I’m a car expert – 10 reasons why people hate Tesla and how much EVs really cost

ELECTRIC car experts have revealed ten reasons why drivers hate Tesla.

Experts at Topspeed claim that, while Tesla has been an amazing contributor to the EV industry, there is growing ill-feeling towards the brand, fuelled by numerous factors.

1

The hate towards Tesla due to Elon Musk

While Elon has a large following of dedicated fans, he also comes under fire from a significant number of critics.

The problem with this is that Musk’s actions and statements can significantly impact the public perception of Tesla. 

This is particularly true when it comes to current and potential Tesla owners.

For example, a recent report by Business Insider highlighted that many Tesla owners are growing tired of Musk’s antics and are choosing to ditch their cars. 

Tesla models are pocket-burning expensive

Since Tesla has built a reputation for being one of the leading luxury vehicle manufacturers, owning a Tesla can put a dent in your bank balance. 

The base model of the Tesla Model 3 costs approximately £42,000, and that’s without adding any extras.

The high repair cost of Tesla EVs

There’s no denying that repairing a Tesla can be very expensive.

All repairs should be made through the company’s service centres or authorised suppliers, as they are the only ones with access to some parts needed for the repairs.

A history of buggy updates

Tesla’s over-the-air (OTA) software updates are pretty common -usually introducing cool new features and fixing problems without requiring a physical recall.

But in 2022, Tesla had to issue an official recall of 130,000 vehicles due to a CPU overheating problem – although an OTA software update again fixed most cars without needing a physical recall.

Performance drops when the temperature takes a dive

It’s common knowledge that EV range is impacted by cold weather and Tesla models are no exception.

For instance, a study of over 10,000 EVs found that all the models experienced some range loss in cold temperatures.

Topspeed claims the Volkswagen ID.4 and Ford Mustang Mach-E experienced a verified drop of 30%, with the Tesla Model S on 19% and the Model Y on 15%.

Tesla’s tyres wear out fast

Many Tesla owners have often pondered the question, “why are Tesla tyres so expensive?”

It’s primarily because Tesla tyres have to move the serious weight of the vehicle at high speeds, and of course the serious performance on offer.

Factors like quality, durability, tire size, thicker sidewalls, and even the tyre brand (Tesla mainly uses Michelin tyres) also contribute to the cost.

Tesla’s battery replacement is expensive

While owning an electric vehicle can be a positive step towards reducing one’s environmental impact and saving money, there are some challenges to consider, particularly when it comes to battery replacement costs.

It’s worth noting that battery degradation is a common issue with all EV vehicles and is not just limited to Tesla.

However, Tesla, in particular, has faced criticism for the high cost of replacing batteries in its EVs. 

Tesla’s Autopilot Problem Causing Car Crashes

Tesla’s obsession with self-driving technology is no secret – the company has invested heavily in its development and is constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.

But, as with any cutting-edge technology, there will be setbacks and challenges along the way.

Despite the impressive advancements Tesla has made in autonomous driving, the fact remains that Tesla’s autopilot feature has been involved in 273 reported crashes in just ten months – some of which have tragically resulted in loss of life.

Privacy concerns due to Tesla’s in-car cameras

Tesla’s rearview mirror camera, which is present in Model S, Model 3, and Model X (all manufactured in 2021 or later), captures video footage in case of an accident or when the automatic emergency braking (AEB) is activated.

However, according to some consumer reports, there is a concern that the recorded footage could be accessed by external sources or used by Tesla for purposes other than safety.

Tesla’s notoriously poor build quality

Despite Tesla’s reputation for cutting-edge technology and innovation, the company has consistently struggled with build quality issues in its electric vehicles. 

The Model 3, for example, has been criticised for many problems, including panel gaps, substandard paint quality, and questionable welding.

This comes after a Tesla owner has shockingly revealed five reasons why you shouldn’t buy one of the US electric cars.

Plus, an electric car expert has revealed the top five things he wishes he had known before buying a Tesla Model 3.