What happens after you order a Tesla Model S?

It is all very new and very, very exciting.

The arrival of the super-fast, super-stylish and super-environmentally friendly Tesla Model S EV in the UK should be the trigger for a whole new era for the electric vehicle.

EVs are no longer seen as boring; in fact, they are now anything but. Celebrities and car critics are ordering Teslas – the EV in the UK has never been so trendy.

But what happens behind the scenes once you’ve ordered your Tesla Model S? How does this American manufacturer deal with the client once the pen has been put to paper?

Just in case you’re wondering, I can shed some light on that thanks to exclusive information from a client who has ordered one from my good-self at Neva Cambridge Vehicle Leasing.

UK Tesla Model S delivery process

At the start of the process, all Tesla clients get their very own “Delivery Experience Specialist” to guide them through the delivery process.

Emails are sent to introduce themselves to the client and update them on the anticipated production date, although it is clearly pointed out that sometimes this date can change.

Once the car has been built, the client’s Delivery Experience Specialist will liaise with the customer for provide a delivery window and in time, will schedule the delivery appointment.

Pre-delivery information

The designated Delivery Experience Specialist asks for registration and invoicing details to make sure that they are correct and points out that vehicle handovers take place at the main sales centre in London (delivery to a home or business address is available “at extra cost”).

They also ask to see a copy of the client’s driving licence and a current utility bill. In the case of a company vehicle registration, they ask to see a VAT registration certificate and the official registration document from Companies House.

They also ask about how you will be funding your Model S, find out if there will be a private plate on the car and clarify the charging issue.

Tesla Model S charging options

If the client is “prepared” to charge it at home (and who wouldn’t be? Especially if you live outside of the capital?), Tesla provide a Type 2 Mennekes cable that hooks up to a Chargemaster home charge unit. The client is then directed to the Chargemaster website for more details.

I was curious about this process so I telephoned Chargemaster myself. They were very helpful and clarified that if you take a standard 16 watt unit – that is currently free of charge as part of the current government EV incentive – charging a Tesla Model S will take the best part of a day.

So, it is advised that Tesla clients opt for the 30 amp unit which charges fully in 10-12 hours; this comes at a currently subsidised cost of £95 (I assume this is plus VAT).

The chap at Chargemaster did point out that the government funding is due to finish in March 2015, so now really is the time to get a charging point fitted even if it’s only for possible future use, in my view.

Tesla Model S initial order process summary

I was impressed by the professionalism that this American company has bought to the table with their updates and designated member of the team to look after the client.

Obviously, when you are buying into such an expensive and rather exclusive club, customer service is what you expect. However, there are other expensive marques that could learn a few lessons in this area.

I will keep you updated as we come nearer to the delivery date of my client’s Tesla Model S, which is scheduled for August.

I intend to be present for delivery so of course, I will keep you updated with news and photos as usual.