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Controversy Surrounding $400M Tesla Deal Uncovered

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  • State Department planned $400 million Tesla deal, later denied
  • Trump administration allegedly favored Tesla in procurement documents
  • Concerns over using Tesla's Cybertruck for diplomatic purposes
  • State Department had reservations about converting fleet to electric vehicles
  • Biden administration's budget for electric vehicles much lower than proposed deal
360 summary
  • The State Department and Tesla had agreed to research armoring electric vehicles under the Biden administration, but no funds were allocated for purchasing armored Teslas.
  • Trump administration allegedly edited procurement documents to favor Tesla, leading to confusion and controversy over the proposed $400 million deal.
  • Security professionals expressed skepticism about using Tesla's Cybertruck for diplomatic purposes, questioning its suitability compared to traditional armored vehicles.
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  • Replacing armored cars and SUVs with Cybertrucks could cost around $250 million, with additional expenses for "up-armoring" each vehicle.
  • Armoring EVs can start in the mid-$70,000s, with costs for modifications such as bulletproof glass and security enhancements.
  • Despite potential cost savings, as of July 2024, State Department officials had reservations about transitioning their entire fleet to electric vehicles.
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  • Armoring a vehicle can add around 1,000 pounds of weight, potentially stressing the entire vehicle and reducing its range.
  • The weight of added armor could pose safety concerns, especially in countries with limited EV charging infrastructure.
  • State Department officials outlined a timeline to test electric vehicle prototypes in 2026 before considering wider adoption.
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