Anti-Corruption Policy

pdf icon  Download PDF

Last Updated July 2023


Fleet API Agreement

pdf icon  Download PDF

Last Updated November 2024


Intellectual Property

Copyrights

Copyright 2002-2024 Tesla, Inc. All Rights Reserved. The text, images, graphics, sound files, animation files, video files and their arrangement on Tesla, Inc. internet sites are all subject to copyright and other intellectual property protection. These objects may not be copied for commercial use or distribution, nor may these objects be modified or reposted. Some Tesla, Inc. internet sites also contain material that is subject to the copyright rights of their providers.

Prices

All prices specified are recommended retail prices. Prices are current at the time of publication and subject to change without notice.

Trademarks

Unless otherwise indicated, all marks displayed on Tesla, Inc. internet sites are subject to the trademark rights of Tesla, Inc., including, but not limited to, model name plates and corporate logos and emblems.

No Licenses

Tesla, Inc. strives to achieve innovative and informative internet sites. Tesla, Inc. hopes that you will be as enthusiastic as we are about this creative effort. However, Tesla, Inc. must protect its intellectual property, including its patents, trademarks and copyrights. Accordingly, please be on notice that neither these internet sites, nor any material contained therein shall in any way grant or be taken to grant any person a license to Tesla, Inc.'s intellectual property.

Cautions Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Internet pages, investor relations releases, outlooks, presentations, audio and video files of events (live or recorded) and other documents on these internet sites contain among other things forward-looking statements that reflect management's current views with respect to future events. The words "anticipate", "assume", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "intend", "may", "plan", "project" and "should" and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to: changes in currency exchange rates, interest rates and in raw material prices; introduction of competing products; increased sales incentives; and decline in resale prices of used vehicles.

No Warranties Or Representations

THE INFORMATION ON THESE INTERNET SITES IS PROVIDED BY TESLA, INC. "AS IS" AND TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, IS PROVIDED WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OR NON INFRINGEMENT. WHILE THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IS BELIEVED TO BE ACCURATE, IT MAY INCLUDE ERRORS OR INACCURACIES.

THESE INTERNET SITES MAY CONTAIN LINKS TO EXTERNAL SITES WHICH ARE NOT UNDER THE CONTROL OF TESLA, INC. THEREFORE WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CONTENT OF ANY LINKED SITE. TESLA, INC. IS PROVIDING THESE LINKS TO YOU ONLY AS A CONVENIENCE, AND THE INCLUSION OF ANY LINK DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT BY TESLA, INC. OF THE LINKED SITE.


Open Source

These are sources for various systems on Tesla Model S, Model X and Model 3. The directory structure is as follows:

parrot-sources:
Pass-through source drop for the parrot BlueTooth module.
https://os.tesla.com/parrot-sources/parrot-sources.tar.gz

Additional packages:

For Autopilot and Infotainment system image sources, see:
http://github.com/teslamotors/buildroot

  • Main branch is buildroot-2019.02
  • See README.Tesla for more information on contents and configurations
     

For Autopilot and Infotainment kernel sources, see:
http://github.com/teslamotors/linux

  • branches:
    • intel-4.1: Infotainment Intel kernel
    • tegra-2.6: Infotainment Tegra kernel
    • tegra-4.4: Infotainment Tegra kernel
    • tesla-3.18-hw2: Autopilot Nvidia kernel
    • tesla-3.18-hw25: Autopilot Nvidia kernel
    • tesla-4.14-hw3: Autopilot Tesla kernel
       

For Autopilot coreboot sources, see:
http://github.com/teslamotors/coreboot

  • tesla-4.6-hw3
     

Forthcoming releases and estimated timelines:

  • Harman Radio module for Model 3
    • Pass-through source drop: Q3 2018
  • Cellular modem modules for Model S, Model X and Model 3
    • Pass-through source drops: Q3 2018

Patent Pledge

On June 12, 2014, Tesla announced that it will not initiate patent lawsuits against anyone who, in good faith, wants to use its technology. Tesla was created to accelerate the advent of sustainable transport, and this policy is intended to encourage the advancement of a common, rapidly-evolving platform for electric vehicles, thereby benefiting Tesla, other companies making electric vehicles, and the world. These guidelines provide further detail as to how we are implementing this policy.

Tesla’s Pledge

Tesla irrevocably pledges that it will not initiate a lawsuit against any party for infringing a Tesla Patent through activity relating to electric vehicles or related equipment for so long as such party is acting in good faith. Key terms of the Pledge are explained below.

