Dear Editor:
The actions of Tesla CEO Elon Musk have infuriated many people globally, resulting in product boycotts, demonstrations and vandalism. I wanted to share a few perspectives on this from someone who has been a Tesla customer since 2019.
First, I am as infuriated by his actions as anyone. His comment that “Canada is not a real country” and his continued focus of cutting U.S. government services like they were a poorly performing business unit, with a total disregard to the lives impacted and lost from these actions, is quite appalling.
His government role and support to the Trump administration is such a blatant conflict of interest for someone who maintains his role of CEO to companies that will benefit from many of his actions makes me realize that he has a significant lack of integrity and business ethics.
People are rightly angered by all of this. I support the peaceful demonstrations and decisions not to buy his products. There are now many other non-Tesla products on the market as good if not better and built by companies with far better business ethics.
However, along with the various boycotts and demonstrations, there are also calls for current Tesla owners to “sell their cars” and some are vandalizing Tesla vehicles. These actions are misdirected.
If I sell my car, which is depreciating in value by every hour Musk stays in his multi-dimensional roles, someone else will buy it and it will still be on the road and I will be “punished” by taking a loss in value. No impact to Tesla or Musk – just me.
Worse yet is vandalizing currently owned vehicles to make some sort of statement against Tesla. This creates an insurance headache for the owner and even further reduces the vehicle’s resale value.
I bought my original Tesla back in 2019 due to its industry-leading technology, safety and zero emissions benefit to the environment. I still believe more of us need to reduce carbon emissions that are linked to climate change. Electric vehicles, rooftop solar and other clean energy options will all help. And electrification is local. Electric energy is generated and distributed in Canada by Canadians.
Targeting current Tesla owners/drivers and their vehicles will not impact Tesla. Sure, demonstrate and convince people that now is not the time to be supporting Tesla through new purchases. That action has a direct impact on Tesla’s bottom line.
I have personally found what I believe is a better EV and I am planning to trade my current Tesla for it. But please leave current Tesla drivers and their vehicles alone. We are doing something positive for our planet and most of us are on your side!
Dale Clarke,
Fergus