Tesla owners are selling cars over Elon Musk's behavior

Many Tesla owners are considering selling their electric cars due to concerns about Elon Musk. Anger toward Musk is growing as he aligns himself with right-wing politics. This shift began last year when he supported President Donald Trump during Trump's re-election campaign. Musk has worked with the Department for Government Efficiency (DOGE) and has spoken about reducing government size. He has also shown support for controversial figures and parties in Europe, leading some customers to reconsider their loyalty to Tesla. Ben Kilbey, an electric car supporter, expressed his frustration. He said he might need to sell his Tesla Model Y, even though it has been a "dream car" for his family. This trend is gaining traction in the United States. Actor Jason Bateman described owning a Tesla as "driving around with a Trump sticker." Democratic Senator Mark Kelly also announced on social media that he is getting rid of his Tesla. He expressed that each time he uses the car, he is reminded of the harm he believes Musk and Trump are causing the country. Tesla is facing significant challenges in 2025, especially in Europe. Reports show a 45% drop in car registrations in January compared to January 2024. In Germany, sales fell by 76% compared to February 2024. Tesla's stock shares also decreased by 15% earlier this month, indicating a lack of confidence in the brand. While Trump publicly supported Musk by saying he would buy a new Tesla, experts believe the damage may already be done. Dennis Relojo-Howell, a director at Psychreg, noted that media coverage of Musk's controversial persona could affect public opinion about Tesla owners. The drop in Tesla sales appears to be part of a larger decline in the electric vehicle market. Electric car sales in Europe fell by 1.2% in 2024, with nearly 2 million units sold.