'I sold my Tesla in protest against Elon Musk'

"When Elon Musk started interfering with global politics, I started getting uncomfortable with that and I didn't want to be associated with his brand," says former Tesla car owner Jonathan Coupland.

The 50-year-old said he was uncomfortable owning his old car because of the Tesla's CEO's "influence" in politics, his relationship with US President Donald Trump and his ownership of social media site X.

Mr Coupland, from Wollaton in Nottingham, believes Musk has "way too much influence on the political stage without being elected", and has now swapped his Tesla for an electric Cupra.

The BBC has contacted Tesla and the White House for comment, but neither have responded.

Demonstrators in the US have targeted Tesla showrooms in recent weeks in protest against Musk's cutting government spending through his Department of Government Efficiency (Doge), which despite its name is an advisory board, not an official government department.

Musk has instigated sweeping cuts to the federal workforce, cancelled international aid programmes, and voiced support for far-right politics.

Organisers behind the "Tesla takedown" protests said on social media that the demonstrations were peaceful, but a few have been destructive with fires intentionally set at Tesla showrooms and charging stations in Colorado and Massachusetts last week.

In response to recent protesters, Trump said they were "harming a great American company", and anyone using violence against the electric car maker would "go through hell".

Musk has responded to the protests by sharing a video on X - the social media platform he owns - saying: "Heartfelt thanks to everyone supporting Tesla, despite many attacks against our stores and offices."

After "happily" owning his Tesla for more than three years, Mr Coupland said he had a "complete turnaround" when Musk started campaigning with Trump ahead of the US election.

"I wouldn't say I am politically active but with this, I thought I can make a stand, albeit a very small one," said Mr Coupland.

"In September I was about to order another Tesla because it was easy to drive but I'd rather not own one and buy into Tesla, which all goes back to Elon Musk."

Speaking to the BBC, Mr Coupland said: "It's a personal choice but I thought I'd vote with my feet."

He said he felt his "small" change was having an impact on Musk's company, with Tesla's share price and sales figures falling in 2025.

Sales in Europe have fallen sharply this year. Across the continent, they were down 45% in January compared to the same month in 2024, according to the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA).

Now opting for a new vehicle, Mr Coupland said: "It's a personal choice, so you can count me as someone not being a part of X or Tesla.

"Having been an electric vehicle (EV) owner for over three years, I'm sure I'll be happy with my new car."

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