7 answers on Tesla Model S programme

By CARSIFU | 3 June 2016


PETALING JAYA: Greentech Malaysia has revised its Tesla scheme for government-linked companies since CarSifu spoke to the government agency early last year.

It is now offering monthly support for 100 Model S to government-linked companies (GLCs) at RM1,388 for 36 months. As such, the electric cars are not for sale to the public. Some of the country’s biggest GLCs are Tenaga Nasional, Malaysia Airports Holdings and Sime Darby Bhd.

The Tesla Model S Special Programme was introduced following government approval in February to allow 100 units to be imported with duty exemptions through Greentech.

Greentech, a body under the Ministry of Energy, Green Technology & Water, was set up to promote sustainable mobility and green technology in the country. The GLCs have a choice of three variants of the Model S to choose from namely the 70D, 90D and P90D.

CarSifu caught up with Greentech Malaysia recently to find out more about the Tesla programme for GLCs.

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table

Q1: In May last year, Greentech outlined that the Model S would be “leased” to GLCs at RM6,000 a month for 24 months. Now it’s RM1,388 for 36 months. What has happened in between?
There have been revisions to our business model since previous discussions, which have seen changes to the scheme structure. With this realignment and with the tax exemptions in place, drivers will stand to save up to RM250,000.

Under the new structure, the applicants will need to pay the full price of the car upfront (between RM370,000 and RM510,000 depending on the variant), the delivery charges (around RM38,888) and the insurance cost (around RM15,000). They will also be able to fully customise the vehicle and specifications to their requirements and this is in line with Tesla’s philosophy of empowerment to owners.

The monthly fee of RM1,388 will cover any after-sales maintenance, which will be overseen by GreenTech Malaysia, online connectivity and the use of ChargEV, GreenTech Malaysia’s brand of EV charging network. As such, the fee is standard regardless of the variant chosen.

Q2. Which version is expected to be popular among GLCs?
Through our engagements with GLCs, we have seen a demand for all three variants. Some parties have shown a preference for the 70D model while others are interested in the 90D and P90D variants. Ultimately, we are looking to offer potential drivers options that would be tailor-made to suit their requirements, hence the three variants, and the ability to personalise the vehicle further.

Q3. Are any GLCs on the verge of signing up for the Model S so far?
A Tesla Supercharger.
A Tesla Supercharger.


We have been engaging with various parties and there has been substantial interest in the programme. Some GLCs are already at the stage of undergoing an internal approval process. At this point, we are unable to share any specific details on parties who will be taking up the Model S cars. We will share further updates on this accordingly.

Q4. Your focus is Model S now. If the programme takes off, will you include the Model X and Model 3?
Currently, the programme is restricted to the 100 units of the Model S. The introduction of the Model X and Model 3 will be dependent on Tesla’s entry into our market. The objective of the programme is to raise awareness and understanding of the immense benefits that EVs offer particularly amongst the nation’s top decision makers.

The prominence and performance of the top of the line Tesla Model S has the potential to influence a mind-set change towards electric mobility at the highest levels of industry. GreenTech Malaysia firmly believes that this will then encourage decision makers to take the next step in championing policies supportive of electric mobility that will create a stimulating environment for EV automotive manufacturers, including Tesla Motors, to enter the Malaysian market.

Tesla Motors has indicated that they are willing to venture into new markets in which they see high potential for EVs. As such, GreenTech Malaysia is working together with other government ministries and agencies as well as the private sector to develop a thriving EV market with supporting financial incentives, regulatory policies, a variety of models and a strong EV ecosystem.

Q5. How much did GreenTech buy each of the two Model S it now has?
Tesla cars are priced the same globally and the two Model S cars GreenTech Malaysia purchased last year (two rear-wheel drive S85 that are no longer in production) were at the regular retail price of around RM410,000 each.

Q6. What’s the financing scheme like for those GLCs that take up the Tesla scheme?
In terms of financing, this is something we are discussing with each party individually and it would depend on their requirements, the number of units they intend to take up and a variety of other factors.

Q7. When do you foresee Malaysia getting its first Tesla Supercharger?
Similar to the Model X and Model 3, the introduction of the Tesla Supercharger will probably occur only once Tesla Motors officially enters the Malaysian market. Each Model S also comes with a Tesla home charger that can fully charge the car overnight. Beyond this, the Tesla users will have access to ChargEV’s growing network of EV charging stations which includes fast chargers that are capable of charging at a rate of 16-60km per hour depending on the charger capacity. Currently, there are 34 ChargEV stations installed and operational. We aim to have 300 stations installed by the end of 2016, with a target of rolling our 25,000 stations by 2020.

> More details at the Greentech Malaysia site.

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