A group of Tesla customers in France have taken the company to court. They say that their cars, once seen as modern, clean, and eco-friendly, are now linked to extreme-right politics. These customers didn’t buy a political statement—they just wanted electric cars. But now they feel uncomfortable and even ashamed to be seen driving Teslas.
According to a legal firm representing these customers, around ten people with Tesla lease agreements have filed a lawsuit. They want to end their leases early and get back the money they spent on legal fees. The main reason? They feel they have suffered “direct and concrete” harm from how people now see Tesla cars.
The big problem, they say, is how Tesla’s image has changed in recent times. Because of the actions and public opinions of the person running Tesla, many people now associate the brand with extreme-right politics. These customers say they never agreed to be connected to any political side. They chose Teslas because they wanted smart, sustainable cars. But now they feel like the cars have become a negative symbol.
Complaints About Judgment and Public Humiliation
The lawsuit says that Tesla cars are no longer just vehicles—they’ve become political symbols. Some people even call them “totems” of far-right beliefs. For the French customers involved, this change has made it hard to enjoy using their cars.
Some Tesla owners in Europe say they’ve been mocked, judged, or even insulted by others. Others have reported that their Teslas were vandalized. There are also social media posts showing people calling the cars names like “swasti-car,” a term meant to compare them to hateful symbols of the past.
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To avoid these harsh reactions, some owners have put stickers on their cars that say things like, “I bought this before everything changed.” These drivers want others to know they didn’t support any political ideas when they chose their cars. They just liked the technology and the promise of a cleaner environment.
The French lawyers handling the case said the situation was “unexpected and impossible” for these Tesla owners. They argue that the people who leased the cars had every right to expect a peaceful, enjoyable experience. Instead, they now face embarrassment and social discomfort just from driving their vehicles.
Falling Sales and Growing Anger Among Drivers
Tesla’s sales in the European Union have dropped sharply this year. One major reason, experts say, could be the company leader’s involvement in controversial politics. Recently, he was known for publicly supporting far-right political parties in Europe and for backing former political leaders in the U.S. who are connected to hard-right views. One of his gestures in public was even seen by some as offensive, drawing historical comparisons that made things worse.
These political positions have had a strong impact on how people view Tesla today. In the past, it was a brand connected to progress, clean energy, and innovation. Now, in the eyes of many, the meaning has changed. That shift has made many drivers deeply uncomfortable.
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In France, many Tesla leases last about four years, with the option to buy the car later. But for the people involved in the lawsuit, those four years now feel unbearable. They say their daily lives have been affected in a serious way, just because of what the cars now represent to others.
The law firm argues that the drivers did not sign up for this. They wanted an eco-friendly vehicle, not a controversial symbol. The team believes the carmaker should be responsible for this change in public image, especially since it affects how drivers are treated and how they feel in their own cars.
So far, the company has not replied to questions from journalists. The case is now in the hands of the Paris commercial court, where the final decision will be made. For now, the French Tesla customers involved are standing firm, saying they just want to move on from a situation they never expected to face.
