EV

Palo Alto police buys America’s first Rivian R1S cruiser

  • Palo Alto Police Department has a Rivian R1S police cruiser
  • It’s the first police vehicle from Rivian 
  • It has a top speed of 130mph and is larger than the force’s current fleet

Published on Mar 21, 2025 at 8:59 AM (UTC+4)
by Claire Reid

Last updated on Mar 21, 2025 at 11:52 AM (UTC+4)
Edited by Kate Bain

Palo Alto Police Department is the latest police force to add an EV to its fleet after snapping up the first-ever Rivian R1S police cruiser.

Rivian, which has a manufacturing plant in Palo Alto, released the off-road R1S SUV in 2022. 

Since its launch, the R1S has earned itself a solid reputation for being tough and reliable. 

So, it’s an ideal choice for a police vehicle. 

DISCOVER SBX CARS – The global premium auction platform powered by Supercar Blondie 

It’s the first Rivian R1S police cruiser in the world

Police departments across the United States have been introducing EVs to their fleets, including the South Pasadena Police Department, which rolled out 20 Teslas last summer, and the Michigan State Police Department, which opted for a 2025 Ford Mustang Mach-E. 

While Fords and Teslas appear to be top picks for police forces in the US, Palo Alto PD has bucked the trend and gone for the very first Rivian R1S police cruiser. 

Palo Alto police bought America's first Rivian R1S cruiser
City of Palo Alto

Unlike some police vehicles, the R1S sports an understated look with black gloss paint finished with white doors and trim.

The Palo Alto PD badge is branded across the sides and the vehicle will eventually get a blue and red light bar for its roof. 

Captain James Reifschneider told Palo Alto Online that although the purchase has been made it will be a while before the Rivian R1S police cruiser will be ready for action. 

The Rivian is a solid choice for a police vehicle

This might be the first police cruiser we’ve seen from Rivian, but the EV is a pretty perfect fit for a police vehicle. 

Captain Reifschneider said the new cruiser will be able to hit a top speed of around 130mph and that it offers more room inside than the Ford Explorers and Jeep Durangos the PAPD currently uses. 

The decision to use a locally-built EV was also praised by Palo Alto Mayor Ed Lauing. 

Palo Alto police bought America's first Rivian R1S cruiser
Rivian

“The electric car was created years before Rivian first shipped their EV, but Rivian wanted to be the best EV in the future, not the first EV of the past,” he said during the annual State of the City presentation. 

“That sounds a lot like Palo Alto to me because Palo Alto is a great place to live and work and shop and play and go to school and that isn’t enough.

“We’re always looking to be more innovative going forward and to make our place in Palo Alto even better.”

DISCOVER SBX CARS: The global premium car auction platform powered by Supercar Blondie

user

Claire Reid is a journalist who hails from the UK but is now living in New Zealand. She began her career after graduating with a degree in Journalism from Liverpool John Moore’s University and has more than a decade of experience, writing for both local newspapers and national news sites. Claire covers a wide variety of topics, with a special focus on cars, technology, planes, cryptocurrency, and luxury.