LEE COUNTY, Fla. — Some employees at the Lee County Sheriff’s Office are now driving high-tech electronic vehicles.

Sheriff Carmine Marceno says in the last year, the department purchased 20 Teslas at just under a million dollars with their operating budget, funded by taxpayer dollars. 

“We’re going to be fiscally sound and smart with every single penny here,” says Sheriff Marceno.

The department says they are testing the Teslas with their civil division, corrections facility, and community service members.

“They have the components inside that vehicle to do the best job they can,” says Sheriff Marceno. “Again, we never want to compromise service, and we will continue to deliver a higher level of service but also be more cost-effective.”

The sheriff’s office says they hope to save more in the long run by passing the pumps.

“Annually, we’re looking at a minimum of more than 50 percent savings,” says Sheriff Marceno. “A techy vehicle that saves us money but yet again, I stress… delivers the highest level of service that’s the name of the game.”

A few Tesla drivers at the supercharging station along Colonial Blvd say they like the idea for local law enforcement.

“I think it’s an exceptional idea, I think that they are definitely on the right path, and Tesla is just the vehicle of the future,” says Lienne Paez, Fort Myers. 

A couple from Cape Coral says the Telsa has already saved them a lot of money.

“We save more, of course, especially now because the gas is so expensive,” says Elizabeth and Kelvy Iturralde.

The sheriff’s office says this is a pilot program for the department.

“The next newest and greatest thing that can save us money yet deliver the highest amount of service, we will always be open-minded and always review all the facts and circumstances before we move forward,” says Sheriff Marceno.

They are currently testing out the Telsa with one patrolling deputy.