As someone who has accumulated 300 referrals through Tesla’s Referral Program over the years, I’ve had a front-row seat to the evolution of this unique initiative. If you’re unfamiliar, Tesla’s referral program rewards Tesla owners who recommend the company’s vehicles to friends, family, and anyone else who decides to make the leap into electric. It has changed dramatically over the years, and while it may not be as extravagant as it once was, the perks and rewards are still worth exploring.
Tesla launched its Referral Program back in 2015. The company was riding high on the excitement surrounding the Model S and Model X, and this program was designed to incentivize owners to spread the word. The original program was straightforward: if someone used your referral code to purchase a new Tesla, they would receive $1,000 off their purchase, and you would get a reward.
Back then, rewards ranged from small bonuses like Tesla-branded jackets and wheel caps to bigger prizes such as invitations to exclusive events and even free Powerwalls for home energy storage. The top tier rewards, however, were what made the early program stand out – Tesla famously gave away free Founders Series Roadsters (valued at over $200,000) to top referrers, which helped build significant buzz.
I was fortunate enough to refer many new Tesla owners during this early period, and let me tell you, the incentives were game-changers. Some of my referrals led to Powerwalls, but the most exciting prize I earned was a Founder’s Series Roadster.
As Tesla gained more traction and sales picked up, the Referral Program underwent several significant changes. The initial program’s popularity (and the cost to Tesla) likely contributed to its temporary cancellation in early 2019. By this point, many owners had cashed in on incredible prizes, and the company needed to reevaluate how to make the program sustainable without giving away such high-value rewards.
When Tesla brought the program back, it was simplified. Instead of extravagant prizes like Roadsters, referrers could earn Supercharging miles and exclusive chances to win certain prizes, like access to Tesla events or early access to new features. While this iteration of the program was less headline-grabbing, it still allowed Tesla enthusiasts to share their passion and benefit from doing so.
During this period, my referrals continued, though at a slower pace. The lack of headline prizes definitely reduced the buzz around the program, but it remained a solid way to earn free Supercharging miles, which has always been a valuable perk for frequent drivers like myself.
Fast forward to today, and Tesla’s Referral Program is still very much alive, though it has been pared down and streamlined once again. Here's how it works:
Unlike the early days of the program, where I was collecting referrals for massive prizes like Roadsters, today the focus is more practical, with rewards primarily geared toward enhancing the Tesla driving experience. However, the fact that you can now accumulate credits and have the flexibility to choose how you spend them is a nice touch.
While the Tesla Referral Program has certainly evolved from its early days of Roadster giveaways, it remains an attractive opportunity for Tesla enthusiasts. The points-based system makes it easy to accumulate rewards, and the variety of perks—especially the ability to earn free Supercharging—means that there’s still plenty of value for both referrers and new Tesla owners.
For me, being part of the Referral Program has been a rewarding experience, not just for the prizes I’ve earned, but for the satisfaction of helping others take the leap into electric vehicles. Tesla’s mission is one I believe in, and it’s been a privilege to share that with nearly 300 others over the years. If you’re passionate about Tesla and have a network of people who are curious about making the switch, the Referral Program remains a great way to turn that passion into tangible rewards.
To use my referral click this link before ordering a Tesla or give the code lasse9342 to your sales advisor. You will see the numbers on this page increase after ordering.
Stats for the referral program is available at top.teslastats.no
Tesla Model Y was most registered vehicle in Norway today and number of Teslas registered was 31 with 8 Model 3 and 23 Model Y making it a total of 151 976 Source: https://t.co/P6B9E7DoVb and https://t.co/RCpRAa4kY1 #Tesla #Norway $TSLA #ElectricCars #Teslastats
— Lasse Edvardsen (@nasalahe) Feb 7, 2025