The consumer displeasure is real, and Musk's political allegiances have pushed some buyers to new and different brands. There's evidence of the effect this is having on Tesla's once-spotless brand image, according to new data from S&P Global Mobility, which tracks sales data across the automotive industry.

The move came after a media report claimed he had ordered the closure of the in-house Dojo supercomputer team.

The “interim” package announced on Monday was intended to help retain Elon Musk, whose previous pay plan was invalidated by a judge.