Dear Tesla Community,

we hereby welcome you and congratulate you on entering the stratosphere of electric mobility, especially with the Tesla brand.

Since we couldn't find a Tesla guide online from order to delivery, we decided to create a free guide for Tesla newcomers and interested parties.

Here is the PDF version for a better overview

For e-car drivers who are already experienced with Tesla, we have also prepared something. For the collection of your next Tesla, we have put together two variants of collection checklists. This way, you are guaranteed not to forget anything at the next handover.

We hope you like the Tesla Guide, and if you want to support us, we have a little surprise for you. If you are about to buy a Model Y, you are welcome to use our Referral Code and receive a €500 discount. Additionally, you will receive 5% off your next order in our Tesla accessory shop Tesvolution.com with the code "GUIDE5". 

Now, let's get to the guide and enjoy reading!

*Disclaimer: This guide is as of August 2023. The information has been compiled to the best of our knowledge and belief. We assume no warranty or liability for the accuracy, completeness, and topicality of the information provided.

1.1 The Order 

The configuration and ordering of your Tesla is only possible at https://www.tesla.com/de_de. The nationwide service centers serve only as showrooms and for test drives or, in some cases, repairs. In some service centers, you can order with an advisor, who will then simply guide you through the aforementioned website and complete the order with you on his computer. The advisor may be able to answer questions, but otherwise, you won't gain any advantage.

Tesla's configurator is very simple and offers few design options. The cheapest combination is white paintwork and black seats. For an extra charge, you can choose an alternative color or opt for white seats or (depending on the model) different rims.

For driver assistance systems, there are two types: "Enhanced Autopilot" (incl. Autopilot, lane change assist, auto park, and summon), and "Full Self-Driving Capability" (incl. all functions of Enhanced Autopilot, traffic light and stop sign recognition, and "City Steering Assist"). It is important to note that driver assistance systems can also be booked retrospectively and installed via software. So, there is no advantage in booking these systems with your order already. After you have submitted your order, a reservation fee of €250 is currently due. The rest is only due upon successful VIN assignment.

2.1    Smartphone App                           

After you have completed your order, we recommend downloading the "TESLA" app so that you have all important data on your smartphone. Additionally, your smartphone can later function as a vehicle key, and you can control many functions of your Tesla via the app. Alternatively, you can also access your Tesla account in your web browser and manage everything there.

3. Waiting Time

The estimated waiting time will be displayed to you when you place your order. Currently, it varies between a few months and a year. To bridge your waiting time, you can actively look for a suitable wallbox.

3.1     Wallboxes

One could almost write an entire book on the topic of wallboxes, which is why we'll keep this chapter brief. The market for wallboxes is very large, and accordingly, so is the range of products from various providers. It is not possible to name a single test winner, as individual needs and price expectations vary for everyone.
However, most wallboxes are equipped with a so-called Type 2 plug, which is compatible with all Teslas. Therefore, you don't have to worry about choosing an incompatible model.

The topic of subsidies for wallboxes is also complex. The subsidy for private individuals from the KfW (440) expired in October 2021, as the funding pot was fully utilized.

The KfW funding program for companies and businesses (441) is also fully exhausted and can no longer be applied for.

4. Appointment for Collection 

A few days before the actual vehicle handover, a VIN is assigned to your order. You will then immediately receive a final invoice with the full vehicle price + delivery fee. After paying the invoice, the vehicle documents (registration certificate + COC certificate) will be sent to you via UPS. With the registration certificate, you can now register your Tesla. Now nothing stands in the way of collecting your Tesla!

Attention: Tesla usually gives you a period of 3-7 days to pay the invoice. Otherwise, the allocated vehicle can be assigned to another customer. It is therefore advisable to have the money readily available.

4.1 Delivery 

You can choose a suitable date for your pickup after paying the final invoice. Your Tesla service advisor has probably already called you and informed you that your Tesla will be ready for pickup. Now you can select a suitable day and time for yourself via the Tesla app. Alternatively, you can usually arrange this appointment with your Service Center. After successful entry, you will see your pickup day and time in the app under your order.

4.2 Preparation (What to bring?)

For a successful pickup of your Tesla, you will need the following items:

• This checklist
• a clipboard with a pen
• Smartphone with installed Tesla App
• License plates
• Vehicle registration document (Brief) + Vehicle registration certificate (Schein)
• ID card

Additionally recommended:

• Environmental badge
• Flashlight
• Microfiber cloth

Attention: Tesla generally only hands over registered vehicles. So make sure that you can register the vehicle before pickup.

5.  Your Checklist for Pickup

The pickup of a Tesla, in contrast to other car manufacturers, is very unadorned and unspectacular. Usually, the Tesla stands in the underground car park of the service center or in a parking garage converted into a "Delivery Center". Upon arrival, a Tesla employee will be assigned to you who will conduct the handover with you. First of all, you have to identify yourself and present the vehicle registration document. After that, a signature is required, with which you confirm that you are accepting the vehicle and that you have checked it.

Once the formalities are completed, you will be led to your Tesla. There, the Tesla employee will attach the license plates, and you can inspect your Tesla and discuss any discrepancies with the advisor. Even after pickup, you still have up to 24 hours to report any damage via the app.

If you want to take your Tesla with you as quickly as possible, you can use our quick checklist. For a more detailed check, we have created a detailed checklist for you.

5.1     Quick Checklist 

5.2     Detailed Checklist (Basics, Accessories, Exterior, Technology, Interior) 

If you have more time and want a more detailed checklist at hand, we have exactly the right checklist for you here. Here are the most important points listed, which you can work through and check off one by one. This way you have maximum security and your pickup will be a breeze.

Basics

• Gen 2 UMC -> Schuko charging cable
• Type 2 charging cable
• Warning triangle (see red Tesla bag)
• First aid kit (see red Tesla bag)
• Warning vest
• Manual
• USB stick for Dashcam (see glove compartment)
• Tow hitch + winter wheels (if ordered) 

Exterior

• Paintwork (scratches, scuffs, dents)
• Rims (scratches, scuffs)
• Charging flap (opens and closes properly)
• Doors, frunk, and tailgate close properly
• Panel gaps (front at headlights, on doors, and tailgate)
• Wipers (press left steering stalk button)
• Lights (front and rear lights, high beam, low beam) – check function under "Lighting" menu on the center screen

Interior

• Seats without defects
• Steering wheel without damage
• Hazard warning lights working (positioned at the top)
• Glove compartment opens and closes properly (can be opened via the "Vehicle" menu on the center screen)
• Center console opens and closes
• Floor mats present
• Rear seats fold down without problems

Technology

• Air conditioning
• Seat heating
• Rearview camera + side cameras
• Microphone + voice control
• Bluetooth pairing with phone
• Tesla app connected to vehicle
• Gear selector (R,N,P,D) 

6. BAFA Application and THG Quota

6.1    BAFA Application

The BAFA innovation premium consists of two components: the so-called "manufacturer share" and the "federal subsidy", also known as the "federal share."

For a net list price of up to €40,000, the buyer currently receives (as of 2023) a total premium of €4,500, with the federal subsidy amounting to €2,250 and the manufacturer's share also €2,250. Electric cars with a net list price of the base model between €40,000 and €65,000 receive a reduced total premium of €3,000. Here, the federal subsidy is €1,500 and the manufacturer's share is €1,500. Plug-in hybrids have no longer been subsidized since the beginning of 2023.

If you opt for leasing instead of purchasing, you will also receive a premium, but the premium is based on the staggered terms of the leasing contract. With a minimum contract term of 23 months, you will receive the full premium. If the contract term is shorter, the subsidy will be reduced and adjusted accordingly.

Here is a current overview of the funding and adjustments for various leasing terms.
For corporate customers, the funding will be completely discontinued as of September 1, 2023. In addition, the funding for electric vehicles will only be €3,000 as of January 1, 2024, and the limit for the net list price will be up to €45,000. More information on the funding conditions can be found here.

The manufacturer's share is settled directly by Tesla with BAFA and is already included in the "reduced" purchase price. We have outlined how you can obtain the federal subsidy from BAFA here. Enclosed here is the leaflet for funding and here you can find the online application portal.

6.2     THG Quota

The THG quota (abbreviation for greenhouse gas reduction quota) aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the transport sector and at the same time promote the use of renewable energies in mobility. Electric cars can sell their CO2 savings as a quota to other companies (especially mineral oil companies) for a fee. Greenhouse gas emitting companies are forced to reduce their emissions from fossil fuels by a certain percentage and invest in lower-emission alternatives. If quota-obligated companies do not comply with the legal requirements, penalties will be incurred. Since most mineral oil companies cannot meet the prescribed quotas alone, the THG quota trading was introduced.

Intermediaries bundle several THG quotas from electric cars and sell them directly to emitting companies. In return, the intermediary receives the sales proceeds of the THG quotas and retains a certain percentage as commission. The remaining share is paid out to e-car drivers as a premium. This premium is currently around €300 - €400.

It is important to note that you can only sell your THG quota once a year and the proceeds (assuming the sale is made by a private person) are tax-free and not subject to personal income tax. (Source BMF, as of 16.05.2022 )

The five steps to apply for your THG premium can be found in this process:

1) Search for a suitable THG dealer online

• Note that there are different dealers. They either offer you a minimum or a fixed amount. The minimum amount can be exceeded depending on price developments.
• The dealers sometimes differ greatly in terms of their payout speed. We advise you to research in social media and read reviews.

 2) Found a suitable THG dealer? Now you need to register with the dealer and upload a copy of your vehicle registration document. Since you also need a copy of the document for the BAFA application, it is advisable to complete both applications immediately one after the other.

 3) The THG dealer verifies the data and accuracy with the Federal Environment Agency, and upon a positive decision, the agency issues your THG certificate.

 4) The dealer bundles several THG certificates and sells them to companies that need to reduce their THG emissions by purchasing THG quotas.

 5) In the last step, the agreed premium is paid out to your account. For private individuals, the proceeds are tax-free, but for company cars, the premium is taxable, as the quota sale is to be considered as operating income. 

7.  Your new electric companion 

We hope you enjoyed the guide and gained positive added value from it. We would be delighted if you would share the guide with your friends, family, acquaintances, or other Tesla enthusiasts, so that the entry into the world of e-mobility goes smoothly.

The admiration and enthusiasm comes automatically as soon as you get into a Tesla and drive off (most people know what we mean :) ).
Now it is in our hands to make the world a little better by encouraging others to embrace e-mobility and lead a more climate-neutral life.

With this in mind, the Tesvolution Team wishes you a lot of fun with your new electric companion and sends you electric greetings from Leipzig!

 

Your Tesvolution Team