Tesla has brought back referral perks back for people who help bring new buyers to the brand.

    “As an owner, every time you bring a new friend or family member into the Tesla community, you and your friend both earn credits — you earn Referral Credits and your friend earns Buyer Credits,” the brand’s website says as of February 23, 2023.

    “You also earn Loyalty Credits when you purchase additional qualifying Tesla products, as a thank you for being a loyal Tesla owner.”

    These credits can be redeemed for free ultra-rapid Supercharger access, along with merchandise such as t-shirts, caps, and beanies. Wall chargers, roof racks, and a range of other genuine accessories are on offer for frequent referrers.

    Fans noticed the change in the “Loot Box” section of their Tesla application overnight. Referrers who don’t own a car, buyers who use a referral code, and owners who refer their friends are eligible for the perks.

    Anyone who buys Tesla products, not just the cars, can earn credits. How many credits you earn ranges based on your purchase history with Tesla, among other factors. One credit is equivalent to 500m worth of free Supercharging.

    The previous referral program, active between October 2018 and September 2021, offered perks ranging from free charge credits to a new Tesla Roadster for influential owners.

    Elon Musk confirmed cost concerns were behind the decision to kill the program – and anyone who earned a Roadster still hasn’t taken delivery…

    The return of referrals comes as electric vehicle sales accelerate in Australia, and as the landscape changes dramatically overseas.

    Locally, the Model 3 and Model Y are among the best-selling electric vehicles in a growing market.

    The former outsold usual favourites such as the Toyota Camry to become the second-best seller overall in Australia during January 2023, and the latter sold in similar numbers to luxury staples like the BMW X3 and Audi Q5.

    Tesla has been cutting prices drastically as competition hots up in the EV space, however.

    The Model 3 has its price cut by up to $3400 in Australia earlier this year, before subsequent $400 price rises. In the USA though, the Model 3 had its prices slashed by up to 20 per cent earlier in 2023.

    Credits on offer for referrals:

    • Model 3: 2000
    • Model Y: 2000
    • Model S: 3500
    • Model X: 3500

    MORE: Everything Tesla Model 3
    MORE: Everything Tesla Model Y

    Scott Collie

    Scott Collie is an automotive journalist based in Melbourne, Australia. Scott studied journalism at RMIT University and, after a lifelong obsession with everything automotive, started covering the car industry shortly afterwards. He has a passion for travel, and is an avid Melbourne Demons supporter.

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