Tesla’s Shift in Public Perception: From Admiration to Distrust
Until a few months ago, Tesla was regarded as one of the most admired and innovative companies in the automotive industry, firmly securing its position among the preferred brands by consumers. The company’s stature was bolstered by its technological advancements and commitment to sustainability, showcasing a vision for the future of electric mobility .
However, a recent study indicates a radical change in public perception. Tesla has now become the most hated manufacturer of electric vehicles among consumers, explaining the 14% decline in vehicle deliveries during the second quarter of 2025, according to the company’s financial accounts.
It’s not just about the cars; it’s about the brand. This shift in consumer sentiment is largely tied to the growing frustration over Tesla’s unfulfilled promises regarding features like the Full Self-Driving (FSD) system, along with the political actions of CEO Elon Musk .
The study, called the ‘Electric Vehicle Intelligence Report’, surveyed more than 8,000 people during the spring and summer of 2025. The findings revealed that Tesla occupies the last position in popularity among 19 electric vehicle manufacturers . Alarmingly, 39% of respondents hold a negative opinion of the brand, significantly higher than competitors like General Motors, Kia, or Ford, each of which shared only 13% negative perception .
<img alt="Elon Musk works tirelessly, but his focus remains contentious" width="375" height="142" src="https://i.blogs.es/88830d/elon-musk-tesla/375_142.jpeg"/>Trust has eroded. The report indicates a continuing decline in Tesla’s brand reputation. Industry leader , Tesla faces serious challenges with consumers, evidenced by the lowest positive perception recorded to date (-13), the highest total percentage of distrust (48%) , and the lowest intensity of trust (-19) among all surveyed electric vehicle brands.
In this context, it becomes irrelevant whether Tesla introduces the best electric vehicle to the market if it cannot regain the trust of potential buyers.
Consumer interest is waning. The report reveals skepticism towards Tesla’s proposals, fueled by the over-promising and under-delivering ethos of Musk over the years. This has led to a disinterest in news related to the brand.
When participants were asked about Tesla’s new Robotaxi service being tested in Austin, most were unaware of it initially. After reviewing an article from The Wall Street Journal, 50% expressed rejection towards the service, while 53% raised concerns over its safety and reliability, especially following high-profile fatal accidents involving Autopilot that are currently the subject of legal scrutiny.
A turning point. According to the annual Axios Harris Poll 100, Tesla was recognized as the ninth most appreciated brand among Americans in 2021, retaining this status well into 2024. However, the company plummeted to 65 out of 100 after Musk openly supported Donald Trump ‘s candidacy, initiating a downward trend in the brand’s popularity.
Since then, Tesla’s reputation has continued to decline, with recent surveys placing it at 95 out of 100 . A similar downtrend has also been noted for SpaceX .
Stakeholder concerns grow. The report also examined opinions from Tesla shareholders, revealing that 61% believe Musk should refrain from political involvement and focus more on the company’s operations. Moreover, 51% of the surveyed shareholders wish Musk would dedicate more time to Tesla’s affairs.
In response to Musk’s political role, only 12% prefer his continued involvement in government activities, while 43% view his departure from Doge as a positive step for Tesla.
Image Credits: Flickr (Gage Skidmore), Unsplash (Dmitry Novikov)
While Tesla’s impact on the electric vehicle industry is undeniable, the brand now faces significant hurdles in restoring its image and winning back consumer trust. As customers express discontent over unmet expectations and Musk’s polarizing political activities, the company’s ability to innovate and reassure buyers will be pivotal in determining its future success.