Founder. Environmentalist. EV Enthusiast. Dad.

How to save money when buying a Tesla in the UK (& worldwide)

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First of all, it’s important to introduce myself, my name is William Fealey and I’m a Tesla owner, Tesla advocate & Tesla Critic. I’ve spoken & excited thousands of potential electric car owners across the world with the prospect of sustainable and smart electric transport, I’m also the president of Tesla Owners UK where I’ve had the honour of organising events such as the 10,000 test ride Silverstone takeover, I also regularly meet & speak with key Tesla staff across the world to push and succeed in making change within the company (e.g. Pin to Drive and 2FA).

At the Tesla Mothership in California

I first ordered a Tesla in 2015 and have been fortunate to own and drive or experience all of the Tesla vehicles built to date including Cybertruck, I’ve also driven pretty much every other EV out there, I can answer pretty much every Tesla question you have but failing that can find out the answers within minutes thanks to my direct contacts at Tesla and within the Tesla community. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact me.

12 ways to save money on your Tesla purchase:

  1. Buy a nearly new or demo inventory car from Tesla (often saving a few thousand) & apply a referral code to get free perks, these are generally ready to drive away within 14 days or sooner. Tesla pre-build some popular specifications and sell on any cancelled customer order (sometimes happens when loss of job/change of circumstances happen) or it could be an ex-showroom, courtesy or demo car – these will be discounted depending on their age and mileage.
  2. Buy new but apply a referral code to get free perks
    You need to find an existing Tesla owner who has a referral code (here is mine http://ts.la/william9175 or if that doesn’t show properly try https://www.tesla.com/en_GB/referral/william9175?redirect=no). When you’re a Tesla owner you’ll be able to do the same for your friends! You need to ensure you add these before you order, just contact your Delivery Specialist or Tesla to ensure one is added or click the link above and order via the website. Note: If you’ve confirmed your order and your deposit is now non-refundable you may not be able to use the code but it’s worth speaking with Tesla anyway.
  3. Take Advantage of Tax Savings – From low benefit in kind if you run your own business

    Planting Wild Flowers (after seeking permission) at Tesla Service Centres with my little lad
  4. Buy a certified pre-owned (CPO) / used car direct from Tesla, these are effectively secondhand cars that have been traded in by Tesla owners because they’ve upgraded to a slightly newer car. Note: Referral Codes can be used on Tesla’s Certified Pre-Owned cars.
  5. Avoid buying SOME accessories direct from Tesla, some are overpriced and others are great value, find out more on The Must Have Accessories for your new Tesla Model S. Once example might be to buy the 21″ wheels after purchase secondhand from eBay etc.
  6. Claim a discounted home charger (landlords, renters, staff or businesses) from the Government EV Charging Grant Scheme – Which Home Charger should I go for?
  7. Go for the Standard Range Model over the Long Range or a car with features that are software limited (e.g. Full Autopilot) and consider the SOFTWARE / OVER THE AIR upgrade in the future when you’ve got funds spare, most people can get away with the smaller batteries vehicles in the UK, sure for really long roadtrips it’s not ideal but for probably 95% of your year it’s perfectly fine and you keep the extra cash in your pocket.
  8. Consider the standard seatsthey are high quality and durable and getting decent reviews from owners who have them.
  9. [Unlikely to be a thing these days] Order the car you want with a referral code and then contact your DS (Delivery Specialist) to see if they have a similar car in stock elsewhere, you should still get the discount + you may get your car much sooner than waiting for an ordered car to be built.
  10. Do you own an AirBnb location or other facilities such as a restaurant or shopping centre? If yes you could claim a FREE Tesla Destination charger which will bring you in new business
  11. Ensure you compare all the savings and not just what you’ve been told, Tesla has a useful cost comparison calculator
  12. Buy it now! Prices are always increasing.
On the set of a TV show with Catie Munnings helping Catie to maximise her enjoyment of the Tesla Model S

Frequently Asked Questions:

How do I apply a referral code?

Option 1: Click on http://ts.la/william9175 & order your car from home on your computer/tablet etc. The discount will be automatically applied.

Option 2: In-store, simply tell the staff member that you wish to use your friend’s referral code william9175 

Note: Whichever method you pick be sure to message me so I can thank you and give some extra advice

When does the discounted/free supercharging expire?

6 months after the car arrives but it can vary as Tesla update terms every once and a while, if you’re unsure feel free to message me, you must order the car before this cut off date but you don’t have to confirm the order for another 14 days, if you change your mind within those 14 days you can amend the order online / by contacting your Delivery Team. If you wish to cancel your order within those 14 days you will get your deposit refunded.

On TV for episode of Secrets of the Supercars for UK TV

Will a new referral scheme start after the previous one has ended?

Unfortunately, only Tesla knows that information, in the past they have paused it for several months.

I have a question can I speak with you?

Of course, my contact details are above. Facebook is best.

How long have I had a Tesla for?

I purchased shares in Tesla in 2014. I ordered my first Tesla (P85D) on 12th January 2015 after test driving one in 2014. I collected my second Tesla (P90DL) in June 2016. In April 2017 I collect by third Model S (P100DL AP2). Cybertruck on order. Model Y since March 2022.

We also have owned a Nissan Leaf and Hyundai Kona so have pretty good first-hand experience of driving an EV.

I’m not sure if I’ve added the referral code, how do I double check?

    1. Open a new browser window
    2. Copy the referral link and paste it into this window
  1. Once you click that link it should take you to a page that at the bottom reads ‘UNIQUE REFERRAL CODE …..’
  2. Design your Model S or X and a pop-up should appear showing the discount
  3. Once you’ve designed your perfect Tesla then go to purchase

I’m not in the UK will this discount code work elsewhere?

Yes, click the link and it should ask for your location or you can change it on the right menu

Follow Will

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