A new study indicates that 44 percent of Tesla owners have encountered vandalism.
The average cost of repairing vandalized Teslas was estimated at approximately $1,900.
66% of owners feel anxious about leaving their cars unattended in public spaces.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk stands as one of the most controversial figures in America, and this has sparked massive protests. Dealerships have been shot at, and protests have become a common sight.
Tesla owners and their cars have also become targets of attacks, and now we can gauge how widespread this phenomenon is. According to the new study, 44% of owners reported that their car had been intentionally damaged.
This includes everything from scratches to punctured tires. The average repair cost was reportedly around $1,900, and 25% of respondents said they caught someone damaging their car on video.
These are very high numbers, but it’s important to note that this was a small study among 508 Tesla owners conducted by [company name]. With this clarification, it appears that Tesla electric cars in the southern United States are the most susceptible to vandalism.
43% of owners report receiving “rude gestures or negative comments from strangers,” and 72% believe they are more likely to be targeted by vandalism than other drivers. The study also found that 66% of Tesla owners feel anxious about leaving their cars unattended.
Since vandalism is a common occurrence, it’s not surprising that 61% of owners said their [premiums/insurance rates] have increased, reportedly averaging $340 per year. This is a significant jump, and 53% of owners expect further increases this year.
With some Tesla owners living in fear, it’s unsurprising to learn that 19% of customers regret their purchase. Additionally, 30% of owners said they would not buy a Tesla again. The study showed that millennials are the most likely to have buyer’s remorse, though 37% of Gen Z owners said they are considering selling or trading their Tesla within the next year.
Despite everything, the company still has its supporters, and the majority of owners (66%) would recommend Tesla to their friends. However, 37% of owners reportedly “avoid posting about their car on social media due to fear of criticism or judgment.”