Are drivers ditching Teslas? Edmunds reveals findings

(NEXSTAR) – Edmunds, a popular online automotive resource, says its data shows a “potential shift” in buyers’ feelings toward Tesla vehicles — based partly on a record-high number of Tesla trade-ins.

The Tesla brand has become a target of criticism by critics of CEO Elon Musk, who is now also an advisor to President Donald Trump and a key figure at the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which has taken controversial actions to slash government spending.

Musk critics have organized dozens of peaceful demonstrations at Tesla dealerships and factories across North America and Europe. But some dealerships and vehicles have also been vandalized — acts which Attorney General Pam Bondi has labeled “domestic terrorism.”

Some Tesla owners, including U.S. Senator Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) who feuded with Musk, have also vowed to get rid of their vehicles. Celebrities including Jason Bateman and Sheryl Crow have done the same thing.

Activists in the San Francisco Bay Area have also hung fliers urging residents to get rid of their “swasticars,” an apparent reference to accusations that Musk attempted to perform Nazi salutes at Trump’s second inauguration in January.

“We can get back at Elon,” a protestor outside a Tesla dealership in Boston told the Associated Press earlier this month. “We can impose direct economic damage on Tesla by showing up at showrooms everywhere and boycotting Tesla and telling everyone else to get out, sell your stocks, sell your Teslas.”

tesla protest london — A protester poses for a photo with his placard outside the Tesla dealership in London on March 15, 2025. (Krisztian Elek/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

But are these boycotts having any effect?

Whatever the reason, Tesla trade-ins have reached an all-time high, Edmunds data shows. Specifically, Edmunds observed that Tesla vehicles (model years 2017 or newer) accounted for 1.4% of trade-ins toward non-Tesla cars in March 2025 — a percentage that represents a record high for Tesla. (For comparison, that percentage one year earlier in March 2024 was 0.4%.)

Shoppers aren’t seeking out new Teslas at the same rate they used to, either, at least according to Edmunds. The company’s data shows buyer consideration for new Tesla vehicles fell to 1.8% in February 2025 (the “lowest point since October 2022”) from a high of 3.3% in November 2024.

There has been no significant drop, however, in shoppers seeking out used Teslas. Prices have yet to fall significantly for the brand’s used vehicles, but Edmunds’ analysts are expecting that to change as a result of increased trade-ins.

Protests Against Elon Musk At Tesla Showrooms — Protesters demonstrate outside of a Tesla dealership in Seattle on Saturday, March 15, 2025. (David Ryder/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Jessica Caldwell, Edmunds’ head of insights, acknowledged that Musk’s political views and relationship to Trump may have alienated current Tesla owners, but believes many just can’t afford to sell off their cars for a new one.

“The reality is many consumers are not in a financial position to replace a newly purchased vehicle immediately — especially in today’s market, where used EVs face significant depreciation compared to their [internal combustion engine] counterparts,” Caldwell said.

One resident of Chicago told Nexstar’s WGN that he’s indeed considering selling his Tesla anyway, following an incident in which his car was vandalized with a swastika sticker and a sticker that said “Heil Elon.”

“If it comes down to it, I might have to [sell it],” Peter Katz told WGN. “It’s going to be at a loss because, now, the value of the car is going to go down because everyone is trying to get rid of them.”

But Katz, if he sells his car, is probably in the minority, Caldwell said.

“Unlike switching smartphone brands or streaming services, replacing a car is a major financial decision, and even the most disillusioned Tesla owners will likely hold onto their vehicles out of necessity,” Caldwell said.

Tesla’s stock prices, meanwhile, have struggled since popping in December 2024, losing almost half their value since that time. Trump has since held an event to tout Tesla’s vehicles at the White House, and current Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has urged Americans to buy Tesla stocks. Both actions have prompted ethics concerns and calls for investigations.

House Oversight and Government Reform Committee ranking member Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-Va.), in a letter to the acting general counsel for the Department of Commerce on Thursday, called Lutnick’s remarks a clear violation of the Standards of Conduct.

