Investigation underway by Calgary arson unit after 2 Teslas burned

Calgary police say two Tesla vehicles were targeted by vandals, one of the latest attacks spurred by possible anger directed toward the brand.

Calgary police believe someone set fire to two Tesla vehicles this week.

One was parked at a charging station downtown at 314 12 Ave. S.E. Tuesday around 9:30 p.m., where the victim parked a 2023 white Tesla Model Y.

At around 11 p.m., she received a notification that her Tesla wasn’t charging, looked out the window and saw that it was on fire.

After calling 911, a fire crew arrived and extinguished the vehicle and based on early investigation, believe the fire was deliberately set using an accelerant.

Wednesday night at about 9:50 p.m., police were called to a Tesla storage lot at 6812 Fairmont Dr. S.E. for reports of a vehicle on fire.

Fire crews were able to extinguish the fire.

The arson unit determined that a grey 2025 Tesla Cybertruck was deliberately set on fire using an accelerant.

“We continue to investigate these arsons that have targeted Tesla vehicles,” said Staff Sgt. Kurt Jacobs of Calgary’s arson and robbery unit, in a media release.

“Tesla owners are encouraged to put their car in sentry mode when their vehicle is parked in a non-secure area,” he added. “For those with the feature, sentry mode is developed to engage the vehicle’s camera system to record suspicious activity occurring around the vehicle and notifies the owner of the suspected activity.”

Targeted by vandals

The incidents come as Tesla vehicles are being targeted across North America.

In Hamilton, nearly 80 Tesla vehicles were vandalized at a dealership.

The damage includes scratches to fenders and hoods and punctured tires.

Tesla vehicles and dealerships have been targeted by vandals since U.S. President Donald Trump appointed Tesla CEO Elon Musk to oversee the U.S. Department of Government Efficiency, which has been slashing jobs from a variety of government agencies.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Calgary police at 403-266-1234. Those wishing to remain anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, online or by downloading the P3 Tips app.