Tesla is one of the most innovative companies of the modern era and has grown a massive fanbase among enthusiasts and investors. However, the brand has always been shadowed by some controversy. These so-called Tesla ‘haters’ are vocal in their criticism of the company, and its founder Elon Musk. These haters seem to make an appearance almost anywhere, from in-person Tesla events to social media platforms.
From accusations of poor build quality in the Tesla vehicles to concerns over the company’s financial health, the Tesla haters will have a negative input at any area of the brand, or its founder. Despite the noise generated by Tesla critics, the company has achieved remarkable success in a very short period of time. Tesla has disrupted the traditional automotive industry with its innovative technologies and is also one of the major pioneers in autonomous vehicles. The founder, Elon Musk, has dipped his toes in many industries and shown great success, from space flight to a new vision of commuting, with SpaceX and The Boring Company. It is easy to assume these haters come with a slight resentment towards Elon.
1 Tesla’s Poor Build Quality
There are many cases where Tesla owners have reported experiencing various issues with their cars, such as faulty paint jobs, misaligned body panels, and other quality control problems. Some have criticized Tesla's build quality, claiming that the company's emphasis on innovation and technology may have come at the expense of attention to detail and quality control. Despite these reservations, it is worth noting that Tesla has received high marks from many customers and industry experts for the overall quality and dependability of its vehicles. In addition to this, Tesla representatives have come forward to demonstrate its commitment to improving its build quality, with ongoing efforts to address customer concerns and review the manufacturing process.
2 Autopilot Is Causing Accidents
Tesla Autopilot is a significant milestone in the automotive industry because it provides drivers with the convenience of hands-free driving. However, there have been reports of Tesla getting into accidents involving the autonomous system. While the technology is intended to help drivers and reduce the risk of accidents, it is not perfect, and drivers must remain cautious. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has investigated several incidents involving Tesla Autopilot, including some fatalities. Despite Tesla's claims that the technology is safer than human drivers, concerns have been raised about its dependability and limitations. Some critics argue that the system is overly reliant on cameras and sensors, which can be influenced by weather, road markings, and other factors. Tesla has responded to these concerns by updating its Autopilot software and improving safety features. The company has also emphasized the importance of driver responsibility and the need to remain alert and attentive while using Autopilot.
3 Battery Replacement Is Expensive
One aspect of owning a Tesla that has raised concerns among some owners is the cost of battery replacement. While Tesla batteries are designed to last for hundreds of thousands of miles, they are not indestructible and may need to be replaced at some point. The Tesla Model Y can last around 300,000 miles with the standard model, and an impressive 500,000 miles with the long-range version. The cost of a Tesla battery replacement can vary depending on the model and the age of the vehicle. For example, the cost of replacing the battery in a Model S can range from $13,000 to $20,000. It is important to note, however, that this price includes not only the battery pack but also the labor required to install it. Despite the high cost of battery replacement, Tesla owners may still consider it a worthwhile investment for a variety of reasons. For one thing, a new battery can significantly increase a Tesla's lifespan, potentially saving owners money in the long run. Furthermore, other factors such as tax breaks and fuel savings may offset the cost of battery replacement.
4 Teslas Hate Cold Weather
It is no secret that cold weather can be a challenge for Tesla owners. While electric cars are often considered ideal for cold climates, Tesla has struggled to maintain consistent performance in freezing temperatures. One of the main reasons Tesla's battery performance suffers in cold weather is that batteries are less efficient at low temperatures. This means that the car's range decreases, making long-distance travel more difficult. Furthermore, cold temperatures can affect the charging speed of the vehicle, adding to Tesla owners' frustration. Despite these obstacles, Tesla has made efforts to improve its cold-weather performance. In recent years, the company has released updates that allow the battery to warm up more efficiently, potentially improving performance.
