Tesla Removal from Charlotte’s Approved Vehicle List: A PR Lesson in Narrative Control

As the Chief Marketing Officer for a major Digital Marketing Company, we work with all sorts of product launches. The golden rule of a launch, whether it’s a political campaign or something like a Robotaxi, is to craft the message and control the news flow (if necessary, to “create” your own press). As the popular saying goes, “You only have one chance to make a first impression.” Accordingly, we want to make absolutely sure that we control that first ‘look’—that’s what Public Relations is all about! Tesla’s recent unveiling of its robotaxi did not meet the requirements of controlling the narrative or clear communication—and the ripples continue to spread. The Charlotte City Council’s 6-3 vote on June 24, 2025, to remove Tesla from its approved vehicle list for municipal use, citing “safety issues” with its Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology, exemplifies this PR misstep. Below, we explore the perspectives of key stakeholders—Tesla, citizens, government and regulatory bodies, and the greater Charlotte community—while highlighting social media buzz and addressing concerns in a structured FAQ.

Tesla: Defending Innovation Amid Scrutiny

Tesla, a leading electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, faced a significant setback when Charlotte removed it from the city’s approved vendor list, which includes brands like Chevrolet, Ford, and Hyundai. The decision impacts the city’s plan to purchase 45 EVs and 155 hybrids with a $2.5 million budget for FY 2026, as reported by the Charlotte Observer. Tesla’s 15 vehicles in the city’s 178-EV fleet are now under scrutiny, with council members like LaWana Mayfield citing safety concerns tied to FSD incidents, such as those in Austin where robotaxis veered into wrong lanes. Tesla’s refusal to share detailed FSD safety data with regulators, as noted in a June 22, 2025, Reuters report, has fueled skepticism. From a PR perspective, Tesla’s silence and reliance on CEO Elon Musk’s polarizing persona have allowed critics to shape the narrative, underscoring the need for proactive transparency to counter safety concerns.

Citizens: Polarized Views on Safety and Politics

Charlotte’s citizens are divided over the council’s decision. Some, particularly Tesla skeptics, support the move, citing safety issues highlighted by incidents like a robotaxi requiring manual intervention to avoid a crash, as noted in a Teslarati report. Others, including Tesla owners and EV enthusiasts, argue the decision is politically motivated due to Musk’s ties to the Trump administration, a sentiment echoed by council member Ed Driggs, who called it a “dangerous precedent” for excluding vendors based on non-performance factors. X posts reflect this divide, with users like @sachz urging context over “rage-bait.” Citizens demand clarity on whether safety or politics drove the decision, requiring the council to communicate evidence-based reasoning to maintain trust.

Government and Regulatory Perspective: Balancing Safety and Fairness

The Charlotte City Council, with a Democratic majority (9 of 11 members), voted 6-3 to remove Tesla, citing safety concerns and Musk’s political affiliations, per Fox Business. Councilwoman Mayfield emphasized responsible use of tax dollars, noting the city’s duty to prioritize employee safety. However, a city spokesperson clarified that vendor selection doesn’t consider organizational alignment, suggesting safety as the primary driver. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is reviewing Tesla’s FSD safety, particularly after Austin incidents, adding regulatory pressure. State regulators, while not directly involved, monitor municipal procurement for fairness, and Driggs’ dissent highlights risks of politicized decisions. The council must balance safety with impartiality, a PR challenge requiring clear, evidence-based communication.

Greater Charlotte Community: Economic and Cultural Impacts

Charlotte, a growing hub for finance and technology, sees the Tesla removal as a flashpoint in its sustainability goals. The community supports the city’s push for 200 new EVs and hybrids, aligning with climate objectives, but the exclusion of Tesla—a major EV player—raises questions. Some residents, especially in affluent areas like Ballantyne, view Tesla as a status symbol and fear the decision could deter tech investment. Others, wary of FSD’s risks, support prioritizing safety, especially after Charlotte’s recent heat wave strained infrastructure. Social media reflects concerns about economic impacts versus public safety, with the community demanding transparency on how the decision aligns with Charlotte’s “green city” brand. Marketers must address these tensions to maintain community support.

Social Media Buzz: A Divided Narrative

Social media, particularly X, captures the polarized sentiment around Tesla’s removal:

• @nypost (June 26, 2025, 11:16 EDT): “Charlotte drops Tesla from approved city vehicle list, alleging safety issues.” This post sparked debates about safety versus politics.
[](https://x.com/nypost/status/1938254934899642616)
• @AIStockSavvy (June 26, 2025, 11:25 EDT): “Charlotte drops $TSLA Tesla from approved city vehicle list, alleging safety issues – NYP.” This amplified investor concerns.
• @banteringless (June 24, 2025, 13:32 EDT): “Charlotte City Council has voted to remove America’s most American Made (and most popular) vehicles (@Tesla) from its purchase program – @EdDriggsD7 calls the move ’a dangerous precedent.’” This post highlighted political motivations.
• @sachz (June 24, 2025, 19:44 EDT): “Needed context before everyone grabbed their pitchforks over a nonsense, rage-bait post.” This urged clarity on the council’s reasoning.

The X buzz shows a community wrestling with safety and political narratives, emphasizing the council’s need for clear PR to counter misinformation.

Conclusion: Lessons in Narrative Control

The Tesla removal from Charlotte’s approved vehicle list highlights the perils of losing narrative control. Tesla’s failure to address FSD safety concerns proactively allowed critics to dominate the conversation, while the council’s vague messaging fueled accusations of political bias. Citizens, regulators, and the community demand transparency to restore trust. From a marketing perspective, this case underscores that controlling the first impression requires clear, evidence-based communication to align innovation with public expectations.

FAQ: Tesla Removal from Charlotte’s Approved Vehicle List

Author: Todd Hunnicutt

Todd Hunnicutt is a dynamic media personality, entrepreneur, coach, and Chief Marketing Officer at Real Internet Sales. Renowned for his technology expertise, he's been featured in the New York Times, National Geographic, and major news outlets. As a nationally syndicated technology writer, Todd is a sought-after voice in marketing, ai, entrepreneurship, and economics, frequently interviewed by industry publications. A proud South Carolina native, he cherishes outdoor adventures, BBQ, Tuesday family dinners, and Sunday church services. A passionate baseball fan, Todd enjoys games alongside his wife, Elizabeth, whose umpire-call critiques rival instant replay. With an extensive background, he's collaborated with Fortune 500 companies, nonprofit startups, and political campaigns. A serial entrepreneur, Todd thrives on innovative ideas and loves hearing a compelling pitch!