Tesla drivers are being targeted by vandals more commonly than other drivers, new figures suggest, as backlash against the brand and Elon Musk continues to rise.
According to new data, a staggering 44 per cent of Tesla owners have reported experiencing intentional damage to their vehicles.
Damages include seeing their bodywork keyed or even having their tyres slashed, with an average cost of $1,900 (£1,443) in repairs.
A further 54 per cent of owners said they had installed or enabled video surveillance specifically because of vandalism fears.
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Protesters have targeted Tesla vehicles recently in response to Elon Musk's political actions
GETTY/REUTERS
It comes as the brand deals with falling sales, with experts pointing the finger at Elon Musk for harming the electric vehicle manufacturer with reputational harm.
In the last year, CEO Elon Musk has increased his political activity, positioning himself alongside right-wing officials, including US President Donald Trump, and his work with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
However, his reach has gone far beyond the United States, with the billionaire placing his support behind Reform UK and Germany's Alternative für Deutschland.
The data, from US insurance group Guardian Service, reported that Tesla owners in the South of America were more than twice as likely to report vandalism than anywhere else in the US.
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LITTLETON FIRE DEPARTMENTThree in five said their insurance premiums had increased, with many seeing an average hike of $340 (£258), and fears that they will continue to rise this year.
A concerning 72 per cent believe they are more likely to have their cars targeted for vandalism than owners of other vehicles.
Guardian Service stated: "Electric vehicle ownership comes with undeniable perks, but Teslas, in particular, could come with some serious headaches.
"Tesla owners nationwide fear vandalism, rising insurance costs, and social stigma, affecting where they drive, who they trust, and how they feel about their cars.
A Tesla dealership in Belfast was targeted by protesters PA"As the auto market races toward electrification, the road for Tesla owners is proving more turbulent, costly, and emotionally charged than they ever expected."
Tesla sales have stagnated in recent months, with the electric vehicle brand selling just 512 cars in April, a huge 62 per cent drop compared to the same time last year.
It has sold almost 13,000 cars so far this year, with a market share worth 1.85 per cent. However, this is still 1.02 per cent down year-on-year.
Sales figures are even more stark in Europe. The brand sold just 885 cars in Germany last month, resulting in a staggering 60 per cent drop year-on-year.
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Deliveries of the upgraded Tesla Model Y will launch in the UK this June TESLAReuters reported that sales in Denmark fell 67.2 per cent in April, while France outlined a 59.4 per cent drop.
Analysts are hoping that deliveries of the refreshed Model Y will boost the brand's registration figures as drivers will get their hands on the new vehicle starting in June.
