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The obstacles facing Tesla extend beyond the debate surrounding Elon Musk

Theo Leggett profile image
Theo LeggettInternational Business Correspondent

BBC A black-and-white image of two Tesla Cybertrucks driving on a highwayBBC

Ben is a staunch electric car advocate. He runs a communications firm that promotes sustainable businesses in the UK. Yet now, he says, the Model Y has to go – because he disapproves vehemently of Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s actions, especially the way he has handled firing US government employees.

“I’m not a fan of polarisation, or of doing things without kindness,” he says. “There are ways of doing things that don’t ostracise people or belittle them. I don’t like belittlement.”

Ben Kilbey stands in front of his Tesla Model Y
Ben Kilbey stands next to his Tesla – he says that this ‘has to go’ because he disagrees with Musk’s actions

Musk has also intervened in politics abroad, making a video appearance at a rally for the far-right party Alternative für Deutschland ahead of Germany’s parliamentary election, as well as launching online attacks on British politicians, including Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

For some who do not share his views, it has all become too much.