Tesla Faces Major Trust Issues Amid Declining Brand Perception

Tesla's reputation appears to be undergoing a significant decline, marking a stark contrast to its previous standing in the electric vehicle (EV) market. A recent report from EV Intelligence reveals that Tesla now holds the lowest net positive perception among all EV brands, coupled with the highest score for consumer distrust. According to the report, 37% of surveyed consumers have expressed a more negative view of Tesla in the last six months, while only 9% perceive any improvement. The report states, “Tesla registers the lowest net positive perception among all surveyed EV brands. Furthermore, it exhibits the highest total distrust (48%) and the lowest trust intensity score (-19) among all brands, indicating significant challenges in public trust and brand favorability.” The outlook for Tesla's much-anticipated robotaxi program does not seem promising either. A mere 3% of consumers are familiar with Tesla’s self-driving taxi initiative, and among those informed about it, interest in utilizing a Tesla robotaxi and confidence in their safety is notably low. In fact, 53% of the 8,000 U.S. consumers surveyed believe that robotaxis should be illegal, with 55% specifically calling for the prohibition of Tesla's Full Self-Driving technology. Tesla's decline in consumer sentiment is particularly striking given its history as an influencer in the global electric vehicle landscape. As recently as March 2025, sentiment toward Tesla was described as “overwhelmingly positive,” according to the brand activation firm, Inspira. Currently, Tesla stands as the most rejected EV brand among potential American buyers, with 48% stating they would never consider the Cybertruck and between 32% and 33% indicating they are not interested in the Model 3 or Model Y. This can be attributed to Elon Musk's public persona and political commentary continuing to play a role in Tesla's current standing, as he has involved himself with the U.S. government and criticized political figures such as President Trump. While Musk's recent affiliation with the America Party might be an attempt to appeal to a different demographic, it may alienate more liberal consumers while failing to sway right-leaning customers.