Frustrated Tesla owner shares bizarre road encounters: 'Completely out of control'

A Tesla driver recently took to Reddit to share their frustration over the increasing negativity aimed at the electric car brand. The user posted on r/TeslaCanada, describing encounters with strangers who scolded them simply for driving a Tesla.

"Last week, someone approached me while I was sitting in my car and asked if I was ashamed of driving a Tesla," the driver wrote. "A couple of days ago, I discovered that someone had thrown a sticky substance on my trunk and rear window. I want to ask all the new Tesla criticswhy is this hostility directed at owners rather than the company itself?"

Tesla has faced a challenging period, largely due to concerns over its Full Self-Driving system and the controversial public statements of CEO Elon Musk. Analysts estimate that Musk's actions may have led to a loss of up to 1.26 million Tesla sales between October 2022 and April 2025.

In Canada, Tesla sales also took a hit after President Donald Trump implemented tariffs on Canadian goods, prompting Canada to respond with counter-tariffs, including a 25% levy on cars imported from the U.S. in April. Despite these setbacks, Tesla remains one of the most recognizable electric vehicle brands for those considering a transition from traditional cars.

However, recent controversies surrounding the company and Musk may deter potential buyers. As the Reddit poster highlighted, Tesla owners are often on the receiving end of public criticism, which could discourage people from purchasing electric vehicles. This is unfortunate because EVs offer major savings by avoiding gas and maintenance costs, and they emit significantly less pollution compared to conventional vehicles. Although battery production requires considerable energy, the overall carbon footprint of an EV remains far lower than that of internal combustion engines.

Fortunately, Tesla is not the only option for prospective EV owners. Many car manufacturers have been lowering prices and expanding their electric vehicle offerings, giving consumers more alternatives than ever before.

Reddit users responded with sympathy for the Tesla driver, offering suggestions to minimize further negative interactions. "Its extremely petty and completely uncalled for," one comment read. "Some people cannot separate the actions of a company from its owners." Another user recommended, "Consider putting stickers on your car indicating you dont support Elon. Ive seen them on Amazon for $4 each. This might reduce harassment or vandalism."

EV ownership remains an attractive option for many, offering financial savings and environmental benefits, even if specific brands face public scrutiny.

Author: Sophia Brooks