In recent months, a notable backlash against Elon Musk has sparked a Tesla boycott movement, compelling several Tesla owners and shareholders to reconsider their support for the brand. Some owners have even reported incidents of vandalism directed at their vehicles.

Business Insider engaged in candid conversations with four Tesla owners to delve into their feelings about owning the electric vehicles amidst the escalating campaign against the automaker. Their experiences reveal a spectrum of reactions; while one owner opted to return his newly purchased Cybertruck due to safety concerns for his children, the other three expressed their intention to retain their cars despite the growing anti-Tesla sentiment.

These stories have been derived from comprehensive interviews conducted with verified Tesla owners, whose identities and vehicle ownership have been confirmed by Business Insider. The following narratives have been edited for clarity and brevity.

A Cautionary Tale: Father Returns Cybertruck Over Bullying Fears

Ben Baker, a Tesla enthusiast residing in Sacramento, California, made headlines when he chose to return his Cybertruck after his daughter expressed fears of being bullied because of the vehicle. Baker describes himself as a technology aficionado and relished the prospect of owning a Cybertruck. I think Cybertrucks are incredibly fun to drive; theyre spacious, and I was excited to embrace the future of driving, he shared.

However, his excitement was dampened shortly after purchasing the vehicle. After a series of incidents where his Tesla Model Y was vandalized, he encountered hostility while driving the Cybertruck. During a family outing to Starbucks, he faced ridicule from passersby, one of whom hurled an accusation, calling him a 'Nazi' simply for driving the truck. This incident was alarming enough that it prompted his daughter to voice concerns over potential bullying at school, leading Baker to conclude, Im a father, and I have to prioritize my childrens safety over my desire for the vehicle.

Ultimately, Baker returned the Cybertruck to Tesla, who facilitated the process seamlessly. He expressed disappointment at the need to make such a choice, stating, People should have the right to protest; however, that right must not infringe upon the safety and well-being of others.

Shareholder Disillusionment: A Negative Shift in Affiliation

In St. Louis, Missouri, John VonBokel, a 45-year-old Tesla owner and former shareholder, articulated a growing disconnection from the company. Having owned hundreds of Tesla shares until recently, he made the difficult decision to sell them out of financial prudence. I felt the stock was overvalued, especially after the election when the market surged without clear justification related to the company's fundamentals, he explained.

VonBokel admitted that while he has appreciated Tesla as a brand, he no longer aligns with its leadership or values, particularly in light of Elon Musks controversial political actions. It feels uncomfortable to no longer resonate with a brand I once admired. I drive my Tesla daily and have yet to experience any vandalism, but Im hesitant to support the company moving forward, he remarked. He acknowledged the irony in the growing negative sentiment surrounding the brand he once admired.

Positive Experiences Amid Negative Reactions

Across the pond in the UK, Mitchell Feldman, a proud Tesla owner, shared a contrasting perspective. He purchased his Tesla Model Y in 2022, drawn in by its technological prowess and safety features. Despite facing a negative encounter in a parking lot, where a bystander confronted him over his support for Musk, Feldman remains unfazed by the backlash against the brand. Im proud of my choice and will continue to support a company that embodies innovation, he stated firmly.

Feldman expressed his admiration for Musks visionary work across various industries, insisting that while he understands the political implications, he will not be dissuaded from his preferences. I believe everyone is entitled to their opinion, but I prioritize my personal choices over public sentiment, he added.

The Unseen Struggles of Tesla Ownership

Michele Pierog, a 57-year-old Tesla owner from New Hampshire, highlighted a personal transformation after acquiring her Tesla Model Y in 2023. Initially indifferent to the political controversies surrounding Tesla and its CEO, she has become increasingly aware of the aggressive sentiments directed toward Tesla drivers. I didnt think much of the protests or the backlash until it was brought to my attention by a friend, she recalled.

Pierog expressed her disappointment over the growing animosity, stating, It's disheartening to think that my vehicle choice could potentially jeopardize my safety on the road. Despite her worries, she remains committed to her car, emphasizing, Driving a Tesla doesnt imply that I endorse Elon Musks politics. I believe assumptions about a persons beliefs based solely on their vehicle are misguided.

The stories of these Tesla owners illustrate the complex landscape surrounding electric vehicle ownership amid political and social turbulence. As the anti-Tesla movement gains traction, the experiences shared by individuals reflect broader societal tensions, prompting a re-evaluation of choices for many Tesla drivers.