French authorities are probing a suspected arson attack following a dozen Tesla cars that were set alight outside a dealership, the latest in a string of anti-Tesla attacks in Europe. The attack is happening against the backdrop of increased backlash against Elon Musk’s perceived associations with Donald Trump, adding to tensions among activists.
Emergency officials responded to the dealership to find several Teslas on fire, and firefighters battled for hours to bring the fire under control. Although there were no reported injuries, the extent of the damage is significant, and authorities are investigating the incident as potential politically motivated vandalism.
Comparable attacks have occurred in Germany, the Netherlands, and Sweden, where Tesla Superchargers and stores have been vandalized in protest over Musk’s politics and Tesla’s growing dominance in the European EV market. Musk has been accused by activists of using his influence to spur controversial policies, provoking resentment among climate activists and unionists.
French authorities opened an official investigation into the attack, with security being bolstered at Tesla sites across the country. The company remains silent on the incident, as European leaders call for calm in the face of increasing anti-Tesla sentiment.
