Tesla Finance Rates & Car Loans
- Compare your best Tesla finance rates from multiple lenders in Australia.
- Check Tesla car loan rates, features and approval times in one place.
Why use Money Matchmaker® to find your car loan
Get personalised rates
No ads. No generic rate tables. We’ll show you real car loan offers tailored to you.
Save money
It’s free to get matched with the best car loan deals from multiple lenders. We’ll always show your car loan matches with the lowest repayments first.
No time wasting
We've spent years getting to know lenders and their policies. We won't waste your time connecting you with lenders you're not compatible with.
You’re in control
There’s no obligation. Just options and facts to help you make the right decision. If you need extra support, our team of car loan experts is here to help.
In this Tesla car loan guide, you’ll find:
1
3
5
2
4
6
1
2
3
4
5
6
Best Tesla finance rates compared
| Vehicle | Estimated cost | Monthly repayments (6% p.a. interest) | Monthly repayments (8% p.a. interest) | Monthly repayments (10% p.a. interest) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Model 3 RWD | $61,900 | $1,197 | $1,255 | $1,315 |
Model 3 Long Range | $71,900 | $1,390 | $1,458 | $1,528 |
Model S Long Range | $107,700 | $2,082 | $2,184 | $2,288 |
Model S Long Range Plus | $117,920 | $2,280 | $2,391 | $2,505 |
Model Y RWD | $65,400 | $1,264 | $1,326 | $1,390 |
Model Y Long Range | $78,400 | $1,516 | $1,590 | $1,666 |
Model Y Performance | $91,400 | $1,767 | $1,853 | $1,942 |
What to know about Tesla finance in Australia
Tesla is by far Australia’s most popular electric vehicle manufacturer and its Model 3 is now consistently one of the top-selling new cars on the road.
With prices starting from around $62,000 for the 2023 Model 3 RWD (currently its most affordable model), buying a Tesla is a significant investment.
That’s why finding the best Tesla interest rate you can is crucial. Even a small difference in interest rates can add up to thousands of dollars in extra interest over the life of your car loan.
You should also compare the rates and charges on Tesla finance deals, such as discharge fees and late repayment fees.
Tesla finance options at a glance
- Finance for Tesla Model S, Model 3, Model X and Model Y
- Low rate secured car loans
- Tesla business finance options
- Novated lease for Tesla
- Borrow up to $150,000
- Fixed or variable interest rate
- Finance terms from 1 - 7 years
- Flexible repayment options
- Pre-approval available
How to get the best Tesla finance deal in 2024
The interest rate on your Tesla finance will be the biggest factor in determining your overall costs. But getting the best Tesla car loan overall means looking a bit deeper than the advertised rate alone.
- Ongoing finance rate: Some car finance deals feature an initial low rate that increases to a higher one after an intro period. Look for Tesla finance options with a low rate for the entire term.
- Fees: A lot of lenders charge application and ongoing fees, which can add up significantly. But it’s possible to save by shopping for Tesla financing deals with low or no fees.
- Finance term: Avoid signing up for a loan term that’s longer than you need. While you may have lower regular repayments with a longer term, you’ll pay more interest overall.
- Repayment flexibility: You’ll save on interest over the life of your Tesla car loan if you’re able to make extra repayments without being stung with fees.
Eligibility for Tesla finance
To be eligible for a Tesla car loan, you’ll need to be:
- Over 18 years of age
- An Australian citizen or permanent resident
- Employed with a regular source of income that can afford the loan repayments
- Able to meet the lender’s other credit criteria (credit score, other debt, etc.)
How to apply for Tesla finance
Here’s a quick overview of the process for applying for Tesla finance:
- Compare your tailored Tesla car loan quotes
- Choose your best deal suitable for you
- Make an application with the lender
- Provide documents to support your application (i.e. payslips and bank statements)
- Hang tight while the lender assesses your information
If successful, you’ll be granted either car loan pre-approval up to a certain amount (this means it’s time to go find your Tesla), or final approval if you have already decided on the model you want to buy.
With some lenders it’s possible to apply for and be approved for Tesla finance the same day.
Ready to compare Tesla car loans?
Get your best Tesla finance offers from multiple lenders. There’s no obligation and checking your rates won’t impact your credit score.
GET STARTEDGET STARTEDOptions for financing a Tesla
Secured vs unsecured Tesla finance
Financing your Tesla with a secured car loan will almost certainly be cheaper than unsecured finance. This is because your Tesla will be used as collateral to secure the loan, reducing risk for the lender.
However, depending on the lender, with secured Tesla finance you may only be able to finance the vehicle itself. That means if you want to also cover the cost of a fast charger or battery for your home, you may need to cover that separately.
With a personal loan, you would be able to cover additional expenses but your interest rate will likely be higher.
