After years of driving a Tesla, I finally made the switch. I swapped my Tesla for a BYD—and yes, Elon Musk had something to do with it. But my decision wasn’t impulsive. It was built on growing frustrations, changing priorities, and a desire to test what the rest of the EV world had to offer.
And now? I don’t regret it. But I’d be lying if I said there aren’t things I still miss about Tesla.
Why I Ditched My Tesla
Let’s get the obvious out of the way: Elon Musk. I didn’t switch just because of his tweets, public behavior, or controversial opinions, but they didn’t help. The brand that once felt futuristic and innovative started to feel more like a tech bro sideshow.
More practically, I began to feel like Tesla was neglecting its early adopters. OTA updates often felt like they fixed things that weren’t broken while ignoring long-standing issues. The minimal interior—once a breath of fresh air—began to feel more like a cost-cutting tactic than intentional design. And service? Let’s just say “convenient” wasn’t the word I’d use.
Why I Chose a BYD
When I decided to move on, I looked closely at other EV brands. BYD stood out not just because of its rising reputation, but because it offered what Tesla no longer did: a sense of balance.
BYD’s interiors are well-built, feature-rich, and actually comfortable. The range on their latest models is competitive, and charging is improving fast—even outside China. Perhaps most impressive? The price-to-value ratio. You get a lot of car for less money.
Plus, BYD feels more grounded. Less cult, more car.
What I Miss About Tesla
That said, I didn’t leave Tesla without some heartache. Autopilot—even in its current state—is still a leader. The Supercharger network is unmatched. Tesla’s app integration is tight, fast, and intuitive. And there’s something to be said for their performance—instant torque, minimalist design, and that “wow” factor.
The BYD is great, but it doesn’t quite give me that same snap off the line. Nor does it have the same edge when it comes to software responsiveness.
Was It Worth It?
Absolutely. I swapped my Tesla for a BYD, and I haven’t looked back. The experience has been refreshing—less drama, more car. I drive with a clearer conscience, not because BYD is perfect, but because it fits my needs better today.
If you’re frustrated with Elon Musk, Tesla’s direction, or just curious about alternatives, BYD deserves a look. Just go in with realistic expectations—and know that no EV is perfect. But some come a lot closer than others.