Definition of Key Terms

"Tesla Patents" means all patents owned now or in the future by Tesla (other than a patent owned jointly with a third party or any patent that Tesla later acquires that comes with an encumbrance that prevents it from being subject to this Pledge). A list of Tesla Patents subject to the Pledge will be maintained at the following URL: https://www.tesla.com/legal/additional-resources#patent-list.

A party is "acting in good faith" for so long as such party and its related or affiliated companies have not:

  • asserted, helped others assert or had a financial stake in any assertion of (i) any patent or other intellectual property right against Tesla or (ii) any patent right against a third party for its use of technologies relating to electric vehicles or related equipment;
  • challenged, helped others challenge, or had a financial stake in any challenge to any Tesla patent; or
  • marketed or sold any knock-off product (e.g., a product created by imitating or copying the design or appearance of a Tesla product or which suggests an association with or endorsement by Tesla) or provided any material assistance to another party doing so.

Transfer of Tesla Patents

Should Tesla ever transfer a Tesla Patent to a third party, it will do so only to a party that agrees, by means of a public declaration intended to be binding on such party, to provide the same protection that Tesla provided under the Pledge and to place the same requirement on any subsequent transferee.

Legal Effect

The Pledge, which is irrevocable and legally binding on Tesla and its successors, is a "standstill," meaning that it is a forbearance of enforcement of Tesla’s remedies against any party for claims of infringement for so long as such party is acting in good faith. In order for Tesla to preserve its ability to enforce the Tesla Patents against any party not acting in good faith, the Pledge is not a waiver of any patent claims (including claims for damages for past acts of infringement) and is not a license, covenant not to sue, or authorization to engage in patented activities or a limitation on remedies, damages or claims. Except as expressly stated in the Pledge, no rights shall be deemed granted, waived or received by implication, exhaustion, estoppel or otherwise. Finally, the Pledge is not an indication of the value of an arms-length, negotiated license or a reasonable royalty.

What this pledge means is that as long as someone uses our patents for electric vehicles and doesn’t do bad things, such as knocking off our products or using our patents and then suing us for intellectual property infringement, they should have no fear of Tesla asserting its patents against them.

Premium Connectivity Subscription Agreement

Introduction

This “Agreement” is between you, the Vehicle owner or lessee (“you” or “your”) and Tesla, Inc. (“Tesla”, “we”, “us” or “our”). It is effective on the date you subscribe to Premium Connectivity (by electronic acceptance).

This Premium Connectivity Subscription Agreement is the agreement between you and Tesla for the subscription of Premium Connectivity (the “Service”) for your Tesla vehicle (the “Vehicle”). When ordering the Service on our website, you agreed to these full Terms & Conditions regarding your use of the Service. Immediately below is a summary of some of the information therein, but is not a substitute for the Terms & Conditions.

By entering into this Agreement, you agree to the following:

  • All vehicles will come with Standard Connectivity, but Premium Connectivity is an added service
  • The features included in Premium Connectivity are subject to change
  • Premium Connectivity is grandfathered at no charge for the lifetime of all new vehicles purchased on or before June 30, 2018 (excluding retrofits or upgrades required for any features or services externally supplied to the vehicle – e.g. telecommunications network); however, if the Vehicle is returned or traded back to Tesla, we reserve the right to charge for the Service
  • Premium Connectivity is grandfathered at no charge for the lifetime of all used vehicles purchased on or before January 8, 2020 (excluding retrofits or upgrades required for any features or services externally supplied to the vehicle – e.g. telecommunications network); however, if the Vehicle is returned or traded back to Tesla, we reserve the right to charge for the Service
  • Not all features will be supported on some vehicles due to hardware configuration
  • You will only use the Service when it is safe and legal to do so, and in compliance with this Agreement (and will ensure the same for additional users)
  • We may suspend, modify or terminate the Service at any time and you will not be entitled to a refund
  • You may cancel the Service at any time and you will not be entitled to a refund
  • You cannot transfer the Service to another person or another Vehicle without our prior consent, use it for commercial purposes or re-sell it
  • You are responsible for maintaining your Vehicle in good working order so that the Service can be provided
  • You may not use the Service for illegal, fraudulent or abusive purposes
  • Information collected to provide the Service will be handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy
  • The Terms & Conditions for any applicable Wireless Service Provider are separate and we are not bound by or responsible for them
  • The Service is provided “as is” without warranties of any kind and can be limited or discontinued entirely because of technological changes or other circumstances
  • We may update or modify the software used to provide the Service at any time, and we may do this remotely without notifying you or seeking your consent
  • If a dispute arises, it will be resolved through arbitration
  • We can modify these Terms & Conditions at any time and such modifications will become effective upon posting on the website or if we notify you, then at the time of notification

Terms & Conditions

Premium Connectivity is available to many Tesla vehicles through a paid subscription. Information about the Service is available at Tesla’s website.

