NEWS RELEASE
1 April 2016
Tesla Model 3 confirmed for Kiwi roads
One of the world’s most sought-after cars, the fully-electric Tesla Model 3, will be joining Mighty River Power’s
expanding fleet of EV models – and is likely to be the first on New Zealand roads.
Mighty River Power Chief Executive, Fraser Whineray, says the Company has reserved the Tesla this afternoon with the
potential to showcase the latest plug-in electric vehicle (EV) technology in “the most EV-ready market globally”.
“We have an almost unrivalled opportunity with New Zealand’s 80% renewable electricity to make a real difference to the
country’s transport energy and emissions profile. This is a vehicle seen by many as the cutting-edge of innovation at a
more affordable price.
“In my view there is no better place in the world to be plugging in a vehicle than New Zealand, with our home-grown
renewable energy delivered to your home or business at 30¢ a litre. No fossil fuel, or biofuel, will ever be that cheap
or free from tailpipe emissions.
“The more natural Kiwi energy that we can pump into our cars and transportation system the better. We know that the most
compelling advertisement for electric vehicles is to get people behind the wheel.”
Tesla hosted Mighty River Power and Mercury Energy at their factory in California in January last year and Mr Whineray
says the purchase is an ideal complement to the Company’s fleet that includes Nissan LEAFs, Mitsubishi Outlander PHEVs,
an Audi A3 e-tron, a BMW i3, Holden Volt, and a plug-in Toyota Prius.
In 2014 Mighty River Power committed to shifting 70% of its fleet to plug-in electric by 2018, with about 20% of its
fleet currently plug-in electric.
ENDS