A new survey reveals that Elon Musk’s behavior is driving U.K. consumers away from Tesla, respondents also indicated they would consider purchasing a Chinese-made electric vehicle.
The Survey:
Electric vehicle advice platform Electrifying.com conducted a poll of 1,000 participants, including current EV owners and prospective buyers.
The results revealed that 59% of respondents, both existing EV owners and potential buyers, were discouraged from choosing Tesla due to Elon Musk’s influence. Additionally, 61% of current EV owners and 56% of prospective buyers expressed openness to purchasing EVs from Chinese manufacturers, according to a report by Car Dealer Magazine.
What They’re Saying:
Ginny Buckley of Electrifying.com highlighted the findings:
“Our research reveals a major shift in consumer perceptions. Tesla has been instrumental in driving the adoption of electric vehicles, but our findings indicate that Elon Musk’s personal involvement with the brand is polarizing, prompting many buyers to explore alternatives.”
She added:
“Our research underscores how competitive and fast-evolving the EV market has become. Consumers now enjoy a wider range of options, with cutting-edge technology, competitive pricing, and new entrants reshaping the landscape. While Tesla’s model lineup remains strong, its dominance is no longer assured, and, as our findings show, its founder might be doing more harm than good to the brand.”
Former Aston Martin CEO Andy Palmer also weighed in:
“The Electrifying.com research is timely and highlights the growing influence of Chinese brands. They offer affordability and good quality. While not perfect, they provide consumers with viable options at competitive price points. As for the suggestion that Tesla is losing drivers due to its CEO’s behavior, it remains to be fully proven. However, the research shows that consumers now have enough choices to switch brands if they wish.”