  1. Agreement to Terms

    In order to use the Service, you must agree to these Terms & Conditions. Before we provide you with the Service, we may require that we have a valid credit card on file for you. You will be bound by these Terms & Conditions if: (i) you order the Service through Tesla’s website; (ii) your Vehicle purchase or lease agreement contains a provision that says you agree to these Terms & Conditions; or (iii) you or someone you authorize to use your Vehicle and the Service uses the Service or accepts any of its benefits. Once you accept these Terms & Conditions, you are responsible for your own compliance with these Terms & Conditions and for compliance by occupants of your Vehicle and anyone using the Service or your account, whether or not authorized by you.

  2. Changes to Terms & Conditions

    We can change these Terms & Conditions; change, add or delete Services or the features included therein; and change the prices we charge for the Service, at any time. Any change in prices for your Service will not take effect until the current month has expired. We will notify you of such change by posting the amended terms on our website and/or on your Tesla Account. It is your responsibility to review these Terms & Conditions periodically.

  3. Payment Provisions

    • Third Party Charges

      You are responsible for paying directly to third parties all charges for services furnished by them directly to you that are not expressly covered by your Service. This Agreement shall have no effect on the terms and conditions of any agreement that you have entered into with a third party.

    • Taxes and Surcharges

      Service Rates do not include certain taxes and surcharges that may apply to your Service. To the extent applicable, as determined by us in our sole discretion, in addition to Service Rates, we may charge state and local sales taxes, surcharges for federal and state Universal Service Fund contributions, and state and local 911 or other emergency service fees. In addition to all applicable Service Rates, you agree to pay all taxes and surcharges charged to you by us, which will be added to your bill.

    • Your Agreement to Pay

      You are responsible for paying all amounts due on time and in full and to keep an active credit card on file with us. We will debit your monthly payment from this credit card on the monthly anniversary of the effective date of this Agreement. All charges (including all Service Rates, taxes and surcharges) will be charged in advance of the term to which they apply and are non-refundable. We may terminate or suspend your Service without notice to you, if your credit, charge or debit card provider refuses a charge from us or if such card has otherwise expired. Even if we terminate or suspend your Service, you will still be responsible for any charges due at the time of such suspension or termination.

      You expressly consent and authorize us to: (1) verify, either ourselves or through third parties, your credit, charge or debit card information; (2) receive updated account information from the financial institution issuing your credit, charge or debit card; (3) review your credit history and obtain credit reports to determine your creditworthiness; (4) charge all amounts for which you are responsible to the credit, charge or debit card account number you have provided. We will only use this information in connection with determining whether to provide you with or charging you for the Service.

  4. Termination, Suspension, Reactivation, Change and Transfer of Service

    • Suspension or Termination

      We can decide to either suspend or terminate the Service without warning, or issue a warning, at any time for any reason in our discretion, including for network or system maintenance, improvement, congestion, or failure or if we suspect your Service is being used for any unauthorized or inappropriate purpose, as a result of your breach of these Terms & Conditions or for reasons unrelated to you or your account with us. If suspension or termination of the Service occurs for any reason, you acknowledge and agree that you may not be able to access the Service.

      If we elect to terminate your Service, you will not be entitled to any refunds or credits regardless of the reason for such termination.

    • Cancellation by You

      You may cancel the Service at any time through your Tesla Account or by contacting our Customer Support team and notifying us that you want to cancel the Service. In no event will you be entitled to a refund.

    • Reactivation of Service

      You do not have any right to have your Service reactivated, even if you cure any of the issues that resulted in the termination or suspension of your Service. It is solely our decision as to whether to allow you to have Service again. If we do decide to reactivate your Service, we have the right to charge a reactivation fee.

    • Transfer of Service, Sale of Vehicle, Termination of Lease

      The Service is not transferrable to any future owner of the Vehicle.

      You must notify us if you sell or transfer your Vehicle or end its lease. If you fail to notify us, you will remain responsible for all charges for any Service incurred in connection with such Vehicle. It is your responsibility to remove all data and content (including any personal information), if any, that you may have stored on your system before you sell or transfer your Vehicle.

  5. Your Responsibilities

    • Your Responsibility for the Proper Operation of Your Vehicle and Proper Use of the Service

      You expressly acknowledge and agree that the use of or any reliance upon any information or content available through the service is solely and completely at your own risk and responsibility. It is your sole responsibility to ensure that you (and/or any other occupant of your vehicle) follow instructions for use of the service and exercise good judgment and obey traffic and all other applicable laws and regulations, when operating your vehicle; using the equipment and service; and/or evaluating whether the use of any of the services (or the routing and direction data you receive) is safe and legal under the circumstances.

