Tesla has launched its new referral program, after the company did away with its previous version of the program just a few months ago.
On Saturday, Tesla launched the new referral program via its mobile app, following its decision to end the previous referral program in May. Instead of offering referral credits, the new program essentially offers a flat-out gift card that can be redeemed for a wide range of products, including merch, Supercharging, and more.
Under the newly launched system, the first ten people to use a person’s referral link will receive $1,000 off on purchases of a new Tesla, while those referring earn $500 toward Supercharging, products, merchandise, service payments, or a new vehicle.
Those who purchase a referral vehicle will also gain a chance to win an invite to upcoming Tesla events.
Earn $500 by giving anyone $1000 off a new Tesla
Can be used toward Supercharging, software upgrades, merchandise, service payments or a new Tesla
— Tesla North America (@tesla_na) August 24, 2024
Users can access the new referral program through mobile app v4.36.1, and you can find more details on how the program works on Tesla’s website here.
Elon Musk has said multiple times throughout this year that Tesla planned to debut a new referral program, though he has also cautioned shareholders on the costs of having such a system in place. In April, Musk highlighted that those with referral points would still be able to use them, just not until the new referral program was launched.
“I think we’ll re-examine the referral program probably next quarter,” Musk said during Tesla’s Annual Shareholder’s Meeting in June.
Musk went on during the meeting to note that Tesla’s referral program effectively increases the price of each car sold, which could end up affecting the end consumer. He then reiterated plans to address the new referral program sometime this quarter, saying that he does support some type of referral arrangements.
“But we’ll re-examine that I think in, next quarter and see if it makes sense,” Musk added. “I think some kind of referral program does make sense.”
The previous referral program used a credits system, in which referrers would earn 7,500 credits when their link was used, a drop from an even earlier offering of 10,000 credits. Tesla has also changed up its referral benefits from time to time since the program’s inception, often adding, taking away or otherwise adjusting benefits as needed.
Tesla is giving away free cars in its referral program once again
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