The Tesla Model 3 has been unveiled simultaneously at Fortitude Valley in Brisbane, Martin Place in Sydney and Chadstone in Melbourne.
Reservation holders who placed their reservations from as early as March 2016 have clapped their eyes on the first Model 3 cars to be shown in Australia, just a week after New Zealand.
The Model 3 shown in left-hand drive costs from US$57,000 ($77,600 Australian) at current exchange rates, before Luxury Car Tax is applied.
The performance version costs US$64,000 (A$87,000).
More than 40 eager Tesla buyers queued from 7.30am on August 21 at Tesla’s Chadstone store, waiting to see the car they’ll eventually own in 2019.
First in the queue was Stuart, a self-confessed computer geek and avid cycling enthusiast who regularly rides his bike in the Great Alpine region around Bright.
“As soon as I saw the reveal in California I put a reservation down and put my name on the line knowing it was fully refundable,” Stuart told AutoTalk.
“I’m not entirely sold yet, I need to be confident of the range and price when it arrives, and the charging and losses incurred from the aerodynamic disadvantage having bikes on the roof are something I need to factor in,” he explains.
Chris was one of the early birds who opted in over two years ago.
Stuart says he’s closely watching the EV market, but as far as he’s concerned right now, there’s only one major player.
“Tesla is the only game in town at the moment,” he says.
“The Ioniq, Kona and Leaf will be fine for city cars, but when you simply need the range and charging capability, Tesla is the best.”
“This will change, I know it will change, but I’m looking to get rid of my Honda Jazz right now and Tesla has the best offering.”
Stuart says he’s also keen to “get away from fossil fuels”.
“I’m happy to pay a premium, I also briefly looked at a Prius but it’s just an efficient petrol car and isn’t worth it – I’ve never had an EV or hybrid, but I’m prepared to make the jump.”
Another keen buyer Chris, placed his order at the Tesla Richmond office in March 2016.
“I stood in line from 5am to place my reservation and I’m happy to make the move to an electric car,” he says.
Excited engaged couple JP Thorbjornsen and Tara Reddy are getting a Tesla each, moving up from his old Corolla and her Mini Cooper.
“We live in the south Melbourne area where there are already three or four Teslas in our street,” Thorbjornsen says.
JP and Tara will have his and hers Teslas.
“I’m originally from Darwin and I’ve heard of someone doing a road trip up there in their Tesla Model S and I’m pretty keen to see if we can do the same trip,” he explains.
“Other EVs coming to market aren’t really viable options because we want the autonomy that Tesla is offering.”
Reddy, a general practitioner, and Thorbjornsen, who works for a tech company, says they’re keen to do their part in reducing emissions.
Thorbjornsen says he is often put off cycling to work.
“Sometimes you cop a mouthful of exhaust and it makes you regret riding to work,” he says. “So we want to do our part and get electric cars.”
Thorbjornsen says he’s well aware of the potential of having to pay Luxury Car Tax on the performance Model 3 when it arrives.
“It’s the most ridiculous thing having to pay more for doing the right thing, it’s completely backwards and I would like to see the Luxury Car Tax disposed of – it’s just a disincentive,” he says.
“Electric cars should be incentivised with cheaper registration, cheaper tolls, free parking.”
