Tesla Referral Program Update: New Incentives Different From Competition

Tesla recently updated its referral program, adding more rewards for both the referrer and the prospective buyer. The incentives span free electric car fuel to Tesla vehicles such as the Model Y and the Roadster. The program has upped the ante compared to its competition.

According to Teslarati, the new Tesla referral program now offers around 5,000 miles of free supercharging for new purchases of Model X, Model 3 and Model S. The new supercharging bonus will be available for referrals made before May 28.

“You and anyone using your referral code to buy a Tesla will receive 5,000 free Supercharger miles! On May 28, this will revert back to 1,000 miles," Tesla wrote in the "Loot Box" section of its app. "Each referral now also gives you five chances to win a Founders Series Model Y or Roadster supercar! Tesla owners who already have free Supercharging get ten chances to win."

Tesla’s previous incentive was a free Tesla Roadster. However, the company experienced cost problems as they’ve given out 160 Founder Series Tesla Roadsters that cost $250,000 each for free. The free car incentive has been changed to a raffle that happens monthly and quarterly, with each referral adding to people's chances of winning.

Compared to other companies' car referral systems, Tesla seems to be at the top of the referral game, offering premium incentives. Looking at electric car companies Ford, Porsche and Volkswagen referral programs, they usually include discounts or monetary rewards starting at $50 to a few thousand dollars. However, none offers free cars to entice current Tesla owners to bring their friends to buy Teslas themselves.

Overall, the program is seen as mutually beneficial to both the company and the fans.

“We’ve heard from our customers that the Referral Program was one of their favorite reasons to tell their friends about Tesla, so today, we’re introducing an all-new Referral Program to give customers another way to share what they love about their cars,” Tesla said.

Tesla is planning to sell its new vehicle, the Tesla Model Y, later this year. It’s still unknown if the new vehicle will be part of the referral program upon its release.