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Elon Musk Is So Unpopular, He May Be Hurting the Entire EV Industry
A recent study published in Nature reveals that Elon Musk’s increasingly controversial reputation among U.S. liberals has become so polarizing that it is now turning some away not just from Tesla, but from electric vehicles (EVs) altogether.
According to the research, starting in November 2023 and continuing through March 2025, participants were asked whether they would consider purchasing either a Tesla or an unspecified EV. The study found that liberals are showing declining intentions to purchase Teslas compared to other electric vehicles, with this effect being linked to negative perceptions of Musk, particularly following his shift towards more conservative public views.
It is essential to note that the data suggests conservatives still show little interest in EVs, which means there aren’t enough new buyers to offset the loss of liberal support. Moreover, Tesla recently reported a staggering 13% year-over-year sales drop in the second quarter, and it has even stopped taking new orders for its Model S and Model X vehicles in Europe.
The study highlights that this “Tesla backlash effect,” combined with conservatives’ consistent disinterest in EVs, could damage not just Musk’s brand but the entire electric vehicle industry.
Source: gizmodo.com
