This is in stark contrast to electric car marketing at the dawn of motoring. In 1900, petroleum-powered cars were in the minority (22% of all cars) and were widely considered temperamental “adventure machines” that were prone to breaking down. Electric cars were pitched as a safer, cleaner alternative that was perfect for city travel.

"When Elon Musk started interfering with global politics, I started getting uncomfortable with that and I didn't want to be associated with his brand," says former Tesla car owner Jonathan Coupland. The 50-year-old said he was uncomfortable owning his old car because of the Tesla's CEO's "influence" in politics,