In a recent video on his YouTube channel The Electric Viking, EV enthusiast Sam Evans addressed a misleading narrative being circulated by the media about so-called “Tesla graveyards” in Florida. According to Evans, the media has been pushing the idea that large numbers of Tesla vehicles are sitting abandoned in fields, unused and forgotten. This story has gained traction among anti-EV and anti-Elon commentators, who are using it as ammunition against Musk’s electric vehicle company. However, Evans dismantles these claims, highlighting the factual inaccuracies and misrepresentations being spread.
Media Misrepresents the Numbers
One of the most glaring issues with the “Tesla graveyard” narrative is the exaggeration of numbers. Evans pointed out that the media reported “hundreds” of abandoned Teslas in a field in Miami. However, after carefully analyzing the photos, Evans noted that he could only count 64 vehicles. He humorously mentioned that even his 8-year-old son immediately recognized the discrepancy, questioning the media’s claim that there were hundreds of vehicles. Evans suggests that the inflated numbers were likely fabricated to sensationalize the story and make it more damaging to Tesla.
The Reality Behind the Photo
Evans went on to explain the context behind the viral photo showing Teslas parked in an overgrown field. Contrary to the narrative of abandonment, these vehicles were not left to rot but were simply part of an overflow lot near a Tesla Service Center in Tampa, Florida. The VINs of the vehicles revealed that they were manufactured only a few months ago, further debunking the idea of a long-forgotten Tesla graveyard. According to Evans, this detail alone should have been enough to dispel any notion of the cars being abandoned, yet the media chose to ignore these facts.
Comparisons to China’s Alleged EV Graveyards
Evans also addressed comparisons being made between the Florida lot and alleged EV graveyards in China. He clarified that the situations are entirely different. The so-called EV graveyards in China largely consist of old, defunct vehicles with lead-acid batteries, which are vastly different from the modern lithium-ion battery-equipped Teslas. These Chinese vehicles were often part of bankrupt car rental companies, and their batteries held little to no value. In contrast, Tesla’s vehicles, even when temporarily stored, retain significant value, making the “graveyard” label misleading and inappropriate.
Grass Growth Misinterpreted
Another point of contention was the overgrown grass surrounding the Teslas in the photo. Evans explained that in Florida’s summer climate, grass can grow rapidly, often reaching significant heights in just a few weeks. The presence of tall grass was therefore not indicative of neglect or abandonment but rather a natural consequence of Florida’s weather. Evans criticized the media for using such trivial details to construct a false narrative.
Debunking the Inventory Myth
Evans also touched on the broader context of Tesla’s inventory, noting that the company delivered more vehicles in the second quarter of the year than it produced. This fact contradicts the idea that Tesla has a growing inventory of unsold vehicles. He emphasized that while Tesla does maintain some inventory, it is far from the excessive surplus that the media’s narrative would suggest. In fact, Tesla’s delivery numbers continue to be strong, with the company selling over 1.2 million Model Y vehicles last year alone.
Continued Popularity of the Model Y
Despite a slight dip in sales in some regions, the Tesla Model Y remains one of the best-selling electric vehicles worldwide. Evans acknowledged that some consumers might be waiting for an updated version of the Model Y, known as the Juniper version, which could account for the small decline in demand. However, he stressed that this is a normal part of the product lifecycle and does not signal a broader issue with Tesla’s sales.
Media’s Anti-Tesla Bias
Throughout the video, Evans highlighted the media’s apparent bias against Tesla, suggesting that this “graveyard” story is just the latest in a series of attacks on the company. He urged viewers to critically evaluate the information being presented by the media and to consider the facts before jumping to conclusions. Evans believes that the continued success of Tesla, despite such negative narratives, speaks volumes about the company’s resilience and the strong demand for its vehicles.
“They’ll All Be Gone in a Flash”
People in the comments shared their thoughts: “I live in Florida, I have no idea what they are talking about.”
One commenter added: “Sam, I live a mile away from this lot. It is 3 miles away from the Tesla dealership in Tampa. They are alternating specials between model 3 and y. They’ve had a special interest rate on model y recently, and as you can see there are no model Ys. Once they run another special on model 3, they’ll all be gone in a flash.”
Another person said: “This is like in Vancouver. A ship comes in from China carrying 4000 Teslas and ‘shockingly” it takes a while to distribute them – lol! The Teslaq run around taking photos of ‘unsold’ inventory and proclaim the demise of Tesla yet again.”
Call for Accurate Reporting
Evans concluded by calling for more accurate and responsible reporting on Tesla and the EV industry as a whole. He expressed frustration with how easily misinformation can spread, particularly when it is fueled by sensationalism and a lack of critical thinking. According to Evans, the Tesla graveyard story is a prime example of how the media can distort reality to serve an agenda, and he encouraged viewers to seek out reliable sources of information.
Impact on Public Perception
What are your thoughts? Why do you think the media is so quick to spread negative stories about Tesla, and what impact does this have on public perception of the company? How can consumers ensure they are getting accurate information about EVs and the automotive industry in general? What role should fact-checking and critical analysis play in how we consume media stories about companies like Tesla?
See the full video on The Electric Viking’s YouTube channel for more details here.