Tesla’s brand perception and support are on a downward spiral, cutting across party lines, as revealed by a recent study. The company, once favored by left-leaning liberals, took a hit when CEO Elon Musk ventured into far-right politics, aligning himself with President Trump and the MAGA voter base. Surprisingly, Tesla failed to attract a significant number of conservative customers to offset the loss of its liberal fan base.
According to the Electric Vehicle Intelligence Report, Tesla’s reputation has taken a hit among Democrats, Republicans, and Independents, with no signs of improvement in sight. The study, based on feedback from 8,000 respondents in the U.S., highlights a decline in both Musk’s and Tesla’s perception across political affiliations.
Tesla’s sales have also seen a decline for the second consecutive quarter, dropping by 13.4% in the April-June period. This decline comes amidst the company’s shift towards AI and robotics, signaling a challenging period for the electric car manufacturer.
Musk’s involvement in Trump’s reelection campaign and subsequent cost-cutting efforts have further alienated consumers. The nationwide “Tesla Takedown” protests and Musk’s public feud with Trump over government spending have negatively impacted the brand’s image.
Despite Musk’s advocacy for clean energy, consumers remain skeptical about Tesla’s future, especially with the rollout of its Robotaxi in Austin, Texas. The study shows strong support for increased transparency regarding the safety of Tesla’s Full-Self Driving (FSD) software, which powers the Robotaxi and the company’s passenger vehicles.
Additionally, consumers across party lines express a desire for Tesla to incorporate radar and lidar technologies in its Robotaxi for enhanced safety. Tesla’s reliance on cameras and AI for autonomous driving raises concerns among consumers, especially when competitors like Waymo use advanced sensors like lidar.
The survey also reveals mixed feelings about allowing personal vehicles to be used as Robotaxis in the future. While Musk envisions Tesla owners earning money by sharing their EVs as Robotaxis, a majority of consumers remain hesitant about this prospect.
Overall, Tesla’s brand perception has suffered a blow, with consumers calling for greater accountability and transparency from the company. As Tesla navigates these challenges, it remains to be seen how the company will address consumer concerns and regain trust across party lines.