Unveiling the Myths of Tesla: Fact vs Fiction

Tesla has taken the automotive industry by storm, revolutionising the electric vehicle (EV) market and challenging traditional automobile manufacturers. With its questionable designs, cutting-edge technology, and controversial leader Elon Musk, Tesla has become a subject of fascination and intrigue. However, like any popular phenomenon, Tesla has attracted its fair share of myths and misconceptions. In this special edition article, we will explore some common myths surrounding Tesla, present the opposing arguments, and separate fact from fiction.

Myth 1: Tesla vehicles are prone to catching fire.

One of the most persistent myths surrounding Tesla is that their electric vehicles are prone to catching fire. While there have been incidents of Tesla vehicles catching fire, statistical evidence suggests these are isolated and that they are no more likely to catch fire than traditional petrol-powered cars. In fact, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reported that the rate of fires per 1,000 vehicle years was similar for both electric and internal combustion engine vehicles.

Myth 2: Tesla's autopilot system is fully autonomous.

Tesla's Autopilot feature, often misunderstood, is an advanced driver-assistance system designed to enhance safety and convenience. However, it is not a fully autonomous driving system. Despite its advanced capabilities, Autopilot still requires driver supervision and interaction. Tesla drivers are explicitly advised to keep their hands on the steering wheel and remain alert while using Autopilot. Tesla is continuously working on improving its autonomous driving technology, but fully autonomous vehicles are not yet commercially available and won’t be for a number of years.

Myth 3: Tesla's electric vehicles are not environmentally friendly.

Some would argue that the manufacturing process and energy sources used to power Tesla vehicles outweigh the environmental benefits of driving an electric car. We have previously said it takes up to 20 years of driving to offset the carbon footprint of manufacturing. However, numerous studies have shown that, when considering the entire lifecycle, electric vehicles, including Tesla's, have a significantly lower carbon footprint compared to their petrol/gas counterparts. The production of batteries and other components may have an initial environmental impact, but over time, electric vehicles contribute to a cleaner environment, especially when charged with renewable energy sources. There is a separate question however on how often the car industry and government would like us to upgrade our cars, which may defeat the purpose of being more environmentally friendly.

Myth 4: Tesla's success is solely due to government subsidies.

Another common myth is that Tesla owes its success solely to government subsidies and incentives. While it is true that Tesla has received government support in the form of tax credits and grants, it is important to recognise that many other factors contribute to Tesla's achievements, Tesla is the leader in the EV market with 50% of the market share.

Myth 5: Tesla's batteries degrade quickly.

There is a misconception that Tesla's battery technology degrades rapidly, resulting in limited lifespan and expensive replacements. In reality, Tesla's battery technology has been proven to be highly durable. The company provides warranties for its battery packs, typically covering eight years or more, with some models even offering unlimited mileage warranties. Tesla's battery management systems, combined with ongoing research and development, ensure that their vehicles maintain performance and longevity over time.

As with any popular company trying to do something different, Tesla has been the subject of various myths via viral videos and will likely continue to attract attention for all the wrong reasons. Mostly due to Elon’s own doing. However the facts say these are mostly misconceptions. Tesla isn’t as groundbreaking as it wants to be but they are doing some interesting things. While there may be valid concerns and areas for improvement, Tesla's achievements in electric vehicle technology and environmental sustainability are significant. The business and market perspective might be a different story, we’ll wait for our finance friends to unpack the share prices, still feels like a risky bet. From a sustainable perspective, they are solving a problem. From an automotive design perspective, absolutely hideous.