Changes to Tesla app suggest referral program and free charging may reappear

A coding change in the Tesla Apple smartphone app suggests that the EVmaker’s referral program may make a reappearance, and include free Supercharging miles, merchandise and Tesla accessories.

Shared by the Twitter account @Tesla_App_iOS on Wednesday evening (US time), new code has been identified in the app software referring to the terms “redemption” and “referral.”

“Good morning everyone version 4.14.1 has been released and while we fully expected this just to be a bug fix update, we actually have some substance here,” the account wrote.

“Looks like the referral program is getting some love again. Interested to see the new items that are available.”

However, any future referral or redemption program will likely take a new form. Tesla previously gave new Tesla customers who bought a car using a referral code, as well as the owner whose referral code it was, free 1,500km Supercharging.

The new code suggests a new program may involve drivers completing challenges.

In particular, the code has lines in it including “Gain access to Loot Box upon delivery of a car.”

It also says, “Refer to earn awards,” and “Start a challenge to earn.”

The program may also apply to other products, such as solar and storage.  “No previous solar referrals” is also mentioned in the code.

In a follow up tweet, the account said, “From the strings it looks like you will be able to visit a digital shop and use your referral credits to get certain items. We are going to examine the actual code later to see if there is a way to pull these items being offered, but no promises.”

It then revealed the most important tidbit: “Okay one string that may provide some insight “referral_share_sheet_refer_text”: “Use my referral link to purchase a Tesla product and get free credits you can redeem for awards like Supercharging miles, merchandise and accessories.”