Gary Zhou 
Key Takeaways
- Anti-Elon Musk group Led By Donkeys used a creative demonstration to express disdain for Elon Musk by crushing a Tesla Model 3 with a Sherman tank.
- The demonstration featured 98-year-old WWII veteran Ken Turner, who accused Musk of supporting the far-right in Europe and symbolically drove the tank over a Tesla with “Fascism” on its plate.
- Despite the tank’s massive weight, the Tesla Model 3’s lower section remained intact, highlighting the vehicle’s structural integrity.
- The incident unexpectedly showcased Tesla’s safety features, as observers noted the damage was minimal enough for a hypothetical passenger to survive.
- Social media discussions praised Tesla’s durability, emphasizing the brand’s reputation for safety among electric vehicles.
In an era where activism often merges creativity with commentary, one recent demonstration has struck a unique chord. The political action group Led By Donkeys has taken their anti-Elon Musk stance to a symbolic level, utilizing a WWII Sherman tank to crush a Tesla Model 3. However, what was meant to be an act of protest also highlighted an unexpected facet of the electric vehicle—a testament to Tesla’s engineering excellence.
The Protest: A Battle Cry Against Fascism
Ken Turner, a Veteran’s Voice
At the heart of this unconventional protest is Ken Turner, a 98-year-old veteran of the British army. Turner delivered a poignant message, accusing Elon Musk of leveraging his influence to support the far-right in Europe. This accusation is steeped in the symbolism as Turner, embodying the historical fight against fascism, drove a Sherman tank over a Tesla Model 3 marked with a license plate reading “Fascism.”
The Outcome: Engineering Under Pressure
Structural Integrity on Display
While the protest may have aimed to send a strong political message, it inadvertently spotlighted an impressive aspect of Tesla vehicles: their structural resilience. Despite the Sherman tank’s enormous weight—ranging from 66,800 to 84,000 pounds—it was primarily the Model 3’s glass roof and windows that succumbed. The lower section of the vehicle, remarkably, remained largely intact. Such resilience poses significant implications for passenger safety, suggesting that occupants might have survived this symbolic ‘attack.’
A Deeper Look: Tesla Model 3’s Safety Features
- Robust Architecture
- Tesla’s vehicles are renowned for their high-strength architecture. The reinforcement in the Model 3 not only serves as a protective cage but also supports weight distribution evenly across the frame.
- Impact Absorption
- The central battery pack is armored by a fortified chassis, minimizing intrusion during impact scenarios and safeguarding passengers.
- Glass Roof Strength
- Although compromised in this unique test, the Model 3’s glass roof is typically resilient to significant force, contributing to overall vehicle rigidity and crash survivability.
Community Support: Social Media’s Reaction
A Testimony to Brand Confidence
The aftermath of the protest quickly spread across social media platforms, notably X, where users lauded Tesla’s durability. Observers appreciated how the incident underscored the brand’s reputation for safety—the ability to withstand such an ordeal speaks volumes about Tesla’s commitment to passenger safety.
A Broader Discussion: Electric Vehicle Safety
Meeting Modern Demands
As the automotive industry continues to innovate, safety has become a pivotal factor for consumers. Electric vehicles (EVs) like the Tesla Model 3 are engineered with cutting-edge technology to meet stringent safety standards. Key structural highlights often include:
- Battery Protection Systems: Ensuring stability and safety even during adverse conditions.
- Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS): Enhancing prevention capabilities and aiding driver awareness on the road.
- Precision Engineering: Striking a balance between lightweight components and powerful safety measures.
Re-Evaluating Protest Impacts
This anti-Musk demonstration serves as a reminder of the duality in public actions—while intending to critique, it also highlights certain unintended positives. Tesla, as evidenced by this unique incident, continues to uphold its reputation in safety, offering consumers peace of mind alongside innovative technology.
