15 Tesla vehicles destroyed by radical individuals

author: FutureCar Staff    

A car dealership in Frankfurt, Germany, experienced a devastating incident this week when fifteen Tesla vehicles were set on fire. The act of arson has been claimed by a radical group of environmentalists, who are now under scrutiny for potentially causing more pollutant emissions than they can counter with their activism.

In the past, environmentalist protests have had a significant impact on the International Motor Show (IAA), prompting its relocation from Frankfurt to Munich. However, the protests in Munich have been relatively mild compared to those in Frankfurt. The IAA has transformed into a "mobility show," showcasing numerous electric vehicles.

During a recent visit to Munich, there were only a few protests observed, mainly consisting of individuals on bikes with signs. Greenpeace organized a protest at the conference center, but it was missed by the author. Doubts were raised about the authenticity of an image circulated by Greenpeace, as the artificial pond depicted appeared to be shallow.

Meanwhile, in Frankfurt, a separate group engaged in a more criminal act. The dealership fire resulted in the destruction of fifteen Tesla vehicles and required the involvement of forty firefighters. The estimated damage amounts to over €500,000. The radical group responsible for the arson claimed their actions in a letter posted on the German version of the Indymedia website.

In their letter, the anonymous writers referenced the IAA protest in Munich and justified their arson in Frankfurt as a message against the destructive auto industry. Their opposition to Tesla stems from concerns about the mining of lithium and cobalt, particularly regarding the impact on indigenous communities. They criticize Tesla for promoting electric vehicles as a clean alternative while relying on fossil fuels for production and transportation.

In addition, the group takes issue with Elon Musk and his ambitions for space colonization, viewing it as a pursuit that primarily benefits the wealthy rather than advancing humanity's future.

While there is merit in raising awareness about ethical mining practices, the act of setting fire to electric vehicles is not an effective approach. The author argues that real environmentalists would recognize the potential positive impact of EVs in reducing CO2 emissions and their recyclability at the end of their lifespan. Instead, the group's actions only result in insurance claims for Tesla, who will rebuild the cars.

Regarding ethical mining, it is important to acknowledge that many mining companies have agreements with local indigenous communities. However, if there are specific instances where this is not the case, it should be addressed with substantial evidence. Without clear examples of contested mining projects benefiting Tesla, the author dismisses the group responsible for the arson as petty criminals rather than unsung heroes.

FutureCar Staff