On Tesla, Irrational Support, & Irrational Hate - CleanTechnica

The article "On Tesla, Irrational Support, & Irrational Hate" from CleanTechnica presents two thoughtful perspectives on the polarized views surrounding Tesla. Larry Evans argues that Tesla has long enjoyed irrational support, leading to distorted perceptions where objective criticism is misinterpreted as hate. He highlights examples such as disproportionate state subsidies for solar manufacturing, exclusive contracts for Tesla chargers on state property, and Tesla’s high price-to-earnings ratio despite declining financial metrics. Evans contends that calls for Tesla to meet agreed-upon obligations or for a market correction are reasonable and not driven by irrational animosity. He suggests that the focus should shift toward other clean technology companies rather than continuing to idolize Tesla. The second perspective, from a user named Taycan, critiques Tesla’s recent management and product performance. They question Tesla’s lack of successful product launches in recent years and criticize CEO Elon Musk’s controversial actions and mismanagement, which they believe have damaged the company’s reputation and operations. Taycan notes that while Tesla’s early efforts helped establish the battery electric vehicle (BEV) sector, the company now faces challenges as the industry matures and competition intensifies. This view reflects growing skepticism even among Tesla’s former supporters, emphasizing the need for Tesla to prove its leadership through sustained innovation and sound management. Overall, the article underscores the complexity of public sentiment toward Tesla, balancing recognition of its early contributions to clean technology with calls for more objective evaluation of its current performance and governance. It encourages moving beyond polarized views to foster a broader focus on the evolving clean tech landscape.