Mohegan Sun, known for its casino and entertainment offerings, has now become a destination for electric vehicle enthusiasts with the opening of Tesla’s first showroom and full sales and delivery center in Connecticut—made possible as it’s on tribal land outside of state jurisdiction.
Located at the Shops at Mohegan Sun, across from the Tuscany restaurant, the new Tesla facility marks a significant expansion of the electric carmaker’s presence in the region.
The showroom, showcasing the Tesla Model Y Performance, has become an attraction for customers and Tesla aficionados. Additionally, the Sky Valet at Mohegan Sun witnessed new Tesla owners driving off with their vehicles.
To support this partnership, Mohegan Sun plans to install 75 electric vehicle chargers by Summer 2024, according to the Norwich Bulletin. Visitors will have the opportunity to test drive various Tesla models, including the Model 3, Y, S, or X, around the resort property.
The Tesla showroom, operational from Sunday to Thursday between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m., and on Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., has been a project three years in the making. Mohegan Sun CEO Jeff Hamilton highlighted the shared commitment to environmental preservation between Tesla and Mohegan Sun.
On Wednesday, we celebrated the Grand Opening of the all-new @Tesla Electric Vehicle Showroom that comes equipped with a full Sales & Delivery Center! ⚡ 🚗 🔌 The new sales & delivery center is the first-of-its-kind in Connecticut. To learn more, visit https://t.co/raFCyeKDq8 pic.twitter.com/IYmVjlEfmP
— Mohegan Sun ☀️ (@MoheganSun) December 21, 2023
During the grand opening ceremony, Tesla Senior Policy Advisor Zack Kahn emphasized the significance of this partnership in changing public perception of electric vehicles, contributing to cleaner air and sustainable economic development in eastern Connecticut. Kahn also pointed out that less than 1% of vehicles on Connecticut’s roads are electric, a figure that needs to increase to 20% by 2030 to meet the state’s emissions goals.
Lori Brown, Executive Director of the CT League of Conservation Voters, speaking at the ceremony, underscored the environmental and public health implications of transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions in Connecticut.
The opening of the Tesla showroom at Mohegan Sun is seen as a strategic move, not only offering another attraction for visitors but also circumventing state laws that limit or prohibit direct car sales from automakers. This approach was previously adopted by Tesla in New Mexico in 2021.
The showroom attracted various individuals, including Norwich resident Joel Collins, a Tesla Model S owner, and Waterford resident George Hathaway, who aspires to own a Tesla. The presence of the showroom in Connecticut is expected to increase interest and accessibility to Tesla vehicles in the region.
Glastonbury resident Mehrdad Faezi, one of the first customers at the new showroom, expressed his excitement about owning a Tesla, highlighting the convenience of having a sales center in Connecticut. Faezi encouraged potential buyers to test drive a Tesla and consider its future impact.
