The Tesla referral program has been around almost as long as Tesla itself. Over time, the terms and rewards have changed repeatedly, making the topic sometimes seem a bit confusing.
In 2023, Tesla switched to a credit system where successful referrals are converted into points, which can then be exchanged for various rewards in the so-called Tesla Loot Box.
We'll explain exactly how that 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 through which they can do exactly that, and receive a reward upon successful delivery to the friend.
In the past, this reward consisted of sometimes generous discounts on new vehicles or a large amount of... Free kilometers at Superchargers. However, as the Tesla brand became more successful, the value of new rewards steadily decreased until the credit system, which has been in effect since May 2023, was implemented.
Tesla Referral Program 2023: How it works
With the new Tesla Credit System, rewards are no longer credited directly, but must be purchased with a certain number of credits (i.e., points). These credits, which are now only valid for 12 months, are awarded for successful referrals.
The advantage: When redeeming your credits, you can choose between various rewards such as free supercharging or practical [items/products]. Accesories choose. Also Software upgrades for the vehicle such as The Acceleration Boost or Enhanced Autopilot can 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 if you have Tesla solar panels 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 aforementioned products are registered. In the app, tap the profile picture icon, then "Refer and Earn," where you can see how many credits you can receive for the referral, and then "Refer Now," where you can select the desired contact.
Done – now your Next up is a familiar face. You can generate a maximum of twelve links for orders and 60 links for test drives per year.
Tesla Referral Code: Buy a vehicle
If your friend receives the referral link, it will take them to the Tesla website, where they can purchase their desired vehicle or book a test drive. Since they are buying through your link, they will also receive a discount or credits. Once the vehicle is delivered, you will receive your reward points. Sounds almost too easy?
There are a few things to keep in mind: The buyer (i.e., your acquaintance) must not already own any of the Tesla products mentioned above; they must be a new customer. Furthermore, this only works when purchasing a Model S, X, or Y – the Model 3 is currently (as of October 2023) excluded from the referral program.
Furthermore, orders must be placed directly via the referral link; it is not possible to add the Tesla referral code to the order afterwards.
Redeem Tesla points
If everything went smoothly and you received your credits after vehicle delivery, go back to "Refer and Earn" in the Tesla app, where you'll find various rewards to redeem, such as free Supercharging miles. Please note that credits expire after 12 months unless you earn more credits through a new referral within that time – in which case the validity period is extended by another 12 months.
By the way: If you yourself, as an “existing customer”, purchase a Model S, X or Y 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 about your impressions in the comments!