Tesla green loans
If you’re buying a Tesla, you may be eligible for special electric vehicle finance through a green loan. This is a type of loan offered by some lenders (with a discount on standard car loan rates) specifically for environmentally-friendly vehicles and other green purchases.
Financing a Tesla this way means you could get a discounted interest rate and lower fees. For example, CBA is currently offering eligible retail customers a secured personal loan with a fixed rate of 6.49% p.a. (comparison rate 7.90% p.a.*), as of 6 March 2024.
Tesla commercial finance options
If you’re going to be using your Tesla primarily for business purposes (i.e. more than 50% of the time), you could be eligible for a type of business vehicle finance, known as a chattel mortgage. This works in much the same way as a secured car loan, but with additional tax benefits for businesses.
There are also lease options available for businesses that want to finance a Tesla that way.
Tesla car loan vs novated lease
Another option is a Tesla novated lease which allows you to finance a new or used Tesla through your employer. Particularly for electric vehicles, there are considerable tax advantages to a novated lease compared to a car loan.
With a novated lease, you’ll pay for your Tesla as well as running costs (charging, insurance etc.) using your pre-tax salary. You’ll also get a GST discount on the cost of the vehicle and car running costs.
Novated leases on eligible Model 3 and Model Y variants are also exempt from fringe benefits tax. This means significant savings compared to other options for financing a Tesla in Australia. The FBT exemption applies to Teslas (and other EVs) valued below the luxury car tax (LCT) threshold.
FAQs about financing a Tesla
What interest rate will I get on my Tesla finance?
The interest rate you get on your Tesla finance will depend on your circumstances (for example, your credit score) and the type of finance you choose. To get the lowest rate possible:
- Compare as many lenders as possible
- Look for a secured car loan
- Keep an eye out for lenders offering EV discounts
- Check if you’re eligible for a novated lease through your employer
Can I get Tesla finance for home charging?
Yes, you may be able to bundle the cost of installing a Powerwall, or other Tesla home charging accessories, into your Tesla finance. How this is set up will depend on the lender and you may need to cover the vehicle cost with one loan (a secured car loan) and the other costs with a separate unsecured loan.
How long will it take for my Tesla finance to be approved?
Generally it’s possible to have Tesla finance approved on the same business day. But the exact timeframe will depend on the lender and how quickly you can provide any requested documents to support your application (bank statements, payslips etc.).
Does Tesla offer its own vehicle finance?
Yes, Tesla offers customers finance through preferred lenders. However, there are currently only three preferred lenders that Tesla works with (Plenti, Macquarie and CBA), meaning choice is very limited. As a result, you may not be able to get the best finance deal available to you if you take out finance at the same time as you buy your Tesla.
Dealer finance more generally can be an expensive way to finance a vehicle. Shopping for the best finance separately will mean you have access to a wider range of options, and it generally won’t take any longer to be approved.
Are there any tax incentives or rebates available for financing a Tesla in Australia?
Most Australian states and territories offer some form or financial incentive for drivers who purchase an electric vehicle. These include stamp duty exemptions and cash rebates of up to $6,000.
However, many of these schemes have limits on the vehicle purchase price which mean many Tesla purchases will not be eligible. For example, $68,000 or less.
For drivers who pay for their Tesla through a novated lease, there is a fringe benefits tax exemption for electric vehicles below the luxury car tax limit ($89,332 for the 2023/24 financial year). This significantly increases the savings drivers can get by financing an eligible Tesla using a novated lease.
What’s the cheapest Tesla to finance?
In Australia, the most affordable Tesla for financing is the Model 3 (RWD) priced at $61,900. Following closely is the Tesla Model Y (RWD), starting at $65,400, offering competitive financing options.
Shopping around for the right loan can save you thousands of dollars in interest and fees.
How we help you find the best car loan
-
Let us know who you are and what you're looking for. A little bit of information goes a long way in helping us find the right loans for you.
-
Money Matchmaker® securely analyses your data against each lender. It finds the best loan offers that match your profile.
-
Based on your situation, you'll either see a range of qualified car loan offers, or an expert human Matchmaker will help you find your match.
Hear from people who found the right loan
Car loans guides and resources
Where to next? Read our other car loan guides to understand more about your options for financing your next car.
Written by
Loans Expert
Shaun McGowan
Reviewed by
Editor
Sean Callery
AS FEATURED IN
*Information about comparison rates Comparison rates are designed to allow borrowers to understand the true cost of a loan by taking into account fees and charges, the loan amount and the term of the loan. The comparison rate is based on an unsecured fixed rate personal loan of $30,000 over 5 years. WARNING: Comparison rates are true only for the examples provided and may not include all fees and charges. Different terms, fees or loan amounts might result in a different comparison rate.
