WWII Veteran Uses Sherman Tank to Crush Tesla in Symbolic Protest Against Elon Musk

On May 7, 2025, 98-year-old British WWII veteran Ken Turner made headlines by driving a Sherman tank over a blue Tesla Modèle S, license plate reading “FASCISM,” in a dramatic protest against Elon Musk. The event, captured in a YouTube video, highlights Turner’s strong stance against what he perceives as Musk’s support for far-right movements in L'Europe, using the Tesla as a symbol of Musk’s wealth.

A Veteran’s Symbolic Act

Ken Turner, who served in the British Army during World War II, used the same Sherman tank he operated during the war to crush the Tesla Model S. The Sherman, a 33-ton (66,000-pound) armored vehicle powered by a 425-horsepower engine, rolled over the electric sedan in an open field, flattening its aluminum frame and shattering its glass.

Turner’s act was a deliberate protest, as he stated in the vidéo:

“I’m old enough to have seen fascism the first time around. Now it’s coming back. Elon Musk, the richest man in the world, is using his immense power to support the far right in Europe. And his money comes from Tesla cars. Well, I’ve got this message for Mr. Musk: We’ve crushed fascism before, and we’ll crush it again.”

Technical Breakdown of the Sherman vs. Tesla

The Sherman tank, officially the M4 Sherman, measures 19.3 feet long, 8.6 feet wide, and 9 feet tall, with steel armor up to 3 inches thick. Its tracks distribute the weight across a wide surface, but the pressure exerted on the Tesla—estimated at over 10 pounds per square inch—easily overwhelmed the car’s structure. The Tesla Model S, weighing around 4,960 pounds with a 100-kWh battery and dual electric motors delivering 670 horsepower, uses a lightweight aluminum chassis for efficiency. However, this design offers little resistance against the tank’s sheer mass and force.

The Tesla’s battery pack, positioned low in the chassis for stability, likely suffered catastrophic damage. Crushing lithium-ion batteries can lead to thermal runaway, where cells overheat and potentially catch fire. While the video does not show flames, the risk of such an event underscores the dangers of mishandling EV batteries, especially in extreme conditions like this protest.

Implications for EV Owners and Industry

This event raises questions about the symbolic and practical challenges facing the EV industry. Tesla, as a leading EV manufacturer, often finds itself at the center of political debates due to Musk’s outspoken views and actions. Turner’s protest could amplify public scrutiny of Tesla’s brand, especially among EV owners who prioritize sustainability and progressive values. Repair costs for a damaged Tesla Model S can exceed $20,000, and if the battery pack is compromised, replacement alone can cost $15,000 to $20,000, according to industry estimates.

From a regulatory perspective, this incident highlights the need for stricter guidelines on EV battery disposal and safety. Crushed batteries can leak toxic chemicals like lithium hexafluorophosphate, posing environmental risks if not handled properly. The EV industry may face pressure to develop more robust recycling programs to address such concerns.

EVXL’s Take

At EVXL, we see Turner’s protest as a bold, if unconventional, statement—straight out of a Hollywood blockbuster like Mad Max. While we don’t condone destruction, we get the symbolism: a WWII vet taking a stand with a tank that helped defeat fascism decades ago. For Tesla owners, this serves as a reminder that EVs are more than cars—they’re part of a larger cultural conversation. Musk’s influence shapes Tesla’s image, for better or worse. Maybe it’s time for EV enthusiasts to channel their inner gearhead and focus on the tech, not the politics. After all, a Model S can hit 0-60 mph in 1.99 seconds—faster than any tank! Let’s keep the focus on innovation, not demolition.