Electric car maker Tesla has opened a new shopping centre store.

Customers at its Bluewater shop, next to John Lewis and Ernest Jones, can test drive the new Model S, which costs about £57,000, and learn about the technology in its chassis.

It is the manufacturer’s first store outside London.

Tesla also has five charging bays in the lower yellow car park.

Russell Loveland, portfolio director at Land Securities, which owns and runs Bluewater, said: “The innovation and experience the brand evokes for guests reflects that of our own at Bluewater and highlights the demand by leading brands and technologies.

“The permanent Tesla charger bays, which combined with our own electric charge points only add to the unique offer here at Bluewater.”

The new store opened on May 9, in the same week that Australian tea seller T2 opened a 1,500sq ft shop oppositve Bose.