Private leasing means you pay to use the car for an agreed period, typically 12-36 months, and then hand it back. You never own the car, and in return you avoid depreciation and resale. For a Tesla, where resale value can swing with price adjustments and new models, that alone is an argument for some people, while others would rather own. Start by understanding what you are paying for.
What does the payment cover?
A private leasing payment typically covers use of the car, service and ownership taxes. Insurance is often an add-on or your own responsibility, and electricity is naturally on you. Read the specification: two offers with the same monthly payment can cover very different things.
"No deposit" is not free
Many offers are marketed without a first payment ("no deposit"). Nothing wrong with that, but the amount does not disappear: it is spread across the monthly payments, which are then higher. The only comparison that makes sense is the total cost:
- First payment + (monthly payment × number of months) + known fees = total cost.
- Divide by the number of months if you want to compare contracts of different lengths.
Mileage limits and wear
The contract has a mileage limit, typically 15,000-25,000 km per year, and a price per excess kilometre. If you know your real annual mileage, choose the limit accordingly; buying kilometres up front is normally cheaper than settling an excess bill. Also ask what counts as normal wear and tear at return, so a stone chip or kerbed rim does not become an unpleasant surprise.
Private leasing or buying?
In short: private leasing gives predictability and low commitment, buying gives ownership and is often cheaper if you keep the car for a long time. The maths depends on residual values and interest levels, and both change over time. I have written a full comparison in leasing vs. buying, and for the big picture of what a Tesla costs to run, see total cost of ownership.
Where do you lease a Tesla privately?
Tesla has at times offered private leasing directly in Denmark (check tesla.com), and a number of Danish leasing companies offer private leasing of Teslas, both new and used. Terms vary a lot, so collect several offers and compare the total cost as above.
The referral code and private leasing
Tesla's referral programme is tied to the purchase of a new Tesla. With private leasing, the leasing company owns the car, so whether a referral benefit can come into play depends on the deal and Tesla's current terms. If you end up buying instead, see the current benefits and how to use the code correctly.
Bottom line
Private leasing of a Tesla can be a fine solution if you want predictable costs and a new car at regular intervals. Always compare on total cost, choose a realistic mileage limit, and read the wear-and-tear terms. This guide is general information, not financial advice.