    • Your Responsibility for Maintaining Your Vehicle

      In order for us to provide the Service, your Vehicle must be in good working order and your Vehicle must have a working electrical system and adequate battery power. The Service may not work if you try to modify or add any equipment or software in or to your Vehicle that is not expressly authorized by us or is not compatible with the Service. You are solely responsible for the proper maintenance of your Vehicle and its systems.

    • No Commercial Use or Resale of the Service

      The Service, including the messages, data, information, content, or other material provided as part of the Service, are provided only for your non-commercial use, and not for re-sale. Certain information you receive through the Service belongs to us (or other third parties) and may be subject to one or more copyrights, trademarks, service marks, patents, or other legal protections. You may not (and may not permit or cause any other party to) sell or resell or otherwise use the Service or any information provided through the Service for commercial purposes, nor may you reproduce, copy, modify, attempt to reverse engineer, make derivative works from or otherwise display or distribute information provided through the Service.

  6. Events Beyond Our Control

    Various conditions beyond our control may prevent or delay us from providing Service to you, or affect the quality of the Service. Some examples are atmospheric, geographic, or topographic conditions (such as tall buildings, hills or tunnels), damage to or failure to maintain your Vehicle or the equipment in good working order, government laws, rules or regulations, failure, congestion or outages of utility or wireless networks (including interruption of cellular service), war, act of God, natural disaster, inclement weather, and labor strikes. In the event of any of the foregoing, we may, in our discretion, suspend or terminate the Service, without notice to you and without any liability. We are not responsible for delay or failure in providing Service due to conditions beyond our control and you are not entitled to credit or refund as a result of any such delay or failure.

    In the event of any regulatory, governmental or other legally-compelled changes, or discontinuation or change of necessary telecommunications systems and services (e.g., if our Wireless Service Provider terminates or restricts wireless services of the type used by your Vehicle’s Equipment), you are solely responsible for replacing, as well as the cost of replacing, any Equipment that is necessitated as a result of such change or discontinuation, except that if such change occurs during your Vehicle’s base warranty period, while you will still be responsible for the cost of such replacement, we will be responsible for obtaining and providing you with the necessary replacement materials (if applicable).

  7. Disclaimer of Warranties

    Tesla does not warrant or guarantee that service will be available at any specific time or at all times or to any geographic location, or that the service will be provided without interruption, delay or error. Neither we nor any of our service partners make any warranties, express or implied about (1) the equipment or any other hardware or software used with the service, (2) the service, (3) noninfringement, or (4) any data or information or other services provided through the service. This includes, without limitation, warranties of security, title, content, quality, accuracy, timeliness, completeness, correctness, reliability, merchantability, or fitness for a particular purpose or use. All such warranties are expressly excluded by these terms of service. We expressly disclaim any and all express and implied warranties.

    The only warranties applicable to the Equipment in your Vehicle are those extended as part of your purchase or lease of your Vehicle. Such warranty does not cover the Service, in whole or in part.

  8. Limitation of Liability

    By entering into these terms of service or by using the service, you are waiving important rights, and you are providing your express consent to various actions to be taken by us, tesla entities and our service partners (as described herein).

    Neither we, nor any Tesla Entity nor our service partners assume any risk or responsibility for your use of the Service, or any of the information or other content provided as part of the Service. You acknowledge and agree that neither we, any Tesla entity, nor any of our service partners are liable for dropped calls or interrupted service, or for problems caused by or contributed to by you, by any third-party, by buildings, hills, tunnels, network congestion, atmospheric conditions, acts of God or natural disaster or by any other conditions or circumstances out of our control (as further described above in Section 6 of these Terms & Conditions).

    In addition, neither we, any Tesla entity nor our Service Partners are liable (1) for our inability to contact any service partner or other party in any particular situation (including any emergency personnel), (2) for any act or omission of any other company furnishing a part of our Service or any equipment provided for such Service, (3) for errors or omissions of any vendors, dealers or manufacturers participating in offers made through us, or (4) for any damages that result from or arise out of the use, installation, repair or maintenance by you (or by any person you authorize) of the Service, or any product or service provided by or manufactured by third parties.

