A recent study, the Electric Vehicle Intelligence Report (EVIR), reveals a concerning trend for Tesla: its brand perception is declining among Democrats, Republicans, and Independents alike. This decline spans across the political spectrum, indicating a broad dissatisfaction that transcends traditional partisan lines. The study, which surveyed 8,000 U.S. respondents, highlights that both the company and its CEO, Elon Musk, are experiencing a downturn in public opinion, with “no clear recovery in sight.” This negative shift in brand perception is particularly noteworthy given Tesla’s historical appeal to environmentally conscious, often left-leaning consumers.
| Segment | Brand Perception | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| Democrats | Negative | Declining |
| Republicans | Neutral to Negative | Declining |
| Independents | Negative | Declining |
Elon Musk’s increasing involvement in politics, particularly his alignment with far-right ideologies, appears to have backfired spectacularly. While it may have been intended to broaden Tesla’s appeal, the EVIR study suggests that it has instead alienated its original customer base without successfully attracting a significant number of conservative buyers. This shift is compounded by Musk’s public disputes, such as his disagreements with former President Trump over spending bills, which further complicate the company’s political standing. The data indicates that Musk’s political activities have made a substantial portion of consumers, especially Democrats and Independents, less likely to purchase Tesla vehicles. For example, 33% of all respondents indicated a decreased likelihood of buying a Tesla due to Musk’s political actions, with Democrats showing the highest negative impact at 54%.
| Segment | Impact of Musk’s DOGE Tenure | Likelihood of Tesla Purchase |
|---|---|---|
| Democrats | Negative | 54% Less Likely |
| Independents | Negative | 30% Less Likely |
| Republicans | Mixed | Majority Unchanged |
Beyond political affiliations, the study highlights significant consumer apprehension regarding Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology and Robotaxi service. There is broad support for increased transparency and accountability concerning the safety of FSD, with a majority of consumers favoring the use of radar and lidar technologies to enhance safety. This preference contrasts with Tesla’s current camera-only approach, which some AI scientists question. Furthermore, the survey reveals that most consumers are not inclined to allow their personal vehicles to be used as Robotaxis, indicating a lack of enthusiasm for Musk’s vision of a Tesla-driven ride-sharing network. Specifically, 55% of consumers stated they would never allow their vehicles to be used as Robotaxis, casting doubt on Tesla’s future business models that rely on widespread adoption of autonomous driving features.
| Concern | Consumer Sentiment | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| FSD Safety Transparency | Support for more transparency | High |
| Use of Radar/Lidar in FSD | Support for radar and lidar | 62% |
| Robotaxi Usage of Personal Vehicles | Not willing to allow | 55% |