“This is just the latest example of the Trump Administration using taxpayer resources to enrich the President’s inner circle,” Connolly said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Topics

Tesla owners are trading in their EVs at record levels, Edmunds says

Data from Edmunds shows that Tesla owners have been trading in their vehicles at record levels since CEO Elon Musk joined Trump's White House.
CNBC - 1d
Mark Kelly touts new SUV after saying he was ditching Tesla

Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) touted his new vehicle on Sunday after he announced last week he would ditch his Tesla amid an ongoing back-and-forth with Elon Musk, the CEO of the electric vehicle ...
The Hill - 4d
Mark Kelly ditches his Tesla

Politico - Mar. 14
Mark Kelly ditches his Tesla

Politico - Mar. 14
Turmoil at Tesla continues as Musk tries to reassure employees

In an all-hands meeting for Tesla employees CEO Elon Musk implored those committing arson against Tesla to “stop being psycho.” A new report from Edmunds found “the highest ever share” of Tesla ...
NBC News - 17h
Sen. Mark Kelly ditching his Tesla: 'Built and designed by an a‑‑hole'

Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly (D) says he’s looking for a “new ride” and is going to get rid of his Tesla, which he says was “built and designed by an a‑‑hole.” “I’m here in Washington driving to work ...
The Hill - Mar. 14
Tesla owners are trading in their EVs at record levels, analysis shows

As Elon Musk wraps up his second month in the White House, Tesla owners are trading in their electric vehicles at record levels, according to an analysis by national car shopping site Edmunds.
NBC News - 1d
Tesla's China rival Zeekr to roll out advanced driver assistance-system for free

Chinese electric car company Zeekr is releasing advanced driver-assistance capabilities to its local customers for free as competition heats up.
CNBC - 4d
Tesla Got a Permit to Operate a Taxi Service in California—but There’s a Catch

The taxi service will initially operate with Tesla employee drivers only, use current-model vehicles, and won’t allow for driverless rides.
Wired - 3d
Democratic Senator Mark Kelly to let go of his Tesla over Musk’s federal cuts

Arizona senator had also clashed with billionaire over the latter’s ‘traitor’ jibe after Kelly posted about his Ukraine visit. The Arizona Democratic senator Mark Kelly announced he was ditching ...
The Guardian - Mar. 14
No evidence of coordinated vandalism of Teslas despite Musk and Trump claims

Law enforcement and extremism experts find no evidence of coordinated attacks on Teslas, despite claims from CEO Elon Musk and President Donald Trump.
NBC News - 21h
Niceville football reveals timeline on finding Thompson's successor

When does Niceville football expect to name Thompson's successor? We won't have to wait long.
Yahoo Sports - Mar. 14
Formula 1 driver Lando Norris reveals his racing strategy ahead of 2025 championship

NBC News' Sahil Kapur caught up with Lando Norris as he looks ahead to competing for the 2025 F1 championship. Norris discussed his strategy for the upcoming season, his favorite parts of competing ...
NBC News - Mar. 5
Tesla Competitor Reveals Electric Car That Can Charge in Five Minutes

Yahoo News - 3d
Whistleblower reveals oil giant's 'awful' pollution

Colombia’s Ecopetrol polluted hundreds of sites, including water sources and wetlands, the BBC finds.
BBC News - 2d
Supermarket guards, truck drivers and ‘very big mistakes’: the failed role of western mercenaries in the fall of Goma

An investigation into the DRC’s use of hundreds of hired Romanian fighters reveals how a disorganised operation with untrained recruits became a deadly ‘circus’. In January, after the two-year ...
The Guardian - Mar. 14
Delta Plane Crash Report Finds Jet Flipped in High Speed Landing

A preliminary report by Canadian authorities revealed new details about the final seconds before a Delta plane carrying 80 people crashed last month in Toronto.
The New York Times - 14h
When is NCAA bracket revealed? March Madness schedule, TV channel for Selection Sunday

College basketball teams will gather on Sunday to find out their respective postseason destinations. Here's what you need to know.
Yahoo Sports - 6d
Marriage triples risk of obesity in men – but not women, study reveals

Polish research also finds increased risk of both sexes being overweight if married. Marriage triples the risk of obesity for men, but does not affect women, according to research.. Global obesity ...
The Guardian - Mar. 12
NASCAR's penalty to Austin Cindric wasn't enough for some Cup drivers

Some NASCAR Cup drivers suggest Austin Cindric should have been suspended for hooking Ty Dillon at COTA.
Yahoo Sports - Mar. 8
Thief who murdered Amazon driver jailed for at least 30 years

