Anger at Musk Turns Against Tesla

It cannot be denied that Elon Musk and Tesla have always been the subject of controversy. His disruptive electric cars and unconventional demeanor were too much of an offense to many veterans of the automotive industry. And many Tesla-Fans and owners loved him for exactly that and forgave him many things. He finally showed the direction in which mobility would move, and even if he always promised too much too soon, he eventually delivered and the technological lead that Tesla still has was convincing.

However, Musk’s unreserved support for far-right opinions, individuals and organizations, as well as his clear interference in the politics of his adopted country and other countries, has turned the tide. The Nazi salute, which Musk showed twice at an event organized by Donald Trump, did not help. For understandable reasons, this did not go down well in German-speaking countries in particular, but people in other countries are also “not amused”.

The honeymoon with Elon Musk and Tesla is over.

And so the anger and resentment with Musk’s activities in recent months is directed at the very company that is synonymous with him: Tesla. The sales figures, which have fallen by half on average across Europe, California and Australia, and by 75 percent in Spain, for example, speak for themselves. A not insignificant number of Tesla owners now want to get rid of their Teslas and have canceled orders. An Austrian entrepreneur told me that they have removed Tesla from their catalog as a provider of company cars for employees.

As reported here, I myself also canceled my Cybertruck order because I couldn’t reconcile it with my conscience. I hear from many people around me that Musk has made it difficult for them to continue to stand up for Tesla and enjoy their vehicle and the brand. They are also toying with the idea, or have already done so, of getting rid of their Teslas and concentrating on other brands for their next electric car, even if they have to reckon with comfort restrictions – the issue of charging.

Tesla Owner Clubs in German-speaking countries are reporting dwindling interest among their own members, fewer events being attended and a generally negative mood that leaves the bitter aftertaste of owning a Tesla in the mouth. Some previously friendly companies that had the German T&E Magazin, which reports specifically on Tesla and electric cars in general, in their waiting rooms have now stopped displaying it.

It’s not just scowls and doubts from Tesla owners, there are also unpleasant scenes. Wired, Yahoo! and other media report confrontations and attacks against Tesla drivers. Cybertruck drivers in the USA in particular are now experiencing the stink eye and insults instead of the initially enthusiastic and interested looks at their eye-catching vehicle. The YouTube channel Wham Baam Teslacam also repeatedly shows acts of vandalism against Teslas, such as in the following video, where three of them are shown.

In surveys, Tesla is now viewed much more critically. In one survey, Tesla is viewed negatively by 37%, far above the figures for Volkswagen (24%), Ford (23%) or Toyota (6%). No wonder there is a boom in demand for stickers with inscriptions such as “I bought it before I knew it was crazy”.

The company itself is becoming a victim of vandalism. While opposition to Tesla has tended to be localized to Germany, as with the demonstrations and arson attack against the Tesla factory in Berlin Grünheide that I wrote about here, attacks are occurring worldwide. Smashed and graffitied display windows at Tesla stores, vandalized, scratched and damaged Teslas on the streets, and even demonstrations in front of Tesla stores have been reported by the media.

While criticism of Elon Musk and Tesla may be justified, and after all we live in countries where we uphold and enforce freedom of speech, physical attacks on people and property are never OK. You can vote with your wallet and avoid Tesla, but the discourse should always remain factual and civilized.

It is undisputed that Tesla has a problem thanks to the behavior of its CEO. What consequences this may have, and whether it will lead to Tesla’s and Musk’s downfall or to the first 10 trillion dollar entrepreneur, remains to be seen.

I have made the decision for myself: after 5.5 years, I will also be giving up my Tesla and am now looking for a vehicle from another manufacturer. I will report on which one I choose as soon as the time comes

This article was also published in German.