Yes, Tesla employees do receive a discount on vehicles, but it's not a traditional percentage-off deal. The program is officially known as the Employee Vehicle Purchase Program, and it primarily offers two significant benefits: a substantial discount on Full Self-Driving (FSD) capability and preferential pricing on demo/used inventory vehicles. The discount on a new car itself is often minimal or non-existent on the base vehicle price.
The most notable perk is the FSD discount. Since FSD is a $12,000 option for the public, getting it heavily discounted or even included represents a major saving. Additionally, employees get access to internal listings of demo vehicles and used cars that have been used for test drives or service loans. These cars, often with very low mileage, are sold at prices below market value. Eligibility typically requires being a full-time employee and passing a probationary period, usually 90 days.
Here's a breakdown of potential savings based on common program structures:
| Vehicle Type | Typical Discount Mechanism | Estimated Savings (Example) |
|---|
| New Car (Custom Order) | Minimal discount on base price; major discount on FSD. | Saving ~$12,000 on the FSD package. |
| Demo Vehicle | Discounted price based on mileage and age. | $2,000 - $8,000 off MSRP. |
| Used Inventory | Preferential pricing compared to public listings. | Varies based on model and condition. |
| Executive Program | For senior leadership; may include a company car. | Full vehicle provision for a limited time. |
It's a fantastic benefit for employees who believe in the product, effectively allowing them to experience Tesla's flagship technology at a fraction of the cost. The program is designed more to get employees into Tesla products as brand ambassadors rather than simply as a standard employment perk.
