Tesla Introduces Referral Incentive in China, Offering Paint Discounts and Additional Perks
Tesla has launched a new referral program in China, known as the "Treasure Box," which offers a unique set of incentives compared to the U.S. version. The program focuses on paint rebates, free color choices, and redeemable referral credits that can be used for accessories and upgrades, supplemented by event invitations and other perks.
Paint Rebates and Free Colors
Tesla China's program offers paint-related incentives, such as rebates or the ability to select free paint colors. While specific details like which colors or rebate amounts are not fully publicized yet, these paint rebates are a unique incentive tailored to the Chinese market.
Referral Points System
Instead of cash or direct vehicle discounts, referrers and referred buyers earn credits/points that can be redeemed for Tesla accessories, Supercharging, software upgrades, and other Tesla products. These credits create a gamified referral experience.
Other Perks
The referral program includes additional perks, such as exclusive invitations to Tesla events and possibly other brand engagement rewards unique to China.
Recent Updates
Tesla has been actively updating and regionalizing its referral programs. The China referral program was introduced shortly before Tesla restarted a somewhat different program in the U.S. that offers referrers $500 gift card credits and new buyers $1,000 off. However, Tesla’s Chinese program emphasizes the Treasure Box credits and paint-related benefits rather than direct monetary discounts.
No Direct Vehicle Discounts Yet
While the U.S. offers discounts on the purchase for referred customers, Tesla’s China program currently leans more on redeemable credits and tangibles rather than upfront vehicle price discounts.
Eligibility and Rewards
The referral rewards are available for Model S, 3, X, and Y purchases. Buyers who use a referral link are eligible for a ¥8,000 paint credit. Additionally, buyers who take delivery by June 30 may qualify for an ¥8,000 insurance subsidy.
Tesla Points, which have a value of ¥1 each in China, can be redeemed for a wide range of rewards including maintenance packages, charging vouchers, accessories, service appointments, and even items like the Model Bot ornament and Tesla's Smart Ring.
Referrers receive 800 Tesla Points for each successful referral. The Quicksilver and Ultra Red paint options cost ¥4,000 (~C$760) with the referral benefit, down from ¥12,000 (~C$2,280). Pearl White, Diamond Black, Glacier Blue, and Deep Blue Metallic are free with the referral benefit.
The promotion is designed to boost summer sales in China. Using the referral link provides buyers three months of Full Self-Driving (FSD) when buying a Tesla. Tesla also offers interest-free financing for up to 5 years on select models. The referral rewards and paint rebate are valid from June 5 to June 30, 2025.
Electric-vehicle enthusiasts in China now have an opportunity to customize their Tesla cars with the help of the "Treasure Box" referral program. By using a referral link, they can enjoy free paint colors, including Pearl White, Diamond Black, Glacier Blue, and Deep Blue Metallic, or avail discounted Quicksilver and Ultra Red paint options. Additionally, successful referrals earn referrers Tesla Points, which can be exchanged for a variety of rewards, such as charging vouchers, accessories, and even the Model Bot ornament or Tesla's Smart Ring. This technology-driven, gamified referral system, tailored to the Chinese electric-vehicle lifestyle, also offers other perks like exclusive event invitations and other brand engagement rewards.
