Tesla cancelled the popular Loot Box in 2021, but the referral program may return. Tesla used Weiboto announce the launch of a new program in China — Treasure Box.
The post encourages Tesla owners to recommend the product to friends for the opportunity to open the Treasure Box and win prizes. This move comes just days after references to the new referral program were found in the latest app update.
The buyer and the person who refers them to Tesla get 3,500 credits each. A loyalty program also awards 7,000 credits to current Tesla owners when they purchase another Tesla. Twitter user @Tesla_Mania, located in Shanghai, China, has posted several screen grabs and videos of the Treasure Box.
Referral credits can be cashed in for items like a Cyber Rodeo t-shirt (1,900 credits), Cybertruck socks (1,300 credits), Cybertruck hat (1,400 credits) a Tesla tote bag (500 credits), a Tesla umbrella (2,000 credits), My First Tesla Model Y (6,000 credits), a Tesla Tumbler (1,700 credits), and TeslaMic (12,000 credits) are just a few on the list.
It appears the credits can be used for Supercharger miles as well. Referrals are also entered for annual draws with bigger prizes. These drawings will award people with a VIP Tour of Giga Shanghai, a Model 3/Y RWD for 12 months, or Full Self-Driving for 24 months.
The Treasure Box announcement comes on the same day that Tesla lowered prices and just a few days after introducing incentives to those who bought the company's insurance. Tesla is ramping up efforts in China as it's currently third in electric vehicles behind BYD Motor and SAIC-GM-Wuling.
A similar referral program may also start to show up in the North American market. Perhaps that is why there is a reference to it in the latest Tesla mobile app. As we reported, @TeslaAppUpdates iOS found some interesting code, "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.'"
Elon Musk used his experience at X.com to reward users with cash cards for signing up and more cards for referring new users. That method translated to Tesla's referral program awarding an estimated eighty yet-to-be-produced Roadsters. The company cancelled the program more than a year ago, but if China's Treasure Box is any indication, the program will be back, albeit with smaller rewards.
Don't miss out!
Subscribe to our newsletter to be the first to know about Tesla's upcoming features and new software updates.
Electric truck survey was completed by AmericanTrucks.com
AmericanTrucks.com
Oh, the irony! American truck drivers are all revved up for electric trucks, yet they can't wrap their heads around the idea that the Tesla Cybertruck is a "real" truck. Sounds like a classic case of a truck identity crisis!
A recent survey by American Trucks delved into the opinions of truck drivers in the United States about electric trucks, revealing a sizable number of them are considering going electric. However, an interesting finding from the survey is that many truck drivers don't see the Tesla Cybertruck as a "real" truck.
The survey aimed to gauge the excitement around electric pickup trucks and understand the preferences of both truck owners and non-truck owners. Electric vehicles have been gaining popularity, but electric pickup trucks have taken longer to enter the market. With more models becoming available, American Trucks sought to identify which ones generate the most interest.
Truck Drivers are Ready for Electric
According to the survey's results, 35% of truck drivers are thinking about transitioning to electric trucks within the next decade, with most planning to do so within the next five years. The electric pickup models that have captured their attention include the Ford F-150 Lightning, Tesla Cybertruck, Chevrolet Silverado EV, Toyota Tacoma EV, Rivian R1T, GMC Sierra EV, and Canoo Pickup Truck.
Drivers' slower adoption of electric trucks can be attributed to valid concerns. While range anxiety is becoming less of an issue for most passenger vehicles, it is still significant for truck drivers who use their vehicles for heavy-duty tasks like towing. Electric trucks' range can be affected under these conditions, leading to driver hesitancy.
Cybertruck Gets the Attention
Interestingly, when the survey shifted its focus to non-truck drivers, the Tesla Cybertruck emerged as the most anticipated electric pickup. This finding suggests a difference in perception between truck drivers and the general public, who might be more attracted to Cybertruck's futuristic design and unique features.
Despite the Cybertruck's popularity among non-truck drivers, 56% of the truck drivers surveyed don't believe it is a "real" truck. The reasons for this perception remain unclear, but it could be due to the unconventional design, the vehicle's specifications, or other factors that might not align with traditional truck drivers' expectations.
