A growing number of Uber drivers across the United States are reporting a troubling new trend: receiving 1-star ratings from passengers for driving a Tesla—despite delivering flawless service.
The issue gained widespread attention after Whole Mars Catalog, a popular pro-EV account on X (formerly Twitter), shared a screenshot of a rider giving an Uber driver a 1-star rating solely because the vehicle was a Tesla. The post, which has since gone viral, included the caption:
“Democrats are now attacking working class rideshare drivers for driving cars that don’t pollute.”
Elon Musk himself weighed in, reposting the image with a blunt response:
“That’s just plain cruel. The driver did nothing to deserve this.”
The incident has sparked a wave of backlash online, with many defending Tesla-driving Uber drivers and calling out the unfair treatment. Critics argue that politically charged bias is now seeping into what should be objective service ratings, leaving hardworking drivers vulnerable to rating-based penalties that could affect their income or even their access to the platform.
“I’ve had passengers roll their eyes or sigh when they realise it’s a Tesla,” one driver from Los Angeles told us. “I always drive safely, keep the car spotless, offer chargers, water—you name it. But lately, I’ve noticed a dip in my rating, and I suspect this is why.”
Tesla vehicles have long been praised for their environmental benefits and advanced features, making them a common choice for rideshare drivers. However, in an increasingly polarised political climate, even the type of car one drives is being scrutinised through ideological lenses.
Uber has not yet publicly commented on the emerging issue. Meanwhile, many drivers are urging the company to implement better protections against biased or politically motivated reviews.
As this controversy continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the car you drive shouldn’t be more important than the quality of service you provide.
