Run, Run As Quick As You Can … You Can’t Catch Me, I’m A Gingerbread Tesla

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What’s this? A large gingerbread Tesla? A Supercharger you may eat? In a advertising and marketing grasp stroke, Tesla launched its latest charging station in Queensland, Australia, on August 2nd. It’s positioned within the carpark of the Ginger Manufacturing unit primarily based on the Sunshine Coast. Sadly, Majella and I had a previous engagement and couldn’t attend. From all stories, it was a smashing success. Mongo drives a Tesla!

Robert Nichol from Tesla Homeowners Membership of Australia was a type of capable of attend. He commented on Fb: “There was a continuing circulate of individuals take a look at driving vehicles. The few I spoke to have been about to buy.

“I attended the Launch of the Tesla Superchargers on the Ginger Manufacturing unit which is located simply off the Bruce Freeway (East Coast of QLD, Australia). The Ginger Manufacturing unit is a singular attraction to the vacationer heavy Sunshine Coast space. It’s free to get in and browse round. Clearly, there are methods of spending cash right here that helps the vacationer aspect of the enterprise, nonetheless it’s a working manufacturing facility producing merchandise out of the ginger plant.”

Robert continued: “The good advantage of situating the Tesla charging services right here is that there’s loads of household oriented individuals round throughout daytime. The chargers can be found 24 hours in a well-lighted bitumen lined carpark. Sadly, the bogs and meals services are solely obtainable in the course of the points of interest working hours. There are six era 3 superchargers which can be open to all variants of electrical autos for these which can be in want of a fast cease. For these which can be capable of benefit from the vacationer attraction you should utilize the six 22kw AC vacation spot chargers for an extended cost time.

“On the day, Tesla have been readily available with three vehicles and 4 employees to conduct take a look at drives with locals. Of the individuals I spoke to that have been there for take a look at drives, all have been going to buy one after a constructive expertise in the course of the take a look at drive. I attended as a TOCA committee member and as a two-year proprietor of a Tesla Y RWD. To sum up, I’d suggest utilizing these chargers, the surrounds and bogs are clear, the meals is of a high quality and value that makes it a pleasure to take a break right here, be it a brief splash and sprint or an extended extra relaxed time.” Thanks, Robert.

Managing Director for Buderim Meals Tom Himstedt mentioned that the Ginger Manufacturing unit administration have been completely thrilled when Tesla approached them about extending their community of Superchargers in Queensland. “The Ginger Manufacturing unit is conveniently positioned lower than two kilometres off the Bruce Hwy which carries 1000’s of individuals to and from Brisbane and past each day,” he mentioned. “As a free admission vacationer attraction, it’s additionally the proper place for drivers and their passengers to relaxation and recharge, in addition to their electrical autos.”

This can be a comparable strategy to what Tesla has carried out simply over the border with New South Wales, the place they’ve a charging station on the macadamia nut farm at Knockrow close to Byron. Handy charging, good meals, and facilities. Beats charging at a smelly, fossil automobile infested servo. Hopefully extra vacationer points of interest will probably be approached to host a Supercharging station.

“The Supercharger Station is now open 24 hours a day to any EV drivers and is able to recharging autos in roughly 45 minutes which is conveniently the proper period of time to take pleasure in a world-famous ginger scone,” Himstedt added. The Ginger Manufacturing unit is anticipating to draw an prolonged and increasing demographic. A win win.

Brenda Bailey, Tourism Supervisor, tells us: “(Tesla) recognized us as an ideal location as a result of whilst you’re charging you may simply go in, use the facilities, stretch your legs, and have a cup of espresso and a ginger scone.”

So, final Monday, we drove up and checked it out. The Ginger Manufacturing unit is a snug one hour’s drive from our dwelling on the north aspect of Brisbane. There we discovered a row of 6 pristine Superchargers and 6 vacation spot chargers. This makes it one of many greatest Tesla Supercharging stations in Australia. The automobile park has been renovated and prolonged to accommodate the chargers. As we have been planning to remain for a couple of hours, we plugged into the vacation spot chargers. There have been 4 different Teslas charging. The Superchargers can be found for non-Tesla charging additionally.

Whereas the automobile charged, we checked out the native craft gross sales, explored the tropical gardens, had lunch, after which browsed the well-stocked retailers. I used to be amazed at what you may make out of ginger — together with gin and vodka! If we had pushed up in a petroleum automobile, the price of gasoline would have been greater than what we paid for lunch. A win win. The park has rides in addition to quite a few free actions. Not surprisingly, it is rather in style with grandparents, and their little flocks of ankle biters who’re eager to experience the classic steam prepare and the Overboard boat experience. Moreton, the beloved Sugarcane prepare, has (sadly) been transformed to diesel. There are lots of free play areas additionally obtainable. And a local bee present!

Tourism Park Supervisor Michelle O’Brien took day trip from her busy day to reply my many questions. I commented that the park was fairly full and she or he countered with: “It’s best to see it on weekends and college holidays.” Apparently, the park will get over 300,000 guests a yr. She spoke of the success of the launch day and the truth that she received her first experience in a Tesla. Wowee! She was thrilled. She was solely one in every of many who took up the supply of a take a look at drive in Australia’s hottest electrical autos — the Mannequin Y and Mannequin 3. She loved the regen braking and was shocked that extra Teslas didn’t get rear-ended. Majella defined that the brake lights come on when regen is employed. Intelligent little Tesla.

Again to the launch the place Brenda Bailey gave the opening speech:

“This new Supercharging Station is not only a testomony to our dedication to sustainable vitality and innovation, but additionally a major step ahead in making clear, electrical transportation extra accessible for everybody. The Ginger Manufacturing unit Vacationer Park has all the time been a spot of connection — connecting individuals with nature, with one another, and now, with the way forward for transportation. By integrating this state-of-the-art Supercharging Station into our services, we aren’t solely enhancing the comfort for our guests, but additionally selling a greener and extra sustainable approach to journey.

“This challenge embodies the spirit of innovation and progress. It’s a image of our dedication to lowering our carbon footprint and contributing to a cleaner, more healthy planet for future generations. We want to prolong our gratitude to Tesla for his or her partnership and to everybody who has labored tirelessly to carry this challenge to fruition. That is greater than only a charging station; it’s a beacon of progress, a step in the direction of a sustainable future, and a reminder of what we are able to obtain after we come along with a shared imaginative and prescient.

“Thanks for being right here to have fun this milestone with us. Collectively, we’re driving in the direction of a brighter, extra sustainable future.”

The Ginger Manufacturing unit has grown from humble beginnings, began previous to World Conflict 1 by a handful of Buderim farmers. By the tip of WWII, they have been exporting ginger to the world. At current, they export to 17 nations across the globe.

The Queensland winter is kind of heat and plenty of vacationers journey from southern states to take in the solar. The Ginger Manufacturing unit will show a well-liked charging spot for these with electrical autos, taking stress off the Tesla Superchargers at Gympie 80 km north. We’re trying ahead to many extra future visits. Now we have to — the grandkids ate all of the gingerbread we purchased!