In a landmark move that has sent shockwaves through the electric vehicle community, revered automotive engineer Jason Fenske of the “Engineering Explained” YouTube channel has announced he is selling his beloved Tesla Model 3 Performance. The reason is not a flaw in the car, but a principled stand against Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s role in the firing of his wife from her government job.
For years, Jason Fenske has been a data-driven voice of reason in the often-hyped world of automotive technology. His long-term ownership of a Tesla Model 3 Performance has been a testament to the vehicle’s engineering prowess. However, in a deeply personal video, Fenske revealed that his journey as a Tesla owner is coming to an end, not because of the product, but because of the man in charge.
The catalyst for this decision was the termination of his wife, a dedicated wildlife biologist, from her position at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The firing was carried out by the “Department of Government Efficiency” (Doge), a new agency that was, at the time, under the leadership of Elon Musk. Fenske explained that his wife, a passionate conservationist with over 15 years of experience, was dismissed via a cold email stating her skills did not meet “current needs”—a move he describes as cruel and baseless.
What makes Fenske’s announcement so powerful is his clear distinction between the car and the CEO. He spent a significant portion of his video praising the Model 3, which he drove for over 63,000 miles. He highlighted its exceptional efficiency, costing him less than $2,000 in energy compared to an estimated $12,000 for a comparable gasoline car. He lauded its driving dynamics and the convenience of the Supercharger network, calling it “one of the best daily drivers available today.”
However, this praise was paired with sharp, methodical criticism of Musk’s leadership and public statements. Fenske dismantled the infamous claim that Teslas are “appreciating assets,” revealing his own $67,000 vehicle had depreciated by a staggering 75% in seven years. He also satirically deconstructed Musk’s “overpromise and underdeliver” strategy, using the Cybertruck’s missed targets on price, range, and towing capacity as a prime example.
The core of his argument rests on principle. Fenske pointed out the irony of a department focused on “efficiency” causing profound personal damage for virtually no tangible savings to the national budget.
This move by a prominent and respected engineer marks a potential turning point for many in the EV community who have long grappled with separating their admiration for Tesla’s technology from their concerns about its controversial CEO.
For a complete visual breakdown of Fenske’s arguments and the key clips from his video, watch our detailed 8-minute video report here: