View of outside Tesla showroom

Tevin James, a proud Tesla proprietor, not too long ago shared an expertise that is turn into all too acquainted for him. He posted on TikTok concerning the unsettling appears to be like he will get each time he visits a Tesla showroom. He emphasizes that there’s normally not less than one individual observing him, usually questioning his presence there. His video highlights a standard stereotype: that proudly owning a Tesla is a trademark of wealth. Tevin argues that this stereotype is not correct and displays broader misconceptions tied to race and socioeconomic standing.

In his video, Tevin candidly states, “Bro, each single time. By no means fails. Each time I am going to Tesla, there’s all the time a white individual me up and down like I don’t belong there.” He provides humorously, “Bro, Teslas are usually not that costly; they’re solely round $45,000.”

“I’m not broke,” he asserts, making it clear he needs to interrupt the stereotype.

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We’ve reached out to Tevin for additional insights however have but to find out which Tesla showroom he referred to.

Tesla Proprietor Demographics

A examine by Hedges & Firm outlines the demographics of Tesla house owners. In a survey carried out in 2024 involving 9,733 Tesla house owners, it was discovered that 81% recognized as white—a 6% lower from the earlier yr. Black Tesla house owners constituted simply 2% of the pattern, a determine that has remained unchanged for 2 years. Curiously, the proportion of Hispanic drivers who bought Teslas rose to 11%, marking a 3% improve from 2023, whereas Asian patrons additionally noticed an uptick, accounting for five% of homeowners, up from 3% within the prior yr.

The examine revealed one other pattern: a majority of Tesla house owners are usually not actively parenting. A noteworthy 70% of those drivers don’t have kids dwelling at dwelling, reflecting a 4% rise from 2023.

Moreover, demographic information signifies that Tesla possession skews male, with 73% of latest Mannequin S and Mannequin Y house owners being males. The Mannequin X additionally reveals related traits, with 74% male possession.

Different Tesla Statistics

There’s an attention-grabbing pattern relating to Tesla house owners and homeownership; a staggering 97% of Tesla drivers personal their properties. It is a vital leap from earlier years (the place the determine was round 88%) and starkly contrasts the nationwide common homeownership charge, which was 66% in 2023.

The info means that Tesla autos have a tendency to draw house owners who’re both extremely profitable of their careers or financially secure sufficient to personal property. As an example, the typical annual revenue of a Mannequin S family reaches $153,313, whereas Mannequin X patrons common $143,177. Mannequin Y drivers make about $145,909 yearly, whereas those that purchase the Cybertruck have an annual revenue near $150,000.

The typical Tesla proprietor is 54 years outdated, with particular fashions interesting to totally different age teams. Mannequin S house owners are typically the oldest at about 53 years, whereas Mannequin Y aficionados common round 48. Cybertruck and Mannequin 3 drivers usually fall round 46 and 47 years outdated, respectively.

Tesla Racism Controversies

A category-action lawsuit is within the works towards Tesla Inc., addressing claims of racial discrimination throughout the firm. Time highlighted a 2017 lawsuit by Marcus Vaughn, who alleged that Tesla didn’t adequately stop discrimination and harassment at its California manufacturing facility, affecting virtually 6,000 Black staff.

Vaughn claims the office fostered a “hotbed of racist conduct,” asserting a constant failure to deal with or treatment racial grievances throughout the manufacturing surroundings.

Tesla countersued Vaughn’s claims by way of a weblog put up titled “Hotbed of Misinformation,” sustaining that that they had already acted towards inappropriate conduct after a radical investigation revealed legitimate misconduct, together with terminating staff concerned.

Moreover, a racial discrimination lawsuit settled by Tesla highlights the poor therapy of a former Black elevator operator on the Fremont manufacturing facility, who reported common publicity to derogatory language and conduct from colleagues, together with being informed to “return to Africa.”

Witnesses famous situations of racial graffiti within the restrooms and the presence of offensive caricatures within the office, additional underscoring the necessity for scrutiny.

@tevinjamess
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♬ authentic sound – Tev

Responses from viewers of James’ video diversified broadly. One particular person remarked, “Lmao they be so confused after I come out my Tesla.”

One other shared the same sentiment: “Omg, I simply had this dialog with my husband about how folks take a look at us after we drive our Tesla.”

Yet one more person mentioned, “I get that on a regular basis after I get out of my MX.”

One other particular person expressed defiance towards societal expectations, stating, “And that’s why it is best to proceed to return, trigger your presence makes them really feel some sort of approach. I stay for this sense.”

Yet one more commenter identified regional perceptions: “Teslas are like Hondas at this level, particularly should you stay within the Bay.”

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Mustafa Gatollari

Mustafa Gatollari has been an web tradition author for over a decade. He has a ardour for connecting what’s trending on social media to stable analysis—serving to to separate clout-chasing claims from information. His work has appeared on the Every day Dot and Distractify, and he’s the host and producer of Discovery’s Ghosthunters. You’ll be able to e-mail him at: [email protected]