After our children left home, my wife and I decided to treat ourselves to a new car for a driving holiday in Europe. We wanted to move away from our old family estate car and embrace a greener future. As a surprise, my wife booked a test drive for the Tesla Model S for my birthday. The experience was unlike anything I’d ever encountered – it felt like driving a computer on wheels that was constantly updating with new features.
Initially, I was thrilled with the purchase. The Tesla was quiet, spacious, and environmentally friendly. Tesla’s charging network proved to be wonderful, allowing us to drive across Europe without hassle. We visited Switzerland one year, Italy the next, and France the following summer. The car performed flawlessly, even accommodating five adults and their luggage after an airport pickup.
The Political Shift
My satisfaction with the vehicle remained until Elon Musk’s public persona began to shift. His adoption of right-wing positions, endorsement of Donald Trump for US president, and support for far-right parties in Germany and controversial figures like Tommy Robinson, horrified my wife and me. Suddenly, our choice of car became politicized in ways we never anticipated.
The Tesla owners’ community on Facebook, which had been a valuable resource, began to reflect this change. Members started expressing discomfort with owning a Tesla due to Musk’s extreme views. Some defended the company’s neutrality, while others mocked media outlets they perceived as biased. My daughter eventually made the case for selling our Tesla, but by then, prices had dropped significantly.
The Financial Trap
I now feel trapped with a depreciating asset. Recent conversations with friends revealed that my bicycle might be worth more than my Tesla. Potential buyers are waiting for prices to drop further. It’s a shame, as the car remains perfect for our lifestyle – cheap to run, easy to service, and with a convenient mobile repair service.
While I’d boycott Tesla if buying anew, we’re stuck with the current situation. For now, I’ll have to keep the car. The experience has made me realize that owning what was supposed to be a ‘green’ car has become unexpectedly complicated.