5 Limited Choice When Buying A Tesla
When you visit the Tesla site, you'll notice that the choice of purchasing a vehicle resembled the process of buying a smartphone. It is simple and quick, and this has sparked critics to mock the company. the limited choice when buying a Tesla is that the company has a relatively small product line-up. Unlike traditional automakers who offer dozens of different models and configurations, Tesla currently only offers a few different models, with limited options for customization. Additionally, Tesla's direct-to-consumer sales model means that customers do not have the same level of dealership options as they would when buying a traditional car. This can limit customers' ability to negotiate on pricing or have the same level of support when it comes to servicing its vehicle.
6 Waiting Times At Superchargers
With the growing popularity of Tesla vehicles, the supercharger network has become an essential feature of owners' day-to-day activities, they provide a fast and convenient method of charging, beneficial for long-distance commutes. However, as more drivers switch to electric cars, the demand for Superchargers has increased, leading to longer waiting times at some stations. Tesla has been committed to expanding the Supercharger network because of this. In addition, Tesla has implemented a trip planner that helps drivers avoid congested Superchargers and directs them to less busy stations. Despite these efforts, long waiting times can still occur during peak travel times, especially at popular tourist destinations and major highways. Tesla owners have also reported instances of inconsiderate behavior by other drivers, such as leaving their vehicles parked at charging stalls after they have finished charging.
7 Hardware Can't Keep Up With Software
Software is a huge part of the Tesla systems and regular updates are required to fix bugs and implement new features onboard a Tesla vehicle. The issue arises as the company continues to innovate and add new software capabilities, some have raised concerns about whether their hardware can keep up. For example, some Tesla vehicles may not have the necessary hardware to support certain software upgrades, leading to frustration among some Tesla owners. Additionally, as new hardware features are introduced, older vehicles may not be able to take advantage of them. This is also seen in Tesla offering an option purchase to performance, which is a one-time software purchase to increase the 0-60, this is something which has sparked critics as they are seemingly enraged about this being a software limitation in the vehicle.
8 Teslas Are Over-Priced
The debate over whether Tesla's vehicles are overpriced has been ongoing for years. While some argue that the technology and innovation packed into each vehicle justifies the cost, others believe that Tesla is charging too much for what is essentially a luxury car. One argument against Tesla's pricing is that its vehicles are often out of reach for the average consumer. For example, the base Tesla Model S, starts at around $90,000, which is simply too expensive for many people. Additionally, the cost of repairs and maintenance can be exorbitant, further limiting access to these vehicles. However, supporters of Tesla argue that the cost is justified due to the advanced technology and environmental friendliness of the vehicles. The company's commitment to renewable energy and lowering carbon emissions is admirable, and its vehicles are undeniably innovative and cutting-edge. This has changed in the recent past, though.
9 Tires Don’t Last Long, And You Don’t Have An Spare
Another common complaint among owners or critics is Tesla tires have a limited lifespan, compared to competitors. Tesla's high-performance electric vehicles are known for their quick acceleration and responsive handling, which puts more stress on the tires, causing them to wear out faster than traditional gasoline-powered cars. To make matters worse, Tesla vehicles don't come with spare tires. Instead, they are equipped with a tire repair kit, which is designed to temporarily seal punctures, but it's not always a reliable solution. This has left some Tesla drivers feeling vulnerable and uneasy, especially when driving in remote areas or during inclement weather.
10 They Hate The Founder, Elon Musk
Elon Musk has generated a lot of buzz in recent years, both positive and negative. While many admire Musk's innovative approach to sustainable transportation and renewable energy, others have been critical of his sometimes-controversial behavior and statements. Critics of Tesla often take issue with Musk's personality, which they see as brash and egotistical. They also point to his tendency to make bold claims about Tesla's capabilities and future plans, which some see as unrealistic and overhyped. Despite this criticism, it's important to note that Tesla's success is not solely dependent on Musk. The company's innovative electric vehicles and sustainable energy solutions have earned it a loyal fan base and garnered recognition from industry experts and environmental advocates.