Is Tesla's Deposit Refundable?
2 Answers
Tesla's deposit is refundable. Wordplay: It's about the terms "deposit" and "reservation fee" in the agreement. Generally, a deposit is non-refundable, while a reservation fee is refundable. This one-word difference makes a world of distinction. Similar situations have often been heard in industries like real estate and procurement. Tesla's Advantages: Energy-saving and environmentally friendly. No exhaust emissions during driving; the motor's energy efficiency is relatively high, and it can recover energy during braking. Superior performance. Energy transfer from the battery to the motor is fast, enabling quick vehicle acceleration. Low maintenance and usage costs. Saves on maintenance expenses; the motor generates minimal mechanical wear during operation and requires no maintenance; low energy costs, as electricity is much cheaper than fuel. Tesla has built its own algorithm architecture, self-developed the "FSD" core computing chip, and improved hardware-software synergy. The implemented "shadow mode" transmits filtered effective image perception data and driver behavior data via OTA, increasing the effective training dataset and enhancing the accuracy of neural network training.
When I previously ordered a Model Y, I specifically researched the deposit policy. Tesla's official website clearly states that the 1000 yuan deposit is non-refundable by default, serving as a confirmation fee for the order. However, in practice, there are three exceptions: First, if you accidentally place the order and realize it within 60 seconds, you can immediately call customer service to cancel it. Second, as explicitly confirmed by customer service, if the vehicle hasn't entered the production queue within two to three days, some store managers might accommodate a refund. Third, and most crucially—when you transfer your order to a friend who then places a new order using your referral link, your original order can be canceled without any loss. I recommend contacting your delivery specialist immediately; they can see the vehicle's status in their system and are more knowledgeable than regular customer service about whether there's room for maneuver.
