Tesla has commenced delivering the first Model 3 EVs to Australian customers, heralding the possible acceleration of what has so far been a slow shift to electric mobility.
Tesla Australia confirmed first vehicles delivered starting on Tuesday in Australia, while New Zealand – according to some excited social media accounts – appears to have been one day ahead.
“We have our Tesla Model 3 SR+ at home and charging tonight, despite the heavy rain in Sydney. Midnight Silver looking good,” said one new Model 3 owner via Facebook.
It is understood that this particular Model 3 SR+ is not necessarily the first delivered in Australia, but could be the first to be registered in NSW.
In New Zealand, the excitement is equally intense, with first deliveries in Auckland on Monday, it is understood.
It’s happening!!!@Tesla Auckland #model3NZ #model3AU pic.twitter.com/mlu4HOWSTT
— Billy Lin (@BillyLin7) August 21, 2019
Twitter user Billy Lin snapped this shot of Model 3s (above) being delivered in Auckland, while fellow Kiwis Geoff Lowe and Aaron Green tweeted their glee at receiving their Model 3s also (below).
Successful collection today at midday. We were the 5th NZ/AU car and 3rd performance. Just arrived in Hamilton have recorded all the experience so will edit and upload soon. Final stop Taupo tonight at destination hotel / charger. pic.twitter.com/UMturMyIIv
— Aaron Green (@aaronrgreen) August 27, 2019
Meanwhile, it is believed (via ship spotter @VedaPrime) that the third shipment of Model 3s is set to arrive in port tonight aboard the Brotonne Bridge, following closely behind the Kota Express that arrived in Port Botany on Monday (Tesla Australia could not confirm the shipping schedule, however).
Latest ship schedule. Brotonne showing Sydney port schedule Friday night 8pm, and ANL schedule has changed for Brotonne to Aug 31. Ship 3 #model3au pic.twitter.com/OXfCgbeO1Y
— VedaPrime (@VedaPrime) August 29, 2019
Meanwhile, for those in Australia who have been wondering if Tesla’s 7 day return and full refund policy applies, it appears any claims to the contrary by local sales staff will now be clarified.
CEO and founder Elon Musk tweeted on Thursday (Australian time) about Tesla’s online sales experience (as opposed to having to go to a car yard) that customers “can order online at Tesla.com in 2 mins, have car delivered to ur doorstep & return for full refund”.
However one follower retweeted that post, saying that in Australia this is not the case, to which Musk replied “Should be. Will fix.”
Should be. Will fix.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) August 28, 2019
Bridie Schmidt is associate editor for The Driven, sister site of Renew Economy. She has been writing about electric vehicles since 2018, and has a keen interest in the role that zero-emissions transport has to play in sustainability. She has participated in podcasts such as Download This Show with Marc Fennell and Shirtloads of Science with Karl Kruszelnicki and is co-organiser of the Northern Rivers Electric Vehicle Forum. Bridie also owns a Tesla Model Y and has it available for hire on evee.com.au.