AI-Generated Image Falsely Links Nikola Tesla to Cybertruck
Tesla’s Cybertruck is the world’s first EV truck ever made. Anyway, a widespread social media claim said the vehicle was inspired by the classic car invented by Serbian-born American electrical engineer Nikola Tesla. The claim has been widely shared and has received a lot of engagement from Facebook users. However, upon investigation, we found that […]
Tesla’s Cybertruck is the world’s first EV truck ever made. Anyway, a widespread social media claim said the vehicle was inspired by the classic car invented by Serbian-born American electrical engineer Nikola Tesla. The claim has been widely shared and has received a lot of engagement from Facebook users. However, upon investigation, we found that the claim was false.
SOCIAL MEDIA CLAIM
The claim has been shared hundreds of times and has received various comments and reactions from Facebook users who believe the image is real.
Below is the snapshot from a social media post on July 14, 2024, which reads, “Tesla 1936” – an implication that the car in the image was invented in 1936 by Nikola Tesla.
Another social media claim suggests that the image depicts a vehicle that has been fully restored from a horse-drawn Chuckwagon dating back to 1875.
The social media post has drawn a lot of comments from Facebook users, some of them alleged Elon Musk’s Tesla Cybertruck is from this one.
Below is the screenshot from a social media post on July 15, 2024, which reads, “Fully restored 1875 Chuckwagon” – an implication that the vehicle was invented nearly 150 years ago.
Below is a snapshot of another social media claim from July 14, 2024, which reads, ‘Elon got his inspiration from?’ – questioning whether Elon Musk derived the concept for the Tesla Cybertruck from this image.
The same claim can be found on the social media platform published and widely circulated. It can be seen here in Link 1 (archived), Link 2 (archived), and many other links.
The claim has been widely circulated on X (Twitter) social media platforms too. Many social media users expressed their reactions and comments to the post, apparently believing it is true.
FACT CHECK
Fact Crescendo Cambodia began debunking the above claim by running Google Image Search and an artificial intelligence image checker and seeking clarification from relevant sources. Then, we discovered the facts below.
Using Google Reverse Image Search, we found that the image has been widely circulated on social media and the internet without any reliable information. Although we located a high-resolution version of the image, no additional details about it were available.
After examining the high-resolution image, we used an artificial intelligence image checker, which confirmed that the image was generated by AI.
Below is a snapshot of the deep fake analysis, which indicates that the image was most likely generated by AI or deep fake content.
Next, we investigated the origin of the image, aiming to identify the creator of this AI-generated content and trace its circulation on social media.
Using Google Reverse Image Search, we found that Evan Kirstel posted the image on X (Twitter) on June 25, 2024. His post was the earliest instance of the image compared to those made by other social media users.
His profile indicates that he is a social media influencer and content creator specializing in technology, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. Read his profile here.
We reached out to Kirstel for clarification via email, but have not yet received a response. The details will be updated once we receive his response.
By reviewing his profile on social media, we found he has shared many artworks and graphic designs on Instagram and X (Twitter) as well. Read his profile on Instagram here and X here.
Did Nikola Tesla invent a car to become a model for the current Cybertruck?
It is widely known that Elon Musk’s car company, Tesla, is named after Nikola Tesla, the Serbian-born American electrical engineer who contributed significantly to the development of modern alternating current (AC) electricity supply systems.
However, there is no evidence to suggest that he invented any car or left a vehicle model that would inspire the future Tesla Cybertruck. Read the full article here (archived).
Cosmo Magazine | Archived Link
The Tesla Cybertruck, unveiled by Elon Musk in 2019, began production in 2023. The truck features a unique design, constructed from flat stainless steel panels mounted on wheels.
According to Elon Musk’s biographer Walter Isaacson, as quoted by Business Insider last year, the unique design of the truck is inspired by science fiction movies and games. Read the full article here.
CONCLUSION
Fact Crescendo Cambodia determined that the above claim is false. The image resembling a classic car was generated using artificial intelligence technology. In reality, Nikola Tesla did not invent any car that inspired the development of Elon Musk’s Tesla Cybertruck.
Title:AI-Generated Image Falsely Links Nikola Tesla to Cybertruck
Written By: Fact Crescendo TeamResult: False