    If we, any tesla entity and/or any of our service partners are found to be liable to you for any reason, you agree that the maximum, aggregate liability of us, any tesla entity and our service partners to you, and your exclusive remedy under any theory or for any cause whatsoever (including but not limited to any failure or disruption of service provided under these terms of service, fraud, misrepresentation, breach of contract, personal injury, or products liability), shall be limited to an amount equal to the portion of the service rates charged to you for the services that are the subject of the claim for the period of service during which any resulting damages occurred. You acknowledge and agree that neither we, nor any tesla entity, nor any service partner would have agreed to provide the service or equipment to you without your agreement to this limitation. You further acknowledge and agree that the damages cap set forth in this paragraph shall be the sole and exclusive liability of us, any tesla entity and our service partners to you.

    In no event shall we, any tesla entity or our service partners be liable to you or any other party for, and you cannot recover any, (a) punitive, exemplary, treble, consequential, indirect, or special damages of any kind, including, without limitation, lost profits or revenue (regardless of whether we, any tesla entity or our service partners have been notified that such loss may occur); or (b) attorney's fees. You agree not to make, and to waive to the fullest extent allowed by law, any claim for damages other than direct, compensatory damages as limited above. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so those particular limitations may not apply to you.

    You understand and agree that the Tesla entities, shall have no legal, equitable, or other liability of any kind to you in any event, regardless of the form of the action, whether for breach of contract, warranty, negligence, strict liability in tort or otherwise relating to or arising from the Service and you waive any and all such claims or demands. If any Tesla entity or any of our other service partners is involved in any problem, you also agree to any limitations of liability that such entity imposes on its customers.

  9. Indemnification; Release

    You agree to indemnify and hold harmless us, each Tesla entity and each of our service partners, and each of our or their respective affiliates, officers, directors, agents, partners and employees, from and against any and all liabilities, settlements, penalties, claims, causes of action, and demands (including any costs, expenses, or attorneys’ fees on account thereof) (collectively “Claims”) irrespective of the nature of the cause of such Claims, alleging loss, costs, expenses, damages or injuries (including without limitation Claims for libel, slander, or any property damage, personal injury or death), arising in any way, directly or indirectly, in connection with your (or any occupant of your Vehicle) violation of these Terms of Service or your (or any occupant of your Vehicle) alteration, use counter to instructions, misuse or failure to use the Service or its relevant equipment.

    You agree that the limitations of liability and indemnities in these Terms & Conditions will survive even after your Service has terminated. These limitations of liability apply not only to you, but to anyone using your Vehicle, the Service, to anyone making a claim on your behalf, and to any claims made by your family, employees, customers, or others arising out of or relating to any Service we or our service partners provide.

    Without limitation of the generality of the foregoing, you further agree to release us, each tesla entity and each service partner from all claims, liabilities and losses in connection with the service and/or equipment, including, but not limited to claims for data compromise, personal injury or property damage arising from the total or partial failure of performance of the service, even if caused by the negligence of us, any tesla entity or any other service partner, or the malfunction of the related equipment. You agree that this release extends to any party claiming under you.

  10. Agreement to Arbitrate

    Please carefully read this provision, which applies to any dispute between you and Tesla, Inc. and its affiliates (together “Tesla”).

    If you have a concern or dispute, please send a written notice describing it and your desired resolution to resolutions@tesla.com.

    If not resolved within 60 days, you agree that any dispute arising out of or relating to any aspect of the relationship between you and Tesla will not be decided by a judge or jury but instead by a single arbitrator in an arbitration administered by the American Arbitration Association (AAA) under its Consumer Arbitration Rules. This includes claims arising before this Agreement, such as claims related to statements about our products.

    We will pay all AAA fees for any arbitration, which will be held in the city or county of your residence. To learn more about the Rules and how to begin an arbitration, you may call any AAA office or go to www.adr.org.

    The arbitrator may only resolve disputes between you and Tesla and may not consolidate claims without the consent of all parties. The arbitrator cannot hear class or representative claims or requests for relief on behalf of others purchasing or leasing Tesla products. In other words, you and Tesla may bring claims against the other only in your or its individual capacity and not as a plaintiff or class member in any class or representative action. If a court or arbitrator decides that any part of this agreement to arbitrate cannot be enforced as to a particular claim for relief or remedy (such as injunctive or declaratory relief), then that claim or remedy (and only that claim or remedy) shall be severed and must be brought in court and any other claims must be arbitrated.

    If you prefer, you may instead take an individual dispute to small claims court.

    You may opt out of arbitration within 30 days after signing this Agreement by sending a letter to: Tesla, Inc.; P.O. Box 15430; Fremont, CA 94539-7970, stating your name, product, and intent to opt out of the arbitration provision. If you do not opt out, this agreement to arbitrate overrides any different arbitration agreement between us, including any arbitration agreement in a lease or finance contract.

