Tesla Owners Are Parting With Their Vehicles in Unprecedented Numbers Due to Musk's Political Stance | Carscoops

      There has been a notable increase in the number of Tesla trade-ins over the past year, likely driven by Elon Musk's controversial political engagement and association with the Trump administration.

      Recent reports indicate that a record number of Tesla owners are exchanging their vehicles for alternatives. The percentage of trade-ins has risen from 0.4% to 1.4% in just one year, with potential for further growth. Tesla owners have faced criticism and hostility following Musk’s rise to prominence.

      Data suggests that many Tesla owners are expressing their dissatisfaction with Musk’s political actions, leading to an increase in trade-ins. According to Edmunds data, Reuters reports that “Tesla cars from the 2017 model year and newer accounted for 1.4% of all vehicles traded in until March 15,” up from 0.4% last year, indicating a substantial rise.

      CNBC highlighted that this represents a record number of Tesla trade-ins for vehicles from other brands. The reasons behind this increase are likely varied, including the emergence of new competitors in the electric vehicle market.

      There is little doubt that Musk’s close ties to President Trump and his role as a prominent figure in the government are influencing this trend. Singer Sheryl Crow famously parted ways with her Tesla, stating, “There comes a time when you have to decide who you are willing to align with.”

      Tesla dealerships have been making headlines due to various attacks on them, and U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi recently warned that those participating in domestic terrorism against Tesla properties could face criminal charges. In addition, Tesla owners have reported experiencing hate, with some being insulted or verbally assaulted, while others have faced more severe incidents, including vandalism such as keying or arson.

      Regardless of the reasons for this trend, Jessica Caldwell from Edmunds mentioned that the shift in “Tesla consumer sentiment could present an opportunity for established automakers and new EV startups to gain market share.” Essentially, those disillusioned with Musk may seek to replace their EVs with models from competitors, which could benefit them while posing challenges for Tesla, particularly as its sales figures are not particularly strong at the moment.