Vaitohi Enterprises has introduced Tonga’s first Tesla electric vehicle, marking a bold move in the country’s fight against climate change. The 2021 Tesla Model 3, shipped from New Zealand, symbolizes a shift towards sustainable transport in the Pacific nation.
Taniela Vaitohi, founder of the auto parts and vehicle dealership, emphasized the significance of this milestone. “We have to try,” Vaitohi told Tonga Independent. “For anyone out there interested to get a Tesla, we can certainly help them out!”
Despite Tonga’s EV import duty set at just 3%, policy gaps hinder wider adoption. Local EV owners, including Nissan Leaf drivers like Taniela Hamala, are advocating for streamlined government support to expand the EV community.
The Tesla is more than a vehicle —it doubles as a power source, capable of sustaining households during power outages. Fully charged, its battery can store up to 600 kWh, enough to power several homes for days. This feature is important for Tonga, where cyclones frequently disrupt the grid.
