By Jordan Grim • November 01, 2025 • 06:11 AM (PDT)
By Jordan Grim • November 01, 2025 • 06:11 AM (PDT)
Only in Vegas would a billionaire donate nearly a dozen stainless-steel electric trucks to the police and call it a good idea.
If you spend any time in Las Vegas, whether you’re a resident or a visitor, don’t be surprised if you see a Cybertruck in police livery cruising down the Strip. These aren’t movie props or promotional gimmicks; these are among the first Tesla Cybertruck police vehicles to enter active duty in the United States.
These trucks were overhauled by Unplugged Performance and delivered to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD), where they’ve been put into service in one of America’s busiest cities.
The first question that might come to mind when you hear about these Cybertrucks is, “Who’s paying for them?” Thankfully, it’s not the taxpayers.
According to the LVMPD, all ten electric pickups were donated by Ben Horowitz and his wife. Horowitz, a tech entrepreneur and venture capitalist, is reportedly a billionaire and apparently a believer in electric law enforcement.
As for the Cybertrucks themselves, each one is equipped with all the electronics required by the police department, including lights, sirens, and a PA system.
They also feature several upgrades to further enhance their look and improve their off-roading capabilities. For example, they feature new push bars, reinforced rock sliders, upgraded suspension components, and heavy-duty brakes.
The LVMPD says these electric patrol trucks aren’t just about image; they’re also expected to save money. The department estimates that each Tesla Cybertruck will save at least $47,540 over its five-year service life compared to a traditional gasoline-powered police truck.
This includes annual fuel savings of $8,800 to $12,000, plus approximately $3,540 in reduced maintenance costs. That is, as long as nothing breaks. It remains to be seen how accurate these estimates will prove once the trucks are fully operational.
“They’ll be in every area command,” said LVMPD Sheriff Kevin McMahill. “These trucks are high-performance and built tough to handle everything from Fremont Street to Red Rock Canyon.” “[The Cybertrucks] are practical, powerful, and designed to make our job even safer.”
Not only that, the department claims the Cybertrucks are already boosting recruitment. Apparently, nothing motivates prospective officers these days quite like a stainless-steel wedge.