Tesla Promises Legal Action Against Vandals for Swastikas, Yet Owners Have Limited Options | Carscoops

      Tesla is currently addressing the issue of vandalized charging stations amidst rising tensions due to Musk's divisive actions.

      The automaker intends to pursue legal action against those who damage or deface its charging stations. Owners of electric vehicles are also encountering similar vandalism incidents. Tesla may need to step in to alleviate the pressure on its customers.

      “We will take legal action for vandalism at Superchargers,” declares Tesla. This marks the company’s response to a series of challenges, including protests and property damage. Unfortunately, the brand cannot assist many owners who have been affected by this trend, which includes at least one Cybertruck in Lower Manhattan that was marred with a swastika.

      In recent months, animosity towards Elon Musk and Tesla has escalated. Both supporters and critics have vocally urged the public to move away from Tesla vehicles. Additionally, extremist activists have threatened owners and vandalized both vehicles and Supercharger stations. Recently, a Tesla owner discovered their local charging station vandalized with the word “Nazi” over the Tesla logo and a swastika underneath.

      A social media post reflected, “This graffiti at my local Supercharger suggests that perhaps Elon Musk is harming Tesla’s brand.” Within hours, the official Tesla Supercharger account responded, assuring that the graffiti would be removed by the following morning. They even went further.

      When another user highlighted a security camera that could have captured the vandal in action, Tesla confirmed it would take legal action against such behavior. This marked the second instance of vandalism the company responded to within a week, following another case where foam was sprayed into charging plugs at several Supercharger locations.

      Beyond Tesla Properties

      However, there’s an additional concern, as the vandalism isn’t solely focused on Tesla properties but extends to private vehicles as well. It remains unclear who owns the Cybertruck recently adorned with a swastika in Lower Manhattan, but many witnesses shared their observations online. One individual simply remarked, “Not a great car to own in NYC these days.”

      The discussions surrounding the angular truck included a mix of dark humor and political commentary, with remarks like “Look, it’s the new SS package,” and “it draws the eyes away from the panel gaps.”

      While the humor may be grim, the seriousness of the situation is evident. Regardless of personal opinions about Musk or Tesla, it seems the tide of public sentiment against one or both is rising. A recent poll highlighted a significant swing in Musk's popularity over the past year. Although Musk and Tesla may be within their rights, it’s clear that public perception is evolving.

      The Impact of Musk on Tesla’s Brand

      Since becoming a Senior Advisor in Donald Trump’s administration for the Department of Governmental Efficiency (DOGE), Musk has become a highly polarizing individual. His controversial remarks, perceived affiliations with far-right movements, and alleged signals to those groups have sparked strong reactions, leading some critics to claim that Tesla’s struggles with public perception stem not from its vehicles but from its CEO.

      The defacement of the Cybertruck and the vandalism at Supercharger stations underscore the volatile overlap of technology, politics, and public opinion. Under Musk's leadership, Tesla has evolved into more than just an EV manufacturer; it symbolizes a contentious debate in an increasingly divided climate. It is evident that discussions surrounding Tesla and Musk are unlikely to simmer down anytime soon.