“Sell Your Tesla!” – For What?

By Edward A. Sanchez — April 8, 2025

Elon Musk’s involvement in the tongue-and-cheek named “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE) and the resultant abrupt and sometimes chaotic decisions about funding and operation of various federal agencies has resulted in a not-unexpected backlash against Musk, and by extension, Tesla. The narrative on social media and blog platforms from progressive activists is to sell your Tesla stock, and sell your Tesla car, if you own one.

I will counter with, “I would if I had better choices.” I can hear the objections already – “What are you talking about? There’s the Mustang Mach-E, the Ioniq 5, the Equinox EV, etc. There are plenty of choices!” The vehicles I mentioned are indeed fine automobiles. I have sometimes recommended them to friends considering an EV, and particularly ones that steadfastly refuse to buy a Tesla, for whatever reason.

But the true alternatives to Tesla, at least those available in the U.S. are much fewer. By that, I mean factory-direct, EV-native brands and companies. By that measure, there are only two others: Rivian and Lucid. I admire both companies, their engineering, and their management, by and large. I like their cars as well. The only problem is, neither of them currently have attainable (sub-$50,000) models.

To be fair, both companies have models in the pipeline that are aimed at the heart of the mass-market, for Rivian with the R2 and R3 (the one I’d most like to see), and Lucid with its yet-to-be-named (officially) mid-size crossover (although many are expecting it to be “Earth.”)

Some might say I’m being too picky by limiting myself to EV-native brands sold exclusively factory-direct. Maybe. But I have yet to experience a franchise dealer sales and service experience that wows me with customer service, respect, and honesty. My experience with Tesla, in contrast, was a model of straightforwardness, efficiency, and professionalism. I have heard various stories, and as with all experiences, your mileage may vary.

In terms of the user experience, and a true “software-defined-vehicle,” no other brand sold in the U.S. can come close to Tesla. Although there have certainly been some substantial hardware updates to the Model 3 since I bought mine in 2019, regular software updates have kept mine feeling showroom-fresh throughout my ownership experience.

I am eagerly rooting for Rivian and Lucid, as well as the other legacy OEMs that are making an earnest effort at building a competitive, compelling EV. Maybe my wishes and expectations are unreasonably demanding. But I don’t feel compelled to sell my car simply to virtue-signal, or to placate fringe activists. Musk’s antics and statements aside, Tesla (the brand) has objectively earned my business and loyalty as a customer. For another company to entice me away, it will take a similar or superior level of value, sophistication, and customer service.

(Image courtesy Tesla)