EV Sales And The Ick Factor Converge As Epstein Scandal Widens - CleanTechnica

The article discusses the current challenges and dynamics in the U.S. electric vehicle (EV) market, highlighting a significant decline in Tesla’s EV sales amid broader industry developments. Tesla’s sales have been dropping consistently for over two years, with a 19.4% decrease in the first half of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. This decline is attributed to increased competition from other EV manufacturers and compounded by reputational damage linked to CEO Elon Musk’s tenuous connection to the Jeffrey Epstein scandal. Newly released documents revealed plans for Musk to visit Epstein’s private island in 2014, which, although a single and unclear incident, has added to the negative public perception surrounding Tesla. In contrast, traditional U.S. automakers like General Motors and Ford are positioning themselves for long-term success in the EV market. GM, led by CEO Mary Barra, announced plans to introduce more affordable EV models supported by federal incentives, while Ford, under CEO Jim Farley, launched a comprehensive