This is cool. Imagine being pulled over because of this? Not sure if I would worry or fangirl,” they wrote above the video, citing a company called Unaffiliated performance and its subsidiary, UP.FITas responsible for the changes.
‘The Best in Apocalypse Technology’
The Cybertruck has epitomized sci-fi dystopian life since its unveiling almost five years ago. Musk once described the sharp-edged, stainless steel EV as “an armored personnel carrier from the future – some Bladerunner.” [sic] would have driven” and even joked during the (much delayed) rollout that the Cybertruck represents “the best in apocalypse technology.” Although the $60,990 base model is not equipped for off-site police work, Musk is openly supportive police officers on patrol in Cybertrucks – a possibility also hinted at last year by close friend and Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison.
But one company appears to have defeated Oracle. Unplugged Performance, based in Hawthorne, California, has sold several Tesla model customization packages since 2013. In April, however, the company entered a new market: municipal police partnerships, starting with one Anaheim police pilot program partnership to provide local law enforcement with multiple upgraded Tesla Model Y police cars. UP.FIT, meanwhile, appears to be a new venture within the larger Unplugged organization explicitly advertised as “accelerating the deployment of the next generation of police and fleet vehicles” intended for “American Hero’s [sic].”
UP.FIT service packages are currently categorized into ‘Patrol’, ‘Admin’ or ‘Tactical & Specialty’ depending on customer needs. Patrol vehicles are billed as “the best black and white available” and are said to have been “engineered and developed from the ground up, with feedback from hundreds of agencies.” Management options are intended for law enforcement transport and investigation, while Tactical & Specialty are marketed directly for K-9 units, watch commanders, and “SWAT or military use.” Cybertruck packages include upgrades such as rifle and shotgun mounts in the front compartment, ‘pursuit tires’ and siren systems.
Your tax dollars at work
With the current price of $79,990 for the all-wheel drive Cybertruck, it stands to reason that the combined taxpayer costs for a vehicle and new UP.FIT features could easily top $90,000. Although UP.FIT’s website does not offer price ranges, Unplugged Performance lists similar products in its online store. a 50-inch, 48V double row LED light bar for example, the Cybertruck costs $1,293.75, while a front bull bar retails for $1,995. UP.FIT provides information on at least 25 upgrades in the standard “Patrol Cybertruck” tier, as well as several recommended and optional additions. For comparison: a brand new one 2024 Ford Explorer 4WD Police Interceptor costs about $47,000.
“While I cannot go into detail at this time… I can say that we are indeed working with law enforcement when it comes to Cybertruck police vehicles,” said Unplugged Performance president Ben Schaffer. Popular science in an email. Schaffer also confirmed that the companies are bringing demonstrator police Model Ys and Cybertrucks to industry events this year “to provide firsthand experiences for law enforcement.”
It’s an experience police are already eager to try. In January, the official X account for the Rosenberg, Texas, police department was released posted two photos of a Cybertruck parked in a shopping center area near a police car. “Spotted in the wild. What do you think @elonmusk… will the #Cybertruck be a good police vehicle?” wrote the Rosenberg PD account. Less than two hours later, Elon Musk responded with just the “100 percent’emoji.
“We have a lot of news coming regarding our UP.FIT Cybertruck programs (the plural is intentional),” Schaffer promises.
