When it comes to choosing their next electric car, Brits are increasingly looking toward Chinese brands rather than Tesla, according to a new survey by Electrifying.com. The reason? Elon Musk.
The website surveyed 1,000 people earlier this month, including current EV owners and those planning to buy one. The results revealed that 59% in both groups are put off by Tesla due to the controversial behavior of its CEO.
At the same time, Chinese brands are gaining traction. Among EV owners, 61% said they’d happily opt for a car from a Chinese manufacturer, and 56% of potential buyers said the same.
This survey came out as Musk was making headlines for a controversial gesture during Donald Trump’s inauguration. Meanwhile, Chinese automaker BYD overtook Tesla last year to become the world’s top EV seller by volume.
Ginny Buckley, founder of Electrifying.com, highlighted the shifting consumer attitudes: "Our research reveals a major shift in consumer perceptions.
"Tesla has played a pivotal role in accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles, but our findings show that Elon Musk’s personal involvement in Tesla’s brand appears to be polarising, pushing many buyers to look elsewhere."
She also noted how competitive the EV market has become: "Consumers now have more choice than ever, with cutting-edge technology, better pricing, and new players transforming the game."
"Despite the strength of its model lineup Tesla’s dominance is no longer a given and, as our findings reveal, its founder might now be doing more harm than good to the brand."
Andy Palmer, founder of Palmer Energy, agreed, adding: “The Electrifying.com research is timely and shows just how influential Chinese brands are becoming. They are affordable and good quality. Not perfect, but do offer consumer choice at the right price point.
"On the matter of drivers turning away from Tesla due to the actions of its CEO, it is yet to be proven yet it does show that people have enough choice now to comfortably switch if they choose."
With the EV market moving faster than ever, it seems Tesla’s days as the go-to choice for electric cars may be numbered.
