California Dumps Tesla—Elon’s EV Empire Hits the Brakes

California Dumps Tesla—Elon’s EV Empire Hits the Brakes

In a twist more shocking than the Cybertruck’s panel gaps, Tesla has officially lost its EV crown in California—a state once considered its electric playground.

This is a massive red flag for the company, because if environmentally-conscious, tech-loving, EV-pioneering Californians don’t want Teslas anymore... who exactly is going to buy them?

Midwestern and Southern buyers? Not likely. Many prefer trucks that can actually tow things, and the Model Y’s range drops to 99 miles when towing—less of a road trip companion and more of a golf cart with delusions of grandeur.

Let’s not forget: the Ford F-150 is still the king of American roads, and Tesla’s bet on Cybertruck? More meme than machine. That rollout was so bad it practically qualified as performance art.

And while Tesla fans online still chant Elon’s name like it’s a religion, the cold, hard numbers in California—one of Tesla’s most crucial markets—say otherwise. Other automakers are taking over, and Tesla’s slipping from leader to legacy.

Now with an aging lineup, a CEO who seems more interested in posting than producing, and a dependence on government subsidies, it’s starting to look like Tesla might be headed for a Detroit-style bailout of its own.

Congratulations, Tesla. You just made The Deep Three podcast's list of Dumb, Desperate, and Diabolical Business Decisions.