Electric truck survey was completed by AmericanTrucks.com
AmericanTrucks.com
Production Concerns
Tesla has announced plans to begin Cybertruck production this summer, but many truck drivers surveyed believe it will be at least two years before it becomes widely available. Their skepticism might also be influenced by Tesla's track record of production delays and the fact that there are already around a million reservations for the Cybertruck.
Truck drivers are seeking longer ranges, increased availability of charging stations, and faster charging times before they fully commit to switching to electric trucks. These factors play a crucial role in ensuring that electric trucks can be effectively used for work purposes, just as their gasoline-powered counterparts have been for years. It will be interesting to see how perceptions change and whether the Tesla Cybertruck can eventually win over the hearts of traditional truck drivers.
Tesla's Model 3 Long Range may be set to make a comeback
Not a Tesla App
Tesla halted production of the immensely popular Model 3 Long Range last summer due to an overwhelming backlog of orders extending well into 2023. This move left customers with only the base, rear-wheel drive version and much more expensive performance version of the Model 3 available for purchase.
However, recent developments suggest that Tesla might soon begin accepting orders for the Model 3 Long Range once again. One of our readers, Jake Bercic, pointed out that the price of the Long Range Model 3 has appeared on a Canadian Tesla support page. The price appears among other Tesla models, which all reflect current pricing.
Update: It looks like Tesla has kept the Model 3 Long Range model on this support page, and they updated the pricing in January 2023.
The prices displayed on the Canadian support page for the Long Range Model 3 are:
Rear wheel drive: $54,990 CAD (this version in the US: $42,990)
Dual motor Long Range: $67,990 CAD (equal to approximately $49,700 USD)
Performance: $72,990 CAD (this version in the US: $53,990)
Project Highland and New Price
The possible return of the Model 3 Long Range comes amidst speculation of Tesla's Project Highland - the refreshed Model 3. We recently uncovered more details about Project Highland. The possible reintroduction of the Model 3 Long Range, coupled with Project Highland, could signal a new chapter in Tesla's EV dominance. By bringing back a highly sought-after model and potentially introducing a new and improved version, Tesla continues to demonstrate its commitment to innovation and meeting the increasing demand for electric vehicles.
The possible reintroduction of the Model 3 Long Range, coupled with Project Highland, could signal a new chapter in Tesla's EV dominance. By bringing back a highly sought-after model and potentially introducing a new and improved version, Tesla continues to demonstrate its commitment to innovation and meeting the increasing demand for electric vehicles.
Tax Credits
This development is particularly noteworthy, as the Model 3 Long Range's previous price of $57,990 USD, made it ineligible for the new US tax credit for electric cars. With the new regulation, a price cap of $55,000 applies to passenger car models, and $80,000 for SUVs and pickups. That means all Model 3's are eligible for the $7,500 tax credit.
The halt in Model 3 Long Range production came after Tesla CEO Elon Musk warned about potential order freezes due to a sharp increase in demand for electric cars in several regions of the United States. Musk had stated that once Tesla increased production, the model variant would return to the market. Now, it seems that the time for its return might be near.
TeslaFi is a service that logs your drives and charging sessions so that you can later refer back to them. We highly recommend checking them out if you use your car for business trips and would like to keep track of reimbursements, if you like to see how much you spend on charging or if you just love statistics. View their about us page and see everything they have to offer!
Stay organized, connected, and stylish with Cyberbackpack — the #1 backpack, luggage & travel accessories for Tesla owners. We highly recommend checking them out if you commute or travel and would like a backpack or luggage that is sleek, secure and durable. View their products page and see everything they have to offer!
Find out how to become a sponsor and have your site listed here.
Although we share official Tesla release notes, we are not affiliated with Tesla Motors. We are Tesla fans and supporters.
![Spectacular Tesla Light Show Dazzles to the Tunes of Academy Award-Winning 'Naatu Naatu' [Video]](https://www.notateslaapp.com/images/news/2023/light-show_300w.jpg)
