UPDATE: New reports confirm that viral videos claiming to show Tesla vehicles charging from towed diesel generators are entirely AI-generated fakes. This revelation has sparked outrage and confusion across social media platforms, particularly in Australia.
The videos, which depict a Tesla towing a smoke-emitting diesel generator while charging, have been circulating rapidly, misleading viewers with the caption, “Tesla Owner Charges on the Highway Using a Diesel Generator — Seriously?!” However, investigations by AAP FactCheck reveal that these clips feature identifiable AI watermarks, confirming their artificial origins.
In one notable video, the Tesla’s registration plate inconsistently shifts locations on the vehicle during the clip, a clear indication of manipulation. Other versions lack visible watermarks but display alarming visual anomalies, such as the diesel generator appearing to hover unattached to the car. Additionally, the clips incorrectly position the charging port, further emphasizing their fabricated nature.
The International Fact-Checking Network member, AAP FactCheck, underscores the importance of verifying information in an age where misinformation can spread like wildfire. They stress that the integrity of their findings is maintained by a rigorous process conducted by experienced journalists and producers.
As the public grapples with these misleading visuals, the urgency for media literacy and fact-checking has never been more critical. The implications of such disinformation not only affect perceptions of electric vehicles but also erode trust in digital media.
For those interested in staying informed about fact-checking developments, AAP encourages following their updates on platforms including Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, BlueSky, TikTok, and YouTube.
Stay vigilant—this is a developing story. Share this information to help combat misinformation and promote accurate reporting in our digital age.
