Electric Tesla model S P85+ is by no means a toy

MYTCHALL BRANSGROVE/FAIRFAX NZ

Charge.Net managing director Steve West says he can drive about 400 kilometres in his 2014 Tesla Model S P85+ when it is fully charged.

Steve West has never received a speeding ticket in his electric Tesla model S P85+, but he can not say the same for those who have borrowed his car.

They underestimated the power of the car, the Charge.Net managing director said. 

The sleek seven-seater electric car can go from 0 to 100 kilometres per hour in four seconds with a top speed of 250kmh: "It's by no means a toy."

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Tesla S P85+ is a seven seater electric car.

But the powerful car does not have an engine and instead runs off an small electric motor, which can fully charge in 12 hours at his garage or an hour on a fast charger.

He certainly does not hide his electric Tesla away and proudly displays his 'LOL GAS' registration plates.

He privately shipped it over from Australia as there was no Tesla dealer in New Zealand - it was one of only 35 in the country, West said.

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Steering, gauges and navigation systems in the Tesla.

Sitting down in the car, the two screens - one in front of the steering wheel and one in the centre dashboard - were larger than most iPads and showcase the main gauges, navigation and entertainment features of the car.

It was completely digital and could be constantly updated by new features from Tesla, West said.

The motor barely made a sound as West pushed on the accelerator, but the car responded immediately and launched forward.

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The Tesla S P85+ dashboard uses a screen to show the gauges.

West has owned his car for about 18 months and it is cheap to charge compared to petrol.

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"The cost is the same or less of what you pay for electricity," West said.

He worked out it was about one quarter of the price of petrol and has a smaller carbon footprint.

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Part of the storage space.

"Petrol cars emitted two tonnes of carbon dioxide per year on average," he said.

When fully charged, the Tesla can take West about 400 kilometres before the Tesla runs out of juice.

"It feels good to be driving on electricity," he said.

"It's wonderful, impressive acceleration, but it is also silent and relaxing."

 - Stuff

Source: Electric Tesla model S P85+ is by no means a toy