The Tesla referral program has been around almost as long as Tesla itself. Over time, conditions and premiums have changed again and again, making the topic somewhat confusing at times.
In 2023, Tesla switched to a credit system in which successful recommendations are converted into points, which can then be exchanged for various rewards in the so-called Tesla Loot Box.
We explain exactly how this works.
Tesla referral code 2023: What's behind it
The principle behind the Tesla Referral Program, as it is called in English, is identical to many other referral programs: You convince a friend or acquaintance to buy a Tesla product, then send them a link to do just that and receive a reward if they successfully deliver the product to their friend.
In the past, this reward consisted of sometimes generous discounts on new vehicles or lots of free kilometers on Superchargers. As the success of the Tesla brand grew, however, the value of new rewards steadily decreased until the credit system was introduced in May 2023.
Tesla referral program 2023: How it works
With the new Tesla Credit System, rewards are no longer credited directly, but must be earned for a certain number of credits (i.e. points). These credits, which are now only valid for 12 months, are awarded for successful recommendations.
The advantage: When redeeming your credits, you can choose between various rewards such as free supercharging or practical accessories. Software upgrades for the vehicle such as the acceleration boost or enhanced autopilot can also be purchased.
Tesla referral program Germany: Generate and send link
But how exactly does the process work? It all starts with you, as an existing Tesla customer, generating a referral link and sending it to a friend. You qualify as an "existing customer" if you own a Tesla Model S, 3, X or Y or have Tesla solar cells or the Solar Roof installed on your roof.
You generate the link within the Tesla app, where you must be logged in with the same account in which one or more of the products mentioned are registered. In the app, tap on the profile picture icon, then on "Recommend and earn", where you can see how many credits you can receive for the recommendation, and then on "Recommend now", where you can select the desired contact.
Done - now it's the turn of your acquaintance. You can generate a maximum of twelve links for orders and 60 links for test drives per year.
Tesla referral code: Buy vehicle
If your friend receives the referral link, it will take them to the Tesla homepage where they can buy the vehicle they want or book a test drive. Since he buys via your link, he also receives a discount or credits as a buyer. As soon as the vehicle is delivered, you will receive your reward points. Sounds almost too easy?
There are a few things to bear in mind: The buyer (i.e. your acquaintance) must not yet own any of the Tesla products mentioned above, so they must be a new customer. In addition, the whole thing only works when buying a Model S, X or Y - the Model 3 is currently (as of October 2023) excluded from the referral program.
In addition, orders must be placed directly via the referral link; it is not possible to add the Tesla referral code to the order at a later date.
Redemption of Tesla points
If everything went well and you have received your credits after delivery of the vehicle, go back to "Recommend and earn" in the Tesla app, where you will find various rewards such as free Supercharging kilometers for redemption. Please note that credits expire after 12 months unless. You will receive further credits within this period through a new recommendation - the period is then extended by a further 12 months.
By the way: If you buy a Model S, X or Y yourself as an "existing customer" via the "Recommend and earn" page, you will also receive credits for your customer loyalty.
Have you already had experience with the Tesla referral program? We'd love to hear your impressions in the comments!
