Tesla Model 3 handover and snow sojourn

A Tesla Model 3 has been filmed in the South Island snow.

Performance testing in winter conditions at Snow Farm in Cardrona, the car videoed by Will Yates and Ollie Yates and posted on Ecotricity seems to be the same Model 3 seen at Auckland airport last month, Electrek reports.

The car looks a bit dinged after being put through its paces.

The Model 3 is unlikely to see tough winter driving conditions by the end of the year since early deliveries are expected to be concentrated in California, hence the reason for the visit.

As Tesla starts expanding its delivery range to other regions, the vehicle should experience winter on the US east coast or Canada during the first few months of 2018, Electrek says.

The Model 3 will only be offered in rear-wheel-drive until the dual motor version is available later this year or early 2018, according to Tesla chief executive officer Elon Musk.

The first 30 Tesla Model 3 cars were handed over to their new owners at a Friday night party at the Tesla factory in Fremont, California.