  11. Software

    We use software in connection with the Service. We own or have rights to all such software and you do not acquire any rights in such software other than the right to use such software as reasonably necessary for you to use the Service as permitted in your Terms & Conditions. We may update or modify the software contained in your Vehicle from time to time, and we may do this remotely without notifying you or seeking your consent. These software updates and modifications may affect or erase data that you have previously stored on the equipment in your Vehicle (such as specific route or destination information). We are not responsible for any lost or erased (or otherwise affected) data and you are solely responsible for the data that you may have downloaded, uploaded, transmitted or otherwise stored from, to, on or through the equipment or Service.

    You understand that software available is dependent on vehicle configuration and geographical region, which may affect your access to the Service and/or any of its features.

  12. Additional Terms

    • Governing Law

      The terms of this Agreement are governed by, and to be interpreted according to, the laws of the State in which we are licensed to sell motor vehicles that is nearest to your address that you input onto our website when placing this order.

    • Entire Agreement

      These Terms & Conditions is the entire agreement between you and us. It supersedes all other agreements, communications or representations, oral or written, between us, past or present. We are not responsible for any statements, agreements, representations, warranties or covenants, oral or written, including, without limitation, any statements from third parties, concerning or relating to the Service provided to you pursuant to these Terms & Conditions, unless such statements, agreements, representations warranties or covenants are expressly contained in or incorporate by these Terms & Conditions.

    • Survivorship

      Even after your Service has ended and unless it has been replaced by a new agreement expressly entered into by and between us, the provisions of these Terms & Conditions shall survive.

    • Waiver; Severability

      No waiver of any part of these Terms & Conditions, or of any breach of it, in any one instance will require us to waive any other instance or breach. If any part of these Terms & Conditions is declared invalid or unenforceable, all other parts of these Terms & Conditions are still valid and enforceable.

    • Assignment

      We can assign these Terms & Conditions, in whole or in part, to any individual or entity we choose, at any time, without notice to you, in our sole discretion.


Recall

Check if your vehicle is affected by a recall.


Tesla Code of Business Ethics

pdf icon  Download PDF

Last Updated April 29, 2024


Tesla Global Environmental, Health, Safety & Security (EHS&S) Policy

Mission

Tesla’s EHS&S mission is to accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy by safely building, selling, servicing, and delivering all-electric vehicles, and infinitely scalable, clean energy generation and storage products.

Vision

Tesla’s EHS&S Vision is to accelerate to a sustainable tomorrow, being safe, fair, and fun today.

Values

Tesla’s EHS&S values are simple and absolute:

  • Do the right thing
  • EHS&S is a shared responsibility, and it starts with me
  • EHS&S is a part of everything we do

Principles and Objectives

We value and protect people, planet, property, and products by maintaining a safe, healthy, secure, and environmentally conscious workplace without compromise for production or profit. In support of Tesla’s mission and guidelines, anyone performing work for Tesla, whether on behalf of Tesla or at a Tesla location, is expected to incorporate and demonstrate the following EHS&S principles and objectives:

  • Value human life.
  • Be the conscience of the organization.
  • Lead by example.
  • Speak up, escalate issues early and loudly.
  • Foster a culture of trust and respect.
  • Be prepared, aware and ready to respond.
  • Comply with laws and regulations.
  • Proactively reduce risks.
  • Engage with, and encourage participation from, our employees and stakeholders.
  • Strive to reduce environmental impact.
  • Proactively reduce risks by applying the hierarchy of controls and inherent safety design principles.
  • Practice socially and environmentally responsible planning and decision-making.
  • Embrace human and organizational performance through learning and continuous improvement.
  • Verify and validate controls and safeguards.
  • Utilize first principle thinking to solve problems innovatively and quickly.
  • Provide transparent reporting.
  • Recognize and reward EHS&S excellence.

 

Tesla Global Human Rights Policy

Introduction and Scope  

The ethical treatment of all people and regard for human rights is core to Tesla’s mission of a sustainable future for all. This Global Human Rights Policy (“Policy”) is applicable to both our own operations and our supply chain, and includes the communities impacted by our operations and our supply chain. We take seriously our responsibility to respect human rights and expect those with whom we work to do the same.

This Policy is the formalization of our commitment to uphold, respect, and embed human rights and the values they represent throughout our business as we accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy. Tesla recognizes the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (“UDHR”), which focuses on dignity, respect, and equality, without discrimination, for all people. We also utilize the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises.  

The Policy outlines the core standards and expectations we have established for our facilities, business units, employees, suppliers, and business partners in the area of human rights. Tesla defines our suppliers as all companies or individuals involved in a supply chain producing goods and services for Tesla, whether directly or indirectly, as well as their personnel, agents, and subcontractors, referred to hereinafter as “suppliers.” The Policy is incorporated into our Tesla Code of Business Ethics, and all Tesla employees and contractors are required to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with this Policy. It is also embedded in our Supplier Code of Conduct, and we expect our suppliers and business partners to implement effective systems to adhere to this Policy.  

Where national law and international human rights standards differ, we will follow the higher standard; where they are in conflict, we will adhere to national law, while seeking ways to respect international human rights to the greatest extent possible.  

Governance

Tesla periodically reviews and updates its Policy and associated processes. Every two years, Tesla engages in a holistic review of our Policy with cross-functional representatives from Compliance, Community Relations, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Employee Relations, Environmental Health & Safety, Global Trade Compliance, Human Resources, Investor Relations, Legal, Public Policy & Business Development, Product Safety, Responsible Sourcing, Sustainability, and Supply Chain to keep the policy up-to-date and reflective of Tesla’s growing operations.

Our work to respect human rights throughout our supply chain is overseen internally by executive representatives from Supply Chain, Investor Relations, and Public Policy & Business Development. We also engage external groups on a regular basis to provide feedback on our approach to responsible sourcing.

Commitment

Tesla is committed to upholding and respecting all internationally recognized human rights and the values they represent throughout our direct operations and supply chain – including with respect to our employees, customers, shareholders, suppliers, and the communities in which we live and operate. We seek to avoid causing or contributing to actual or potential adverse human rights impacts, and we expect our suppliers to also support and promote these values in their own operations and those of their suppliers.

Assessing and addressing human rights risks is an ongoing effort that involves engaging with and incorporating input from external stakeholders of potential impact, including stakeholders impacted by our operations and our supply chain, as well as reviewing and updating our policies and procedures where necessary. With this understanding, Tesla is committed to addressing any potential adverse human rights impacts. We seek to remedy adverse impacts, track and measure our progress, and report our findings.

In fulfilling our responsibility to respect human rights, we are committed to implementing the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. We conduct human rights due diligence to identify risks and work to mitigate them. We acknowledge that some groups are more vulnerable than others; our Policy and associated efforts take care to respect those most vulnerable or marginalized.

Salient Human Rights Issues

The following topics are based on recognized international human rights standards and reflect several salient human rights issues we have identified in our operations and supply chain. Tesla regularly updates this list as regional contexts change or as we update our Policy. Our respect for human rights is not limited to these topics.

Health and Safety

(Aligned with UDHR Article: 3)

Health and safety are fundamental values at Tesla. Our efforts to ensure a healthy and safe workplace reinforce our commitment to human rights.

Tesla is committed to conducting all aspects of business in a manner that protects the safety and health of employees, contractors, customers, suppliers, and the public. We strive to minimize injuries and illnesses, as well as property loss or business interruption caused by accidents, fire, or other hazards.

Tesla is dedicated to providing quality equipment, access to clean water, safe tools, and necessary protective equipment to keep employees safe. Employees engage to identify potential hazards, anticipate exposures and risks, and act to eliminate or control potential workplace hazards. Tesla provides ongoing safety information, training, and the necessary resources to maintain a safe working environment. Employees are empowered to stop work if unsafe conditions or behaviors are observed, so corrections can be made to complete the job safely.

We expect all employees to cooperate fully with our safety measures and actively participate to keep each other safe. Our employees are encouraged to communicate with each other and with management when unsafe acts are observed or if there is potential for an unsafe working environment. Through personal commitment and excellent communication, we strive to maintain a safe and productive place to work. Tesla will not compromise any health or safety requirements for profit or production. This is reinforced by the principles and objectives detailed in our Global Environmental, Health, Safety & Security (EHS&S) Policy.

Tesla similarly requires its suppliers to ensure that their employees and contractors are provided with a healthy and safe work environment. Suppliers are required to comply with working hours as defined in our Supplier Code of Conduct. Overtime work must be consensual, and in compliance with local laws, be paid at a premium rate. Tesla’s Supplier Code of Conduct provides additional guidance on our expectations and regulatory compliance procedures for supply chain health and safety.

Forced Labor, Modern Slavery, and Human Trafficking

(Aligned with UDHR Articles: 4, 5, 23)

Tesla recognizes the International Labour Organization (ILO) definitions for forced labor, modern slavery, and human trafficking and has zero tolerance for any form of such abuses, including debt bondage, indentured labor, and compulsory prison labor. We are committed to ensuring that our supply chain – from raw materials to final products – is free of such abuses.

We establish comprehensive policies, monitor our suppliers, and put in place robust procedures to help ensure that no one is forced to work. We take a systematic approach to identifying and addressing risk in the supply chain and utilize the indicators of forced labor defined by the ILO. We maintain awareness of geographic risks, labor trends, and other factors through sources such as industry groups, NGOs, suppliers, workers, reputable media sources, and other stakeholders. We train employees on forced labor awareness and prevention and require suppliers to help in our efforts to end abuses.

We will not tolerate any transporting, harboring, recruiting, transferring, or receiving of persons by means of threat, force, coercion, abduction, or fraud for labor or services. No worker may be coerced to work or subjected to physical punishment or threats of violence or other forms of physical, sexual, psychological, or verbal abuse as a method of discipline or control. We also do not allow any direct or indirect control tactics, including threats, corporal punishment, or economic, emotional, or familial abuse at our facilities nor in the facilities of our suppliers.

All workers have the right to freedom of movement, and the conditions of employment must not restrict their movement through the retention of identity papers, holding of deposits, accommodation requirements, or any other action aimed at restricting worker mobility.

In line with the Employer Pays Principle, no worker should be required to pay recruitment or other similar fees to secure or retain their employment. Tesla does not allow the use of recruitment fees or other related fees for employment such as application, recruiting, hiring, placement, or processing fees, from workers. The cost of recruitment should be borne by the employer. If workers are found to have paid recruitment fees or other related fees for employment, Tesla requires the reimbursement of the full cost of such fees.

Where we find any violation of our policies, we take swift action to remedy the issue and improve supplier operations and conditions for workers. Tesla considers indicators of Forced Labor to be the highest severity of non-conformances and thereby prioritizes responding to these risks. Generally, we work in partnership with suppliers to review root causes, and as appropriate, approve plans to improve, remediate, and monitor evidence of improvement and worker engagement. There are certain gross violations of human rights where Tesla will disengage with a supplier and not re-engage until evidence of remediation is provided and the supplier has strengthened its management system to prevent future violations.

Child Labor and Young Workers

(Aligned with UDHR Articles: 4, 5, 25, 26)

We respect the rights of children and young workers. Tesla prohibits the use of child labor in our operations and supply chain. Tesla strictly follows local and national laws restricting the employment of underage workers. Regardless of local laws, no workers at a facility or location that provides materials or services for Tesla or Tesla products may be under the age of 15. We require our suppliers and third-party recruitment services to verify the age and identity of workers at the time of hiring to ensure that they comply with the International Labour Organization requirements for minimum age for admission to employment and are therefore entitled to work. We also require suppliers and third-party recruitment services to have processes in place to responsibly remediate any potential policy violations.

Tesla encourages the development of potential future employees using internships or student worker programs. However, these programs should be designed for the benefit of, and include training for, the students. Participants in such programs may not perform work that is likely to endanger their health or safety, including night shifts or overtime. All participants must be fairly compensated for their work based on local laws.

Should a case of child labor be identified within our supply chain – as defined by local law or younger than 15, whichever is more stringent – Tesla will take immediate action and ensure appropriate remediation, including enrollment of the child in an education program. If workers under the age of 18 (young workers) are found to be involved in hazardous work, they are removed immediately from the situation and provided alternative work that is age appropriate and not hazardous. Tesla is committed to ensuring that no workers under the age of 18 are performing hazardous or harmful work.

In implementation of this policy, Tesla will work to strengthen supplier capabilities, particularly that of small and medium enterprises, to conduct effective due diligence on child labor risks—including the worst forms of child labor.

Respectful Workplace and Equal Opportunities

(Aligned with UDHR Articles: 1, 7, 23)

Tesla is committed to treating everyone with respect by creating and maintaining a respectful and inclusive workplace. In conformance with local law, Tesla respects the right of workers to form and join trade unions of their own choosing or choose to refrain or to form and join other employee representative bodies if applicable, to bargain collectively, and to engage in peaceful assembly as well as respect the right of workers to refrain from such activities.

Tesla recognizes the value of different backgrounds and perspectives in our workforce, and fully promotes equal opportunity for all employees, both current and prospective. Just as we do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, national origin, disability, medical condition, military and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or any other characteristic protected by law, regulation or ordinance, we require our suppliers to similarly respect the people in their workforces. Tesla incorporates diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) with a human-centered, data-driven approach to enable a respectful workplace and provide equal opportunities. Additional information on our supplier expectations relating to a respectful workplace and equal opportunities can be found in our Supplier Code of Conduct.

Environmental Protection

(Aligned with UDHR Article: 25)

In our own operations and throughout our extended supply chain, Tes