A Tesla owner is sounding the alarm after their Sentry Mode footage captured a late-night act of vandalism — and the internet is rallying behind them. The incident, shared on Reddit's r/TeslaLounge, has quickly gained attention as yet another example of how vandalism against electric vehicles is becoming an all-too-common barrier to widespread adoption.

According to the poster, they returned to their car to find the rear passenger-side mirror smashed. After checking their Tesla's onboard cameras, they discovered a person stepping out of another vehicle, approaching their parked car, and striking the mirror before speeding off with a driver waiting behind the wheel. 

"I submitted a police report," the owner wrote, explaining that the footage clearly showed the license plate number of the other car — though the police reporting system didn't allow video uploads (click here to watch the video if the embedded post does not appear).

The driver said their insurance quoted them $490 for repairs — just below their $500 deductible — meaning the entire cost will likely come out of pocket. To make matters worse, they learned that a friend's Tesla had been vandalized in the same way only hours earlier. "Fully expecting nothing to come out of this," the poster wrote, sharing additional clips for the community.

Beyond the frustration of paying for unnecessary repairs, incidents like this can have broader consequences. Vandalism of EVs and charging stations not only harms individual drivers but also slows progress toward clean transportation. 

Electric vehicles remain one of the most effective tools for cutting climate pollution, and even with the environmental costs of battery manufacturing and mineral extraction, EVs are far cleaner than gas-powered cars over their lifetime. But when drivers fear targeted damage — a trend that has risen sharply alongside political polarization around EVs — it can undermine confidence in making the switch.

FROM OUR PARTNER Perk up the winter blues with natural, hemp-derived gummies Camino's hemp-derived gummies naturally support balance and recovery without disrupting your routine, so you can enjoy reliable, consistent dosing without guesswork or habit-forming ingredients. Flavors like sparkling pear for social events and tropical-burst for recovery deliver a sophisticated, elevated taste experience — and orchard peach for balance offers everyday support for managing stress while staying clear-headed and elevated. Learn more →

Commenters didn't hold back their frustration. "Depends entirely on your local law enforcement," one user wrote. "Zero chance of anything happening." Another added bluntly, "Good chance the get away vehicle and/or the plates were stolen."

While justice may not be guaranteed, experts continue to emphasize that cleaner transportation — and a safer, more respectful public attitude toward it — remains essential for a healthier planet and more resilient communities.

💰Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips to save more, waste less, and make smarter choices — and earn up to $5,000 toward clean upgrades in TCD's exclusive Rewards Club.

Cool Picks

How the Expedia of solar panels helps homeowners save money and avoid a common trap: 'Giving you confidence in the systems'

Major brand unveils ultra-efficient appliances to lower your bills every month: 'A new benchmark in efficiency and performance'

Revolutionary service helps households make money-saving HVAC upgrades: 'Can save you around 30-50%'

This innovative company will install solar panels on your roof with no upfront costs — here's how its business model works