Tesla faces a major backlash as customers abandon the brand, citing Elon Musk’s controversial actions and political ties.
Tesla, once the undisputed leader in the electric vehicle market, is facing a growing crisis as angry customers vow never to buy another car from the brand.
The backlash, fueled by Elon Musk’s increasingly controversial public statements and political alliances, has led to a staggering 45% drop in Tesla’s European sales, signaling a potential shift in the electric vehicle landscape.
For years, Musk was celebrated as a visionary—an entrepreneur who revolutionized multiple industries, from space travel to artificial intelligence.
Tesla, under his leadership, became synonymous with innovation, leading the global transition to electric mobility. But in recent months, his polarizing behavior, including his close ties to U.S. President Donald Trump, has alienated many once-loyal customers.
At Tesla supercharger stations across London, longtime owners are voicing their frustration. Many, like semi-retired businessman Doug Frost, had admired Musk for his bold ambitions and risk-taking.
“I’ve owned three Teslas in nine years,” he said while charging his vehicle. “I got one partly for the planet and partly because I love technology.
But Musk’s recent actions? He’s lost the plot.” Frost, like many others, now refuses to support Tesla, stating that Musk’s erratic behavior has made him rethink his brand loyalty.
The controversy surrounding Musk intensified following a gesture he made at a pro-Trump event earlier this year, which critics compared to historical authoritarian salutes. The moment sparked outrage online, adding fuel to the growing resistance against his influence.
Musk, however, dismissed the accusations, taking to his platform X—formerly Twitter—to mock his critics, claiming that political opponents were engaging in “tired” smear tactics.
But the numbers don’t lie. European Tesla sales have seen a dramatic decline, with particularly sharp drops in Germany and France—two key markets.
In Germany, where Tesla once thrived, only 1,277 new vehicles were sold last month, the lowest figure since 2021. France saw a 63% decline, while the UK, though slightly less impacted, still registered an 8% drop despite an overall boom in EV sales.
This decline is even more striking considering Tesla’s previous dominance. The brand once set the standard for electric cars, outpacing legacy automakers and capturing the imagination of consumers worldwide.
Now, competitors like BMW, Mercedes, and Volkswagen are gaining ground, offering advanced EVs with cutting-edge technology—without the political baggage attached.
Khalid Hamaida, a Tesla leaseholder in London, regrets his decision. “If I was getting a new EV today, I wouldn’t go with Tesla,” he admitted. “Musk’s actions have gone too far. It’s scary.”
While his financial commitment locks him in for another two years, he has already started exploring alternative brands for his next vehicle.
The controversy hasn’t been confined to Europe. In the U.S., protests against Musk and Tesla have gained momentum, with activists staging demonstrations in cities like Seattle and Arlington.
Some former Tesla supporters have even resorted to placing bumper stickers on their cars to distance themselves from Musk, with messages like: “I bought this before we knew Elon was crazy.”
The fallout extends beyond consumer sentiment. Musk’s political ties have strengthened after Trump’s re-election, with the billionaire appointed as head of the newly created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
His immediate cost-cutting measures, including shutting down the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), sparked further controversy.
Critics argue that his government role, combined with his business empire, grants him unprecedented influence with little oversight.
Despite the growing backlash, Musk still has staunch defenders. Some Tesla owners, like engineer Simon from Gloucester, separate the man from the machine. “The guy’s a genius,” he insists. “I don’t care about his politics. The car is fantastic.”
Others argue that Tesla’s performance and range still outmatch competitors, making it difficult to switch brands purely for ideological reasons.
Yet, the numbers paint a stark reality: Tesla’s dominance is slipping. The brand that once revolutionized the industry is now at risk of being overtaken by legacy automakers and newer competitors who focus on technology rather than controversy.
As Musk doubles down on his political engagements, the question remains—will Tesla recover, or is this the beginning of its decline?
For many former supporters, the answer is clear. What was once seen as the future of transportation is now overshadowed by the persona of its CEO. And for Tesla, the road ahead looks more uncertain than ever.
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