Tesla's first NZ showroom announced

Tesla delivered its first Model S cars to New Zealand buyers at an event in Auckland last night and announced the opening of its first retail store in the country. The EVs can be parallel imported, and the first arrived in New Zealand in November 2014, but the eight Model S cars distributed in Auckland mark the official introduction of Tesla into the New Zealand market. Tesla New Zealand country director Kurt Schlosser also revealed Tesla’s first showroom will open at 501 K’ Road, in Auckland, in the middle of the year at the event. The Tesla New Zealand website offers a range of Model S EVs to order, with delivery scheduled for May. Prices begin at $122,300 for the Model S 60, which has a 400km range and a 60kWh battery. The Model S 75, containing a 75kWh battery, has a 480km range and a top speed of 225kph, priced at $137,200. The Model S 90D has a 557km range and a top speed of 250kph, with prices starting at $162,000. The Model S 100D has a 632km range at a cost of $167,100. At the top of the range, the Model S P100D has a 613km range and the ability to reach 0-100kph in 2.7 seconds. The performance upgrade costs $232,500. Custom orders for the Model X SUV are available on the website. Tesla has also opened up reservations for the entry-level Model 3 for $1500. The Model 3 is priced at $(US)35,000 in America, and local pricing will be released sometime this year. Tesla estimates New Zealand delivery for new reservations will commence in 2018. Schlosser also announced the first supercharger had been commissioned in Hamilton at the Shed 10 event. The supercharger network is planned to span the country, with ‘destination chargers’ in 100 locations, such as resorts, shopping centres and parking complexes. The next charging stations will be installed in Turangi and Sanson, with installations to come in Auckland and the South Island in the future.