Is it dangerous to drive a Tesla in France at the moment?

Reader Question: We are travelling to France next month from the UK and plan to bring our Tesla on the ferry. We have heard about several Tesla cars being burned. Are we in danger? 

Several attacks and cases of vandalism have been reported against Tesla vehicles in France in the previous months, directed at the CEO of the company Elon Musk.

This has included both mass burnings at dealerships and isolated incidents across the country, including in Toulouse where an anarchist collective claimed responsibility for setting a dozen vehicles alight.

Tesla drivers have also reported being harassed while driving their vehicles in France, including in Brittany.

Alongside the burning of stationary cars, some vehicles have been emblazoned with swastikas in response to the political views of Elon Musk, which have been viewed as increasingly far-right since the election of US President Donald Trump.

More widely, American products are beginning to be boycotted in France, including vehicles. 

Read more: 64% of people in France consider boycott of US products amidst trade war

However, incidents of Tesla-burning have existed since September 2024 in areas such as the Deux-Sévres department, where at least a dozen vehicles have been burned in the last six months.

Sales have stalled both on new and used Tesla vehicles, with Leboncoin reporting prices down by around 40% on second-hand vehicles from the company. 

Worldwide issue 

These attacks are not isolated to France, and similar reports of Tesla vehicles being burnt have been recorded elsewhere in Europe as well as in the US. 

Currently, the US places France as a risk threat level two (out of four) on its travel advisory warning system. 

This is due ‘due to terrorism and civil unrest,’ it says on its official website, but has been in place since July 26, 2023, and has not been updated since. 

There is no specific mention of vehicle burnings on the site. 

Tips to keep safe 

In general, it is up to you whether you feel it is unsafe to bring your Tesla, but the risk is probably not significantly more than when driving it elsewhere in the world. 

However, it may be a good idea to familiarise yourself with some emergency numbers before travelling to France, in case you are impacted. 

These include the English-speaking, Europe-wide 112 helpline, which can coordinate emergency service responses with you. 

Read more: 112, 15, 17: Do you know the emergency numbers to use in France?

You should also double-check your insurance policy to see exactly what you are covered for, and if your policy extends to driving in Europe. 

Read more: How are insurance details provided following road accidents in France?

If you are unlucky enough for the car to be subject to vandalism, this should be reported to the police or (often in more rural areas) gendarmerie. 

It is possible to start the process online via this website, which also allows you to have an online chat with an officer. 

The site states it may be unnecessary for you to attend a station in person, if using this (which can sometimes involve time-consuming waits to be seen).