Tesla had a bit of a wild ride last year. With its first drop in year over year sales growth and a CEO who has been a bit distracted (to say the least), the company has taken a bit of a hit. But Tesla continues to be the top-selling electric car in the world with a strong value proposition, best-in-breed self-driving software and an extensive high speed charging network that leads the industry. With the federal EV tax incentive still in effect in the United States (for now) and a brand new refreshed version of their most popular model, the Model Y, now in production, 2025 is looking pretty promising for company prospects.
The company's Model 3 sedan is their second best seller and it also underwent a design refresh in 2023/2024 with the first versions of the so-called "Highland" Model 3 being offered to customers in the United Atates in 2024. The refresh added improved interior cabin styling, a new infotainment screen for rear seat passengers, ventilated seats, improved range and efficiency and improved cameras and self-driving hardware. And now prospective customers can save $2,500 on their purchase of the refreshed Model 3 just by using a Tesla referral code.
To get the discount, just use a Tesla referral link to start your purchase then select the model and trim you wish to order. If you need a referral code for the discount, feel free to use any of our referral links below. If it is successful, you will see a message on screen showing that the discount has been applied.
The discount can be applied to both new custom order vehicles and to existing inventory purchases (new vehicles only, not used). With this discount applied, the Long Range RWD Model 3 is now available starting at $39,990. In NY state, with the Federal EV tax credit of $7,500 and an additional NY state incentive of $500 both available at point of purchase, this brings the net cost down to a low $31,990 before delivery fees and taxes for eligible buyers. Net prices in other states vary, depending on local incentives.
The referral discount can also be used to purchase other Tesla cars and solar panel products with a $500 discount on Model Y orders, $1,000 discount on Model S, Model X and Cybertruck or $400 off a Tesla solar power system. At present, the new refreshed "Juniper" Model Y Launch Edition is ineligible for a referral discount. Note that these discounts are current as of February 2, 2025 and may change over time. Click any of the above links to see the current referral program offers.
Absolutely! In addition to new customers being eligible for a referral discount, existing Tesla customers can get what's called a "loyalty discount." The value of a loyalty discount and referral discount is the same. Just follow your own referral link when beginning the order process and the loyalty discount will be applied. According to Tesla's current Terms and Conditions of the "Refer and Earn" program, loyalty discounts are limited to a total of 10 self-referrals over the life of the account. But this may be subject to change. Details on the referral program are documented on the Tesla's web site's "Refer and Earn Terms and Conditions" page.
Absolutely! If you currently own a Tesla, you can find your Tesla referral code in the Tesla app's "Refer and Earn" section. Send that referral link to friends or family members who are considering a Tesla and you will earn a credit of "Tesla Bucks" in your account. This credit can be used toward merchandise in the Tesla shop, a new car purchase, Supercharging or even maintenance or service performed at a Tesla service center. Credits appear in your Tesla Wallet once the referred customer takes delivery of the car or solar panel system.
As a regular referrer, I'm happy to see the program offer rewards that can be used on useful things like a new car purchase, Tesla merchandise and accessories or even service and maintenance expenses. Referral rewards currently expire one year after they are earned. The expiration date is based on the "grant date" which is the day the new buyer takes delivery of his or her new car. Referral orders show up as "pending" in your account after the order is placed but before the car is delivered.
The current referral discounts for buyers are applicable toward the purchase of a Tesla Model S, Model 3, Model X, Model Y or Cybertruck. Tesla solar roof and solar panel systems are also currently eligible for a referral discount. As of February 2025, the new "Luanch Edition" of the refreshed Model Y is not available for a referral discount but this will likely change as the new model's production ramps up.
While used vehicles are not eligible for referral bonuses, new in-stock inventory vehicles are eligible for the referral bonus as well as any available federal, state and local incentives. Inventory cars qualify as "new" as long as they have never been registered to an owner other than Tesla. This means you can sometimes find a demo or loaner vehicle with a few miles on the odometer available at a discount which is still eligible for any and all federal and state incentives for EV purchases. Just make sure to use a referral link when you start shopping for your inventory vehicle. Here's a listing of inventory Model Y and Model 3 vehicles that are eligible for the referral bonus:
> Tesla Model 3 Inventory Near You (includes referral code)
> Tesla Model Y Inventory Near You (includes referral code)
Tesla has never been big on marketing or advertising, and this is likely one of the reasons their sales growth has slowed lately. But the Tesla referral program has been effective at driving new customers to the brand by tapping into the loyalty and enthusiasm of current Tesla owners. Despite the CEO's antics, Tesla still leads the automotive sector for brand loyalty, with 87% of Tesla owners saying they plan to buy another Tesla and 7% saying they plan to buy a different brand of electric vehicle (only 6% say they plan to go back to a gas-powered vehicle after owning a Tesla EV).
With the increased $2,500 referral discount on Model 3, and a refreshed version of the world's top-selling EV, the company should help stimulate sales growth in 2025.
Related Reading:
Tesla Referral Program FAQ (CleanTechnica)
