Tesla ‘Completely Revamping’ Referral Program, Report Says

As electric vehicles (EVs) are just beginning to see mainstream adoption, Tesla will rely less and less on its free Supercharging referral program going forward, if one report is to be believed.

According to sources familiar with the matter, Tesla spent over $23 million in free Supercharging miles in the first quarter alone and is now changing its referral program entirely, reports Electrek.

While the changes aren’t yet set in stone, the California-based EV maker will allegedly get rid of its social media referral links, and instead is adding an app-based referral system to funnel buyers to in-person referrals, while adding more features to the Tesla app for non-owners.

Tesla Using Prefabricated Superchargers to Fast-Track Construction https://t.co/CGMYzySi1h

— TeslaNorth.com (@RealTeslaNorth) April 10, 2021

Among other things, Tesla may be looking to use the app to set up and offer test drives, with some kind of referral program still in place, offering the referring party a reward of some sort.

Tesla’s referral program began with the company offering free Roadsters, then later it switched to offering 1,000 free Supercharging miles – both before and after the referral purchase.

Despite the high price tag that Tesla has encountered with the free Supercharging program, buyers have certainly taken advantage of the program, with top affiliates getting numerous free Roadsters.