The dynamics of car reviews often present a unique challenge for reviewers. Car dealers typically limit test drives to an hour, which is insufficient for a comprehensive review. While reviewers would love to purchase every car they test, the economics of digital media make this impractical. As a result, reviewers often rely on manufacturer-provided loaners, with full disclosure about this arrangement.
However, Tesla operates differently from other automakers. Instead of having a dedicated press team to handle media inquiries and provide loaners, Tesla only offers a generic press email address. This lack of direct communication makes it challenging for reviewers to access Tesla vehicles for testing. In the past, certain members of the media had access to Tesla cars, but since CEO Elon Musk dissolved the press team, this avenue is no longer available.
While Tesla does provide cars to influencers and select media outlets in Europe, the company remains largely unresponsive to media requests in the US. This lack of communication hinders in-depth reporting on Tesla’s products and updates. Without access to test vehicles, reviewers struggle to provide accurate and timely information to readers.
The absence of direct communication with Tesla also contributes to misinformation about the company. With no official channels for clarification, inaccurate claims about Tesla can proliferate unchecked. Furthermore, the few individuals who do have access to Tesla cars for review may not always provide objective or critical assessments.
To address the challenge of testing Tesla vehicles, some reviewers turn to alternative options such as borrowing cars from readers or using rental platforms like Turo. Turo allows reviewers to rent specific cars from private owners, providing an opportunity to critique the vehicles without bias. While this approach may involve additional costs and logistical challenges, it offers a more independent and transparent way to evaluate Tesla cars.
Overall, the unique approach taken by Tesla in handling media inquiries presents a challenge for reviewers seeking to provide unbiased and thorough assessments of the company’s products. By exploring alternative methods of accessing Tesla vehicles, reviewers can maintain integrity and transparency in their evaluations.