There are so many more options now than Teslas out there which provide quality and affordability. And there are used EVs on the market now that are viable, when there weren't before, including used Teslas.
Yes, there are people (like me) who would never buy a Tesla because they don't trust the company or don't like Musk, but we're a severe minority. The reality is that Tesla is becoming less special simply because the rest of the industry is catching up - as Tesla should have known, and probably does know, that it would. The question is what they do about it.
Musk is a reason I wouldn’t get a Tesla. There’s more than one reason but he is one of them.
They finally have real competition and they’re having trouble due to weaknesses (even if only perceived) like lack of CarPlay/Android Auto, quality issues, service issues, simple brand loyalty, and being heavily associated with someone many consider toxic. They’re losing their big advantage of being “the” electric car. People are now aware of other options.
If Tesla was as unassailable as some fans claim, they wouldn’t need to cut prices. They could continue to charge the same amount and maintain market share, using the profits to improve things or produce more.
The price cuts signal they’re in real competition. Good. That will improve everyone.
At this point, the Model 3 is competing against the Chevy Bolt which is at least $10,000 cheaper.
To buy a Tesla, you have to genuinely want a Tesla at this point rather than just an electric car.