Tesla supercharger NZ changes

Tesla V3 superchargers are expected to be operating in places like Napier and Tauranga in the second half of this year.

And all New Zealand supercharging sites have now moved to variable charging rather than a flat rate, says Tesla Owners Club of New Zealand founder and president John Fitness who welcomes both moves.

Fitness suggests Tesla drivers check their in-car navigation for supercharger pricing as it will vary, with the next quarterly review due in July.

He says the variable charging change was notified by Tesla owners who picked it up on their navigation.

Variable pricing also applies in Norway, California and some other regions.

Fitness says lower use of supercharging during New Zealand’s COVID-19 restrictions probably encouraged the change here.

He says supercharging in Mangaweka costs 74 cents a kWh while in Auckland its 46c per kWh, reflecting the use.

“I think variable pricing makes sense,” adds Fitness who had the change verified by Tesla sources.

He’s delighted with the advent of V3 supercharging which he says puts out 250kW instead of 125kW, adding about 1600km range in an hour and boosting a Tesla from zero to 80% charge in about 10 minutes.

Fitness says V3 will make it easier for Tesla drivers to access places like the Hawke’s Bay.

He expects all new supercharging sites will be V3 and says a CCS cable will be needed as the V3 stations are liquid cooled due to faster charging speeds and don’t cater for the Type 2 cable.

That means all Tesla Model S and X EVs will need a CCS conversion which can be booked via the app.