The electric car brand was once a liberal favourite – but the CEO’s embrace of Trump has led to an angry backlash

Summary

Elon Musk’s vocal support for Donald Trump and promotion of far-right conspiracy theories has alienated many Tesla owners, who now express embarrassment over their cars.

Sales of anti-Musk stickers, such as “Anti Elon Tesla Club,” have surged as owners distance themselves from Musk’s politics.

Once admired by liberals for his environmental advocacy, Musk’s alignment with Trump and leadership in his administration have sparked backlash.

While Tesla remains the dominant EV maker, analysts warn Musk’s polarizing image may impact sales as competition grows and Trump plans to cut EV tax incentives.

  • Zink@programming.dev
    671·
    12 days ago

    Ooh, maybe this means cheaper used Teslas.

    …but then you’d have to drive a Tesla. Shit.

      • Duamerthrax@lemmy.world
        14·
        12 days ago

        There are already people pulling the EV transaxles out of wreaks and putting them in better cars with custom controllers.

        • Yawweee877h444@lemmy.world
          16·
          12 days ago

          Aside from the musk debacle, it’s fun to think about a brand new generation of car enthusiasts hacking and customizing EVs similar to all the current “car guys” are with ICs. I hope it takes off.

          • Duamerthrax@lemmy.world
            10·
            12 days ago

            I’ve been following Edison Motors and you can buy the EV transaxle from the electric Mustang as a crate engine from Ford with. Edison hasn’t announced being able to buy individual parts, but they support Right to Repair, so once the kits start rolling out, parts should be as well. They’re a startup and are smartly advertising only a few options to keep the new supply chain simple.

    • Tilgare@lemmy.world
      41·
      12 days ago

      I have definitely been considering buying used so that I don’t support Elon. That’s the most important thing to me.

      • Pretzilla@lemmy.world
        2·
        12 days ago

        Nice thought but unfortunately it still supports new tesla sales by propping up the secondary market.

        • SoleInvictus@lemmy.blahaj.zone
          5·
          12 days ago

          That’s assuming someone is selling their old Tesla to buy a new Tesla. Hopefully they won’t. I own one and I wouldn’t buy one again.