Removal of Tesla from list of electric vehicle contracts sparks heated debate over political motivation

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — City Council voted Monday to remove Tesla from a list of companies from which the city would purchase electric vehicles.

And the move came with an accusation made by Councilman Ed Driggs that LaWana Mayfield’s motion to leave off the EV maker was politically motivated. Tesla is owned by Elon Musk, who until recently was

The Democrat Mayfield cited safety concerns, but the Republican Driggs said that many of the car dealerships listed would also have to be axed since major automakers like Ford and GM have had recalls in recent years. 

“We then put ourselves in a position where we would need to be able to say (the other companies) are safe and reputable, that they are the best people,” Driggs said. “We are not identifying names on this list. You are singling out one name on this list for political reasons. You don’t have enough data on Telsa compared the other car companies to suggest they should be here. I object to try to disguise this as anything other than a politically motived desire to not have this name on this list.” 

The consent agenda item proposed that the council approve the price contracts for one-year contracts under two organizations, the N.C Sheriff’s and public purchasing company Sourcewell Most of the other proposed vendors are local, with Tesla being the lone vehicle company not associated with a specific dealership. 

City Attorney Anthony Fox explained that performance and quality are factors taken into consideration for these contracts. Annual expenditures for these 23 contracts were estimated to be $42.3 million, prior to Tesla’s removal.

Mayfield told Driggs that her reasons are in fact not political. 

“He is not a mind reader, nor does he know the research I’ve done on the other car companies,” she said. “Even if it was political. I have never had a challenge to say what is, is. I don’t have a problem calling that out.” 

She emphasized she wants to make the best financial decision with public tax dollars.

“When we have the ability to purchase vehicles and we are spending hundreds of thousands of dollars and putting employees in these vehicles. … Don’t make the mistake to assume what my motivation. I am very clear whenever I share what my motivation is. It is the opportunity for us to be cognizant of who we are investing tax dollars. That is why I asked for amendment and that is why we are having this discussion.” 

The vote to approve the contracts without Tesla on the list passed 6-3 with Driggs being joined by Edwin Peacock and Dimple Ajmera in dissent. 

Among the non-local companies are Godwin Manufacturing in Dunn and Deacon Jones of Clinton.