Dear Tesla Community,

We'd like to welcome and congratulate you on entering the stratosphere of electric mobility, especially with the Tesla brand.

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

Here is the PDF version for a better overview

For experienced Tesla EV drivers, we also have something prepared. For picking up your next Tesla, we have compiled two variants of pickup checklists. This way, you won't forget anything at your next handover.

We hope you enjoy the Tesla Guide, and if you want to support us, we have a little surprise for you. If you are considering purchasing a Model Y, you are welcome to use our Referral Code and receive a €500 discount. Additionally, you'll get 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 do not guarantee or assume liability for the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness 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 a consultant, who will simply guide you through the aforementioned website and complete the order on their computer. The consultant may be able to answer questions, but otherwise, there is no advantage to this method.

Tesla's configurator is very simple and offers limited customization options. The cheapest combination is white paint and black seats. For an additional charge, you can choose an alternative color, white seats, or (depending on the model) different wheels.

For driver assistance systems, there are two types: "Enhanced Autopilot" (including Autopilot, lane change assist, auto-park, and summon), and "Full Self-Driving Capability" (including all Enhanced Autopilot features, traffic light and stop sign recognition, and "City Driving Assist"). It's important to note that driver assistance systems can also be added later and installed via software. Therefore, there's no advantage to ordering these systems upfront. After submitting your order, a reservation fee of €250 is currently due. The remainder 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. In addition, 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 when you place your order. Currently, it varies between a few months and a year. To bridge the 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, so we'll keep this chapter brief. The market for wallboxes is very large, and so is the range of offerings from various providers. It's impossible to name a single "test winner" because individual needs and price expectations vary for everyone.
However, most wallboxes are equipped with a so-called Type 2 connector, which is compatible with all Teslas. Therefore, you don't have to worry about choosing an incompatible model.

The issue of wallbox funding is also complex. Funding 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) has also been fully exhausted and can no longer be applied for.

4. Pickup Appointment 

A few days before the actual vehicle handover, a VIN will be 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 part II + COC certificate) will be sent to you via UPS. With the registration certificate part II, you can now register your Tesla. Nothing stands in the way of picking up your Tesla anymore!

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

4.1 Delivery 

Already after paying the final invoice, you can select a suitable date for your pickup. Your Tesla Service Advisor has probably already called you and informed you that your Tesla will be ready for pickup. Now you can choose 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 Tesla pickup, you will need the following:

• This checklist
• a clipboard with a pen
• Smartphone with the Tesla app installed
• License plates
• Vehicle registration certificate part II + vehicle registration certificate part I
• Identity card

Additionally recommended:

• Environmental sticker
• Flashlight
• Microfiber cloth

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

5.  Your Pickup Checklist

Picking up a Tesla is, in contrast to other car manufacturers, very unadorned and unspectacular. Usually, the Tesla is in the service center's underground garage or in a parking garage converted into a "Delivery Center". Upon arrival, a Tesla employee will be assigned to you who will carry out the handover with you. First of all, you must identify yourself and present the vehicle registration document. Afterwards, a signature is required, confirming that you are taking delivery of the vehicle and that you have inspected 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 consultant. Even after pickup, you have up to 24 hours to report damages 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 thorough inspection, 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 available and want a more detailed checklist, we have the right one for you right here. It lists the most important points that 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)
• Safety vest
• Manual
• USB stick for Dashcam (see glove compartment)
• Trailer hitch + winter tires (if ordered) 

Exterior

• Paintwork (scratches, scuffs, dents)
• Rims (scratches, scuffs)
• Charging flap (opens and closes correctly)
• Doors, frunk, and tailgate close correctly
• Panel gaps (front at headlights, at doors and tailgate)
• Wipers (press left steering column lever button)
• Lights (front and rear lights, high beam, low beam) – check function under "Lighting" menu item 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 correctly (Can be opened via the "Vehicle" menu item on the center screen)
• Center console opens and closes
• Floor mats present
• Rear seats fold down without problems

Technology

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

6. BAFA Application and GHG Quota

6.1 BAFA Application

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

For a net list price of up to €40,000, buyers currently (as of 2023) receive a total premium of €4,500, with the federal subsidy amounting to €2,250 and the manufacturer's share also €2,250. EVs with a net list price between €40,000 and €65,000 for the base model receive a reduced total premium of €3,000. Here, the federal subsidy is €1,500, and the manufacturer's share is also €1,500. Plug-in hybrids have no longer been funded 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 lease agreement. With a minimum contract term of 23 months, you will receive the full premium. If the contract term is shorter, the subsidy will be proportionally reduced and adjusted.

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

The manufacturer's share is billed directly by Tesla to BAFA and is already included in the "reduced" purchase price. We have outlined how you can receive the federal subsidy from BAFA here. Attached here is the information sheet for the funding and here is the online application portal.

6.2  GHG Quota

The GHG quota (short for Greenhouse Gas Reduction Quota) aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the transport sector while promoting 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-bound companies do not comply with the legal requirements, penalties are incurred. Since most mineral oil companies cannot achieve the prescribed quotas on their own, the GHG quota trading system was introduced.

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

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

The five steps for applying for your GHG premium can be found in this process:

1) Search for a suitable GHG broker online

• Note that there are various brokers. They offer either a minimum or a fixed amount. The minimum amount can be exceeded depending on price developments.
• Brokers sometimes differ significantly in their payment speed. For this, we advise you to research on social media and read reviews.

 2) Found a suitable GHG broker? Now you need to register with the broker 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 GHG broker verifies the data and accuracy with the Federal Environment Agency, and upon positive confirmation, the agency issues your GHG certificate.

 4) The broker bundles several GHG certificates and sells them to companies that need to reduce their GHG emissions by purchasing the GHG quota.

 5) In the final 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 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 works well.

Admiration and excitement come automatically as soon as you sit in a Tesla and drive off (most people know what we mean :)).
Now it's in our hands to make the world a little better by encouraging others to embrace e-mobility and live 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