EXCLUSIVE: Inside the Rise of the Shire's ‘Temu Tesla’ - The EV That Whispered ‘Close Enough'
- Harper Vale
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Harper Vale | Investigative Journalist | The Sutherland Shire Gazette
14 July 2025

SUTHERLAND SHIRE - From Caringbah to Como, the local streets are now humming not with prestige European engines, but with the near-silent whirr of BYDs - the Chinese-made electric vehicles that have swept the Shire faster than a Kmart air fryer restock.
Affectionately (or not) dubbed “Temu Teslas” by residents, the sudden influx of these low-cost EVs has sparked equal parts confusion, concern, and quiet competitive panic among traditional Audi and Tesla owners.
“They’re everywhere,” whispered Susan from Burraneer, adjusting her Lulu headband while pointing at an ice blue BYD Dolphin parked in front of the pilates studio. “It’s giving sustainable chic… on a tight Afterpay plan.”
According to an unpublished or peer-reviewed but absolutely believable report by the Sylvania Institute of Consumer Signalling, BYDs are now the second-most photographed vehicle in Woolooware Bay Central carpark selfies, behind only white Range Rovers with dog seatbelts.
“We believe it’s less about sustainability and more about visibility,” said Dr. Crispin Glowstick, cultural economist and EV-trend analyst at Gymea TAFE. “The Temu Tesla offers what we call ‘Fauxluxury EV Aesthetic’ - all the eco points, none of the Elon guilt, and plenty of USB ports.”
Social media confirms the trend. Local influencer Kai from Kurnell posted a BYD photo captioned “Charging my dreams ⚡🌱 #EcoIcon #AlmostTesla” - before being spotted 30 minutes later filling a jerry can for his jet ski.
Not all are convinced. “It’s the electric equivalent of wearing knock-off Balenciaga slides to a Cronulla café,” said one anonymous Tesla owner while polishing his falcon-wing doors.
But with prices that undercut traditional EVs, leather-look seats, and enough LED mood lighting to stage a rave in the Woolies car park, BYDs appear here to stay.
Authorities urge calm - and have gently reminded residents that sustainability isn’t measured in hashtags.
Comentários