New Zealand plugs into Tesla

TESLA has touched down in New Zealand with the first customers taking delivery of the all-electric Tesla Model S sedans at a special ceremony in Auckland last night.

While no storefront has yet to open in – Tesla’s first New Zealand retail presence is earmarked for a mid-year launch complete with service centre – the eight Model S luxury sedans will be a vanguard for more orders that are expected to be filled in the coming weeks.

Not content with simply selling vehicles and establishing a new store, Tesla will kick off its first Supercharger recharging station in Hamilton, about 125 kilometres south of Auckland, with plans to expand to Turangi and Sanson by years end, as well as Auckland and the South Island in the future.

On the cards are more than 100 Tesla charging stations and, while not all of them will feature fast-charging technology, recharge facilities will be scattered across New Zealand resorts, hotels, shopping centres and parking structures.

As previously reported, Tesla will now bill customers for use of its Supercharger network, with New Zealand rates mirroring costs in Australia at 35 cents per kWh after the initial 400kWh per year quota is reached.

The all-electric car-maker will also bring its Powerwall 2 and Powerpack 2 products to the NZ market, acting as battery storage solutions for commercial and residential use.

According to Tesla, “Powerwall customers will be able to order these online, where Tesla will work with Certified Installers to assist in increasing their energy independence, using more of their own solar energy and providing backup”.