Some Tesla owners in B.C. embarrassed by company's CEO amid charged political climate
Vancouver police say they're investigating a case of vandalism at a Tesla dealership
Bob Porter has been driving electric vehicles for more than a decade out of a desire to go green.
He purchased a Tesla Model 3 nearly seven years ago because, he said, the company's technology was more advanced than other EVs on the market at the time.
Lately, however, he feels like there's a target on his back, as many have grown frustrated by Tesla CEO Elon Musk's involvement with the U.S. government.
"You are conscious that you're driving a Tesla and people see you, and you do worry about, will there be any repercussions?" he said.
Porter, president of the Vancouver Electric Vehicle Association (VEVA), said he wants people to know that getting behind the wheel of a Tesla isn't a political statement for most drivers.
He says many VEVA members are put off by Musk's divisive actions as a high-level adviser to U.S. President Donald Trump.
"Emotions are running high so, of course, people are looking at Tesla owners like we are all part of his club, and it's not true," he said.
A bumper sticker on the back of Porter's Tesla reads, "I bought this before Elon went crazy."
Porter said he has more of the stickers and has given some away.
Vandalism at Tesla dealership under investigation
Vancouver police said Wednesday they were investigating a case of vandalism at a Tesla dealership, in which an obscene remark about Musk was spray-painted on an exterior wall overnight between Saturday and Sunday. A Reddit post showing the graffiti received thousands of votes of approval.
The remark had been scrubbed off the wall by Wednesday but could still be made out. Tesla staff members declined to comment. Vancouver Police Department spokesperson Tania Visintin said no arrests were made and the file is under investigation.
Tim Burrows, a board member of Electric Vehicle Society, a non-profit organization that advocates for electric mobility in Canada, said he expects a dip in Tesla sales because of anti-Musk sentiment.
"I know of at least one person personally who was preparing to purchase a Tesla … within the next month or two and who has since decided to go a different way," he said in a recent interview.
Auto industry analyst Joe McCabe of AutoForecast Solutions said the company faces other significant headwinds, including rising prices, dwindling rebates, and increased competition.
"People have more selection in this space that they didn't have in the past and I think that Tesla's going to meet that head on," McCabe said.
Burrows said he is concerned that Musk's presence at Tesla, a major player in the EV industry, will end up setting back a transition to electric vehicles more generally.
"I think it's going to slow down EV adoption in Canada, and I think we're also seeing fewer purchase incentives in play, which we know has a significant impact. All of these things are creating some big headwinds for electrification."
With files from Jon Hernandez and The Canadian Press