New research has found that Tesla drivers are the “most hated” motorists on the road, with many people blaming this on CEO Elon Musk’s political beliefs.
Data has found that three in five (59 per cent) drivers view Tesla as their second or least favourite brand, while only three per cent said Tesla was their favourite.
The research found that the most common word to describe Tesla drivers was “extravagant”, while Ford was “sensible”, BMW was “arrogant” and Land Rover was “mature”.
The electric vehicle brand has come under scrutiny in recent months because of its controversial owner Elon Musk, who has aligned himself with several right-wing politicians, including US President Donald Trump and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage.
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The public perception of CEO Elon Musk has impacted the popularity of Tesla
REUTERS
Despite the criticism, Tesla remains one of the largest and most popular electric vehicle manufacturers in the world, with sales in the UK exceeding 5,300 in the first two months of the year.
In 2024, The Tesla Model Y was the fifth best-selling model with 32,862 new registrations, while the Model Y and Model 3 were the two best-selling cars in December 2024.
After a slump in sales in January, Tesla registrations rebounded in February with 3,851 new models hitting the road, an impressive 20 per cent increase year-on-year.
The brand also saw registrations climb in the Republic of Ireland with sales growing by 31 per cent year-on-year.
Elon Musk has made a number of controversial cuts since being appointed head of DOGE in the US
REUTERS
Data from Big Motoring World found that some drivers said they wouldn’t buy a Tesla “even if it was free”, while others said they would never consider buying one.
Dennis Relojo-Howell, managing director of Psychreg, said: “Media coverage of personalities linked to car brands, such as Elon Musk and Tesla, can also shape public opinion.
“Musk’s polarising reputation means that Tesla owners may be viewed through a lens influenced by his public persona; whether that’s admiration for innovation or scepticism towards his controversial statements.
“If a brand’s figurehead is seen as eccentric, divisive, or elitist, this can colour perceptions of those who drive its cars, leading some to associate Tesla owners with certain ideological or social traits rather than just their choice of vehicle.”
Elon Musk presented President Donald Trump with a new Tesla at the White House REUTERSTesla has dealt with a number of high-profile protests in recent weeks, most recently with the brand’s French headquarters being vandalised with white paint in Paris to protest against Elon Musk.
The “Tesla Takedown” events have even made it to the UK, with protesters targeting the brand’s London and Manchester flagship stores over the weekend.
Activists outside the Tesla Park Royal showroom held up signs including “Honk if you hate Elon”, “Stop, dump, deport Musk” and “Enough fascist nonsense”.
Elon Musk has frequently used his social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, to slam the protesters and praise police for their actions in helping crack down on incidents.
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The new Tesla Model Y will launch in the UK later this yearTESLATesla dealerships and Superchargers around the world have been targeted with peaceful and violent protests, including the burning of Cybertrucks in Germany and a suspected arson attack in Seattle.
The billionaire was welcomed by Donald Trump at the White House last week, which saw the President buy a Tesla and Musk confirm that the brand would double production of vehicles in the US within the next two years.
The brand will release the New Model Y in June, with the upgraded electric vehicle having a staggering 387-mile battery range and the ability to charge 166 miles in just 15 minutes.