Why do a New Zealand Road Trip with a Tesla Model 3?

Exploring New Zealand’s breathtaking landscapes, winding coastal roads and picturesque mountain passes are just some of the reasons why it is a globally renowned road trip destination.

While it would be really cool to do it on a Harley-Davidson Hydra-Glide motorcycle, a la Dennis Hopper in Easy Rider, practically speaking, there’s no better way to explore the country than on four wheels.

While in the comfort of your vehicle, you get to see the variety of the North and South Island at your leisure, play tunes, watch the horizon and pit stop at various towns and sites to make lasting memories.

More often now, people intending to go on this style of road trip, or looking to sightsee the islands by car, opt for an electric vehicle like the Tesla Model 3. The major benefits here are reduced running costs and the ability to zip around the country in one of the state-of-the-art EV cars on the market.

Have you ever given thought to the Tesla Model 3? Here’s why you should consider it for your next road trip.

About the Tesla Model 3

If you are not familiar with the vehicle, it’s worth taking a moment to introduce it to you.

The Tesla Model 3 was launched in 2017 as a mid-sized, electric-powered battery sedan. It was built by Tesla Inc. and features a 4-door fastback body style.

Overall, there are three variations available to buy in New Zealand: the Rear-Wheel Drive, Performance and Long Range, each with varying driving ranges. The Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive, for instance, offers approximately 495 km of range, while the Model 3 Performance pushes up to around 547 km.

These cars are available to buy throughout New Zealand and most car rental companies now have at least one version of them, too.

Should you hire or buy one, you’ll find they are quite different to drive than regular ICE cars in their maintenance and handling. You can find out how to drive a Tesla Model 3, with tips and tricks to make you a pro in minutes.

Why Drive a Tesla Model 3 on a New Zealand Road Trip?

Now that you know more about the vehicle, a question you might want to ask is why should you drive one on a New Zealand road trip?

Here are some reasons that might compel you to do so.

1. Save Money on Fuel Costs

One of the biggest advantages of road-tripping in a Tesla Model 3 is the significant savings you will get on fuel.

Depending on location, the cost of petrol in New Zealand is around $2.50 per litre, which means you’ll spend $250 on fuel if you use 100 litres - which is perfectly possible driving the length and breadth of both islands.

On the other hand, charging an EV costs much less, particularly if your hotel has a charging station, which is becoming increasingly common in New Zealand.

2. Easy Nationwide Access to Charging Stations

A common concern for those considering an EV road trip is the concept of ‘range anxiety’. In other words, running out of battery before reaching the next charging station.

Fortunately, New Zealand is well-equipped with charging stations. There are currently over 12,000 public charging points – with more popping up every week, particularly along major tourist routes.

Moreover, Tesla’s Supercharger network allows you to top up your battery quickly, with many stations strategically placed near cafes and roadside attractions so you can recharge while taking a break.

There are also numerous public charging points at hotels, shopping centres and tourist destinations throughout the country. You can use apps like PlugShare, the New Zealand Transport Authority, or the Tesla navigation system to find the nearest one to your current location.

3. A Sustainable Travel Option

New Zealand is known for its stunning natural beauty, and preserving the pristine environment is a priority for many locals and travellers.

The great thing about driving a Tesla Model 3 on a road trip is that it supports sustainable tourism, which helps reduce your carbon footprint while you enjoy the country’s landscapes.

Unlike petrol or diesel cars, an EV produces zero tailpipe emissions. Moreover, if you charge your Tesla using renewable energy sources – for example, at any of New Zealand’s hydro, wind or geothermal-powered charging stations - you will minimise your environmental impact even more.

4. Smoother and Quieter Driving Experience

Some people believe the performance of driving a Tesla Model 3 has provided them with an outstanding experience whilst road-tripping.

On account of its all-electric design, there’s no noisy engine, which is perfect for those who want to cruise along smoothly and quietly. Additionally, the instant torque and quick acceleration make overtaking on winding mountain roads or passing slower vehicles fairly straightforward.

Overall, the car is incredibly user-friendly, with features like regenerative braking, a single-pedal driving option, and a highly responsive touchscreen interface making it a very easy vehicle to handle.

5. Safe to Travel In

Aside from being smooth to drive, Tesla vehicles are also equipped with some of the most advanced safety features in the automotive industry.

For instance, the Model 3’s autopilot functions, lane-keeping assistance, adaptive cruise control and collision avoidance systems make driving much safer and far less stressful than some other petrol cars, especially on long journeys.

Therefore, knowing that your car can assist in keeping you safe on the road will provide you with plenty of peace of mind, especially if you are travelling on your own or with children to remote parts of the country.

For more information on this stunning vehicle, click here.