there has been a genuine concern about how the battery pack will fare in an accident. The argument is that they are a fire hazard, but a lot of effort and engineering has been put into making the packs crash resistant. However, if you hit a solid object at 60+ mph, then you risk damaging the pack and causing a fire. Although the same is true for rupturing a gas tank in a similar situation and spilling x gallons of highly flammable gasoline on to a hot muffler and drivetrain.
There has also been a focus on AutoPilot with some folks believing the system is misnamed and lulls people into believing the car will drive itself, like an airplane autopilot will fly itself. Yet, people do NOT bother to read FAA regulations about aircraft autopilot systems which clearly spell out that such systems are their to assist the flight crew, not operate autonomously. They specifically explain that when autopilot is engaged, the pilot in command is STILL required to maintain control of the aircraft and be alert for problems, ready to take manual control at ANY time. Which is exactly what a Tesla AP system tells you when you engage it the first time. You, the driver, are responsible for the operation of the vehicle and must be ready to assume control of the car at any times. You must remain in your seat, with your hands on the wheel.
Some folks have deliberately circumvented safety systems designed to prevent "unattended" operation (Consumer Reports made a video explaining just how to do it) and then it is Tesla's fault that people do stupid things and get hurt.
Another investigation has involved "unintended acceleration" which seems to always involved people jumping the curb in a parking space and plowing into a stationary object (light pole, building, fire hydrant). Yet, when Tesla pulls the operation logs of the car they have found a misapplied pedal in every case (stepping on accelerator when they meant the brake). To be fair, you need to understand that because EVs have WAY more torque than a gas car, they will MOVE FAST if you step on the accelerator thinking it is the brake.
Do this type of new tech need to be watched carefully? Absolutely. Does Musk need to be less thin-skinned about such questions? Positively. Do some people create/exaggerate problems for ulterior motives (short sellers, competitors, anti-EV interests)? Without question.
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