Tesla's local Destination Charging Program goes online

TESLA Motors has rolled out its Destination Charging Program, opening over 10 high-powered charge points across the country aimed at alleviating electric vehicle range anxiety.

The new Destination Charging points feature High Power Wall Units which can provide up to 40 amps of power, adding about 50km of range per hour to Tesla's luxury Model S sedan, and the points will be completely free to use.

Although this is much slower than the company's much touted Supercharging network, which can rapidly recharge an empty car in little more than an hour, the Destination Charging stations have been strategically placed near hotels, shopping centres and points of interest.

Destination Charging is now available at four points across Victoria, including the Melbourne Mariott Hotel, Chadstone shopping centre, Leongatha Motel and Rundells Alpine Lodge. There are a further four locations in New South Wales – the Park Hyatt Sydney, The Darling, Westfield Chatswood and the Observatory, and only one point in Canberra at the Hotel Realm Canberra.

In comparison, there are only three Supercharging stations currently operational, one each at the Melbourne and Sydney Tesla dealerships and the last one at Sydney's Star hotel complex.

Tesla has also announced a partnership with Secure Parking that will give Tesla owners a safe place to park and charge, with initial locations in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney.

Tesla Australia marketing and communications manager Heath Walker said the introduction of the sites is key to giving Tesla customers a worry free experience in its fully electric sedan.

“This expanding network of Destination Charging is a a great replication of the convenience our owners receive when charging at home,” he said.

“Along with the developing Supercharger network, our owners will be able to cover long distances with the knowledge they have a charging station.”

Tesla has also promised that its Destination Charging network will expand quickly to encompass more locations across more states.

“We've got Torquay, who have just signed on, we will be looking at the Healesville Resort, and we are also looking at some Tasmanian locations as well,” Mr Walker said.