Mark Ross given 30-year minimum term for killing driver whose van he was trying to steal in crash.
BBC News - Mar. 14
Uber offers 20 hours of free childcare in bid to lure female drivers

A union says it should instead pay drivers more so they can take time off with their families.
BBC News - 1d
Former Ride-Share Driver Sentenced to 290 Years in Assaults of a Dozen Women

John Pastor-Mendoza, a Lyft driver, falsely posed as the ride that the women had requested and targeted victims who appeared intoxicated, the Denver district attorney said.
The New York Times - Mar. 8
A reason to root for each driver, a question facing every team

Before the season kicks off, we bring you a reason to root for all 20 drivers, and the issues facing all 10 teams.
ESPN - Mar. 10
Rally drivers protest the swearing ban that has sparked a backlash in Formula 1

As Formula 1 drivers grumble about their governing body's crackdown on swearing, their counterparts in rallying staged a protest Wednesday. The FIA, which oversees F1 and the World Rally ...
Yahoo Sports - 2d
Top insider reveals scenario in which Joao Felix could be “reintegrated” into the squad this summer

Chelsea may reintegrate Joao Felix into the squad on the basis they may struggle to find a buyer according to reports.The Blues signed Felix last summer in a deal worth £45m from Atletico Madrid, ...
Yahoo Sports - 6h
Trump goes to bat for Tesla

{beacon} Technology Technology The Big Story Trump goes to bat for Tesla The White House is forcefully defending Tesla as Elon Musk's electric vehicle (EV) company suffers from financial woes ...
The Hill - 1d
Tesla and political violence

{beacon} Technology Technology The Big Story Tesla attacks stoke fears of political violence Weeks of violent protests at Elon Musk’s Tesla showrooms and charging stations are fueling concerns ...
The Hill - 18h
Were the Kennedy Files a Bust? Not So Fast, Historians Say.

The thousands of documents posted online this week disappointed assassination buffs. But historians are finding many newly revealed secrets.
The New York Times - 1d
Multiple Teslas vandalized at California dealership

The vandalism comes two days after a protest at the same Tesla dealership.
The Hill - 4d
What’s Driving Tesla’s Woes?

As Tesla faces a global sales slump, and with shares down for the seventh consecutive week, could Elon Musk's antics really be to blame?
Wired - Mar. 8
What NASCAR drivers said after Phoenix Cup race won by Christopher Bell

Here is what drivers were talking about after Sunday's NASCAR Cup race at Phoenix Raceway.
Yahoo Sports - Mar. 9
Christopher Bell seeks four wins in a row: NASCAR's hottest driver has chance at rare accomplishment

Only eight NASCAR Cup Series drivers, and none since 2007, have ever won four races in a row
CBS Sports - Mar. 10
F1 swearing ban: Why can’t drivers swear over team radio and will they be suspended from races?

The controversial new rules have irked a number of drivers after Max Verstappen’s penalty last year
Yahoo Sports - 6d
Hundreds of muscle car drivers rally around bullied Alabama boy

When a mother desperate to show her 10-year-old son that people care and life can be joyful put out a small request on social media, hundreds of muscle car drivers heeded the call. Steve Hartman ...
CBS News - Mar. 14
Trump's White House Tesla expo

Presented by Ericsson {beacon} Technology Technology PRESENTED BY The Big Story Trump buys a Tesla in defense of Elon Musk President Trump bought a Tesla Tuesday afternoon to "make a ...
The Hill - Mar. 11
Tesla says it is 'exposed' to retaliatory tariffs

Tesla warned U.S. trade representative (USTR) Jamieson Greer that the electric vehicle company and other American exporters are “inherently exposed” to retaliatory tariffs levied in response to ...
The Hill - Mar. 14
Commerce secretary: Buy Tesla stock

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has a message for people looking to combat attacks on Elon Musk’s Tesla dealerships: Buy Tesla stock. Lutnick appeared on Fox News's “Jesse Watters Primetime” on ...
The Hill - 2d
Trump defends Tesla amid challenges

{beacon} Energy & Environment Energy & Environment The Big Story Trump defends Tesla amid backlash, financial woes The White House is going to bat for Tesla as Elon Musk’s electric vehicle (EV) ...
The Hill - 18h