Many Tesla owners in the UK have complained about the quality of their vegan leather seats.
It comes after the electric car giant replaced leather on steering wheels and headrests across its range with synthetic alternatives derived from plastics a couple of years ago.
However, customers are reportedly unhappy after the animal-free material started deforming and bubbling.
Issue
According to experts, heat generated inside the cars is causing a chemical reaction that seemingly expands the upholstery.
But, the firm, owned by Elon Musk, claims the issue is not a manufacturing defect and is a result of the fabric reacting to lotions, hair sprays, and sanitizers instead.
As the problem is appearing most commonly on the headrest – which costs hundreds of pounds to replace – the company is said to have advised drivers to wipe seats and headrests after every journey.
The owners’ manual also has information on which solvents should not be used on the animal-free leather.
It reads: “Cautions for Interior Cleaning CAUTION: Using solvents (including alcohol), bleach, citrus, naphtha, or silicone-based products or additives on interior components can cause damage.”
However, car owners are dismissing the suggestions and allege Tesla is failing to address the problem.
The Times reported that a “significant number” of cars now imported into the UK are being retrofitted with real leather.
Vegan car interiors
While Tesla’s fabric quality has been widely criticized, a number of companies have successfully transitioned to vegan leather interiors in a bid to become more eco-friendly and sustainable.
In 2019 Volkswagen launched its electric car, the ID. Roomzz, with vegan seating made from apple juice waste.
The same year Porsche announced that its new Taycan electric car would be fitted with vegan leather interiors.
Additionally, Bentley, Nissan, Audi, and Volvo have all embraced electric vehicles featuring vegan-friendly seating.
Share this story: Tesla slammed for ‘vegan leather’ quality.
Lifestyle
Vegan culture, food, beauty & more
35% of Brits are now buying less or no meat at all, new survey shows
- Mohsina Dodhiya
- 29th June 2022
Rising food costs are motivating Brits to adjust their diets. While vegan food has always been branded more expensive than its meat counterpart, a new survey has busted this myth by showing that Brits are changing their eating habits with more individuals ditching meat in favor of vegan food. The survey The Vegan Society hosted …
Continue reading “35% of Brits are now buying less or no meat at all, new survey shows”
81% of military personnel want plant-based meals, new survey reveals
- Mohsina Dodhiya
- 27th June 2022
“As the US military continues to seek ways to best support the overall health and diverse needs of its loyal service members, we’re calling on lawmakers to require all branches of the military to provide plant-based MRE options.” The majority of US military members want vegan Meals, Ready to Eat (MRE), according to a new …
Continue reading “81% of military personnel want plant-based meals, new survey reveals”
VEGAN MEMES
NEED A LAUGH?
QUIZZES
All the quizzes you love to binge!
QUIZ: If you score 11/12 on this quiz, you’re a verified vegan food expert
- Marlon Farrugia
- 10th January 2020
How much vegan knowledge do you have stored away? Do you have to Google your way through a shopping trip, or do you have all the bad E-numbers memorised? Find out now with this quiz. Marlon Farrugia Marlon Farrugia is a freelance writer from Brighton. He has been a dedicated vegan for many years, and …
Continue reading “QUIZ: If you score 11/12 on this quiz, you’re a verified vegan food expert”
QUIZ: What is your perfect Vegan Halloween Costume?
- Marlon Farrugia
- 13th October 2019
Spook Season approaches. There will be ghosts, goblins, ghouls, and glucose. You need a costume, and you want to it to show off your personality, which means VEGAN. But what to choose? Take our quiz to find out your perfect outfit. Marlon Farrugia Marlon Farrugia is a freelance writer from Brighton. He has been a …
Continue reading “QUIZ: What is your perfect Vegan Halloween Costume?”
QUIZ: What kind of vegetable are you?
- Marlon Farrugia
- 26th September 2019
“If you were a vegetable, what kind would you be?” A question that has tormented humanity throughout the ages – until now. Read: QUIZ: If you score 19/20 on THIS quiz, you’re a Vegan God Marlon Farrugia Marlon Farrugia is a freelance writer from Brighton. He has been a dedicated vegan for many years, and …