Tesla deletes basic Model S but revives referrals

Three weeks after introducing a new basic version of the Model S, Tesla cancelled it again. Back in, however, is the referral programme and the EV maker also changed its service offer.

But first for a more affordable version of the Tesla Model S that has been taken off the market again after only three weeks. This is but one change in a long line of ups and downs in pricing that has become a little hard to follow.

To stick with certainty (for now) Tesla’s Referral Programme is back, but with a revamped structure that allows the company to stay cost-effective while giving customers exclusive awards. Those referring customers through the scheme get one thousand free miles of supercharging, plus the chance to win a Founder’s Series Model Y. The same goes for those showing the referral code when buying a Tesla.

Another change driven by experience is a change to Tesla’s service scheme. Instead of asking electric car drivers to come in once a year, service and maintenance will be provided when necessary. The background is of course that electric cars need much less support. Therefore Tesla will stop advocating its prepaid maintenance plans for customers, although they will of course honour those they have already sold. The Californian company estimates, service-as-necessary will end up being cheaper for customers than a pre-paid plan. (The same goes for the company too we assume.)

electrek.co (basic version Model S), teslarati.com, tesla.com (Referral Program), cnet.com (servicing)

Additional reporting by Nora Manthey.