If consumers can be confused, Tesla can win. I don't think it's far-fetched for Tesla to be able to prove that consumers can be confused by the name.

Everyone on HN was, no doubt. I figured it was a Tesla offshoot formed to target new segments.

I doubt than more than 1% of the people know the first name of Tesla.

That feels a bit low, but I wouldn't be at all surprised if it's under 10%.

I don't know if I would even consider his last name a household name at this point. HN is generally not a good indicator of the majority.