Three Tesla V3 superchargers open in New Plymouth

New Plymouth’s Novotel Ngamotu has opened three Tesla V3 superchargers.

That will mean more people visiting Taranaki, says EV advocate Justin Smith who helps run the popular Electricarna event in New Plymouth and who, with wife Sharmayne, has long pushed for more EV charging in the region.

“It’s finally great to see that we have managed to get some further EV charging infrastructure into the region,” says Justin Smith.

“It’s a win for the region as we now have the infrastructure to support Tesla owners to our region and service their charging needs.”

The 250kW EV chargers can add 275km range in 15 minutes.

The Smiths have a Tesla Model 3 long range bought in 2021 and a Nissan Leaf and hoped the New Plymouth District Council would help with EV charging infrastructure.

The Tesla Owners Club once boycotted New Plymouth automotive events in protest at the council’s apparent lack of action in addressing EV charging demand, partly because some existing central car parks would be needed for any charging stations, resulting in a loss of revenue.

The council has since approved a framework enabling investment in EV charging infrastructure there.

Ngamotu Hotels reportedly says it has already seen an increase in guests with Teslas.