Tesla Model 3 spotted testing in the snow in New Zealand

The first Tesla Model 3 spotted outside the US was at the Auckland airport in New Zealand last month.

It was speculated that the vehicle made its way around the world to play in New Zealand’s snow and it has now been confirmed as the vehicle was spotted performance testing in winter conditions up in the mountains.

The Model 3 is not likely to see tough winter driving conditions by the end of the year since early deliveries are expected to be concentrated in California.

But as production ramps up and Tesla starts expanding its delivery range to other regions, the vehicle should end up in a real winter on the east coast or Canada during the first few months of 2018.

Though it’s already winter in New Zealand, which makes it ideal to test the Model 3 in winter conditions.

Will Yates and Ollie Yates spotted what appears to be the same Model 3 seen at the airport last month, but now it was driving up near the Snow Farm Lodge. They shared a video with New Zealand’s Ecotricity:

It looks like they have been putting the vehicle through its pace since it looks pretty banged-up

Tesla has been putting a lot of emphasis on winter driving performance with the Model S and Model X. The Model X has never been a concern since it’s only offered in all-wheel-drive, but even the rear-wheel-drive Model S has proved to be performing well under tough winter conditions. After all, Norway has long been one of Tesla’s biggest markets.

There’s no reason to think the Model 3 shouldn’t have comparable performance in winter conditions – though it will only be offered in rear-wheel-drive until the dual motor version is available later this year or early 2018, according to CEO Elon Musk.

Anyway, it’s a cool video to keep us waiting for the Model 3 delivery event later today.