Tesla Unveils Discount Program in Partnership with Uber for Electric Vehicle Purchases

Tesla, the renowned electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer based in Austin, Texas, has initiated a new discount program in collaboration with Uber, offering potential benefits for drivers associated with the ridesharing platform. This move comes in response to a decline in the company’s third-quarter deliveries, prompting Tesla to adjust the prices of its popular models, the Model 3 and Model Y. Additionally, recent changes in federal tax credits have further motivated the EV manufacturer to explore alternative strategies to boost sales.

In October, Tesla reduced the list prices of the Model 3 and Model Y to $38,990 and $43,990, respectively, aiming to stimulate demand and counter the effects of lower-than-expected Q3 deliveries. However, the challenge intensified when the U.S. Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service announced alterations to the eligibility criteria for federal tax credits, impacting Tesla’s Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive and Model 3 Long-Range. Starting January 1, 2024, these models will no longer qualify for the $7,500 tax break, citing concerns about battery components sourced from foreign entities, notably China.

Facing pressure to achieve its 2024 delivery goals, especially after losing tax credits for the Model 3, Tesla is anticipating potential changes in tax credits for the Model Y as well. The company’s website includes a note stating, “Take delivery by Dec. 31 for a full $7,500 tax credit,” suggesting uncertainties about the continuation of tax incentives beyond this date.

To mitigate these challenges and bolster deliveries in 2023, Tesla introduced a discount program in December, targeting Uber drivers. This collaboration offers Uber drivers the opportunity to receive discounts of up to $3,000 on new purchases of the Model 3 or Model Y directly from the factory or available store inventory.

The program, effective from December 12, requires Uber drivers to access Tesla’s dedicated portal for Uber drivers to receive exclusive offers on the specified vehicle models. The discounts vary, with drivers eligible for $1,000, $2,000, or $3,000 based on the utilization of the provided link. Notably, failure to use the designated link will result in disqualification from the incentive discount.

To qualify for the discounts, drivers must complete the vehicle purchase and take delivery by December 31, 2023, while supplies last. Furthermore, they need to register the purchase details, including the vehicle identification number, in their Uber driver profile. The incentive structure differentiates between Uber Blue and Gold Drivers, Platinum Drivers, and Diamond Drivers, with varying rebate amounts based on the completion of a specified number of trips before February 15, 2024.

Uber Blue and Gold Drivers receive a $1,000 rebate after completing 100 trips in their new EV, Platinum Drivers receive a $2,000 rebate, and Diamond Drivers receive a $3,000 rebate, each contingent on completing 100 trips within the given timeframe. The four-tier driver classification is determined by points earned for each trip, with bonus points awarded for driving during peak hours.

It is crucial to note that driver-initiated cancellations do not count as completed trips, and the Tesla incentive rebates will be electronically transferred to the driver’s registered Uber account within 30 days of meeting all promotion requirements, as outlined in the terms and conditions. These discounts are limited to one-time redemption per driver.