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Introduction: A Giant’s Shift from Tesla to GM
Basketball icon Shaquille O’Neal, long known for his larger-than-life presence both on and off the court, has made an equally bold move in the world of electric vehicles (EVs). Once a fan of Tesla’s futuristic offerings, including the much-hyped Cybertruck, Shaq has now switched allegiances to General Motors. In a recent episode of The Big Podcast with comedian Karlous Miller, O’Neal candidly explained why his affection for Elon Musk’s EVs has cooled. The reason? A lack of reliable driving range that left even a legend feeling limited.
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In his recent podcast appearance, Shaquille O’Neal revealed he is no longer a fan of Tesla vehicles, specifically calling out the disappointing range of the Cybertruck as the main reason for his switch. While he once owned and endorsed Tesla’s electric trucks—including three Cyberbeasts customized by Effortless Motors—his frustrations mounted when the vehicles couldn’t keep up with his travel demands.
Shaq shared that during a trip to Las Vegas, his newly acquired Cadillac Escalade IQ didn’t require a single recharge for four days, whereas the Cybertruck often struggled to make a round trip without nearing empty. He cited the Cybertruck’s 267-mile estimated range as insufficient for his lifestyle, particularly when commuting in and out of cities like Atlanta.
The NBA legend had previously been enthusiastic about Teslas, particularly after discovering Effortless Motors, which helped him acquire and customize the vehicles. But despite the initial excitement, the poor range performance of the Cyberbeast models led to disappointment. O’Neal’s brief Tesla phase ended after his third Cybertruck, ushering in a new era of loyalty to Cadillac’s electric luxury SUV.
What Undercode Say:
Shaquille O’Neal’s vehicle preferences may seem like celebrity whimsy, but they reveal a deeper truth about electric vehicle adoption—and a persistent Achilles’ heel for Tesla. Range anxiety remains a real barrier, even for early adopters and high-profile supporters like Shaq.
The switch to a Cadillac Escalade IQ isn’t just a style choice; it reflects a broader consumer pivot toward practicality over hype. Tesla, for all its innovation, continues to receive criticism for overstating real-world performance and usability. O’Neal’s experience offers anecdotal but meaningful evidence that Tesla’s EV range may not meet the standards of luxury users who expect endurance, not just acceleration.
What’s also notable is the failure of three separate Cyberbeast models to satisfy a single high-profile owner. This raises questions not only about Tesla’s range accuracy but about the brand’s overall appeal to a maturing EV market. Shaq’s move suggests that legacy automakers like GM are catching up—offering more reliable, luxurious alternatives with longer usable ranges and fewer recharging headaches.
Tesla’s once-dominant hold on the celebrity and influencer market is being challenged. Cadillac, Rivian, and Lucid are all poised to capitalize on Tesla’s soft spots: build quality, range reliability, and consistent charging infrastructure.
Moreover, the involvement of Effortless Motors, a customization shop, in Shaq’s Tesla purchases hints at another interesting dynamic: Tesla’s vehicles still require third-party modifications to feel “premium” to certain buyers. This is not a good look for a brand that touts itself as the pinnacle of modern automotive design.
With Tesla stock volatility and quality control complaints stacking up, this public rejection by someone like Shaquille O’Neal sends a ripple through both the EV industry and consumer trust levels. Tesla may need to do more than roll out flashy designs—it must address the growing demands for better battery efficiency and consistent range performance, especially in real-world urban use cases.
Finally, Shaq’s choice reminds us that EV loyalty isn’t guaranteed. The market is shifting from early adopters to mainstream consumers who value convenience and dependability over brand mystique.
🔍 Fact Checker Results:
✅ Shaquille O’Neal did acquire three Tesla Cybertrucks, customized by Effortless Motors.
✅ The Cadillac Escalade IQ boasts a real-world range of 450+ miles, exceeding the Cybertruck’s 267-mile estimate.
✅ Tesla’s advertised range has often faced criticism for not aligning with urban driving realities.
📊 Prediction:
Tesla will face increasing celebrity and consumer defections if it fails to address range limitations in real-world conditions. Meanwhile, GM’s Escalade IQ and other luxury EVs with higher endurance and reliability will gain significant ground in 2025 and beyond, especially among high-profile individuals and urban commuters. Expect a rise in Tesla trade-ins and a surge in demand for legacy-brand EVs that prioritize comfort, charging convenience, and longer battery life.
References:
Reported By: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
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