URGENT UPDATE: A retired mental health director from Devon, UK, has replaced his Tesla Model 3 with a BYD Seal, citing discomfort with Elon Musk’s actions as a driving factor. Kevin Bond, who purchased the Tesla in 2020 using his pension lump sum, sold it for just over £10,000 (approximately $13,500) after enduring significant depreciation.
Bond’s decision comes amid growing unease over Musk’s influence, particularly his perceived role in fostering division. “It felt really uncomfortable that a single penny of our money would go anywhere near Elon Musk,” Bond stated. His discomfort escalated following events like the Southport riots, which he believes Musk exacerbated through his controversial statements and support for far-right parties.
The switch to the BYD Seal, which Bond acquired as a second-hand ex-demonstrator, has proven to be a positive change. He praised the vehicle’s acceleration, clocking from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds, and noted its superior build quality. “It’s just a beautifully built car, very comfortable,” he said, highlighting features like ambient lighting and vented seats that enhance the driving experience.
Unlike the Tesla, which Bond found to have a poor interior and service quality, the BYD Seal offers a quieter, more solid ride with a well-designed cabin. “You would put it through a corner in a way that I wouldn’t drive in the Tesla,” he remarked, giving the Seal a score of 9 out of 10 compared to the 1 out of 10 he rated the Model 3.
Bond’s story is resonating with many consumers disillusioned by Tesla’s service and Musk’s public persona. As more drivers consider alternatives to Tesla, the BYD Seal is gaining traction as a viable choice. With electric vehicle options expanding rapidly, the market dynamics are shifting, and consumers are increasingly evaluating their choices based on ethics as well as performance.
As the electric vehicle landscape evolves, Bond’s experience underscores a larger trend: the growing dissatisfaction among Tesla owners and the rise of competitors like BYD. Bond’s enthusiasm for the Seal signals a potential turning point in consumer sentiment toward electric vehicles.
Stay tuned as this story develops and more drivers weigh in on their experiences with Tesla and emerging electric vehicle brands.
