Hove Uber driver surprises passengers with his Tesla car

Yilmaz Tetik, from Hove, says people are fascinated by his new Tesla car, which is a rare sight in the city.

Mr Tetik, who has been working as a private hire driver for two and half years, says there are only two other Tesla private hire vehicles working in the Brighton and Hove area.

Tesla is an American electric vehicle company founded by billionaire Elon Musk, who is also chief executive of social media platform Twitter.

“Ninety per cent of the time people say this is the first time they’ve been in a Tesla,” he said.

“It’s an unusual sight.

“People say they weren’t expecting it.”

The driver said passengers are often bemused when they go to get into the back of the car, which has no door handles.

“People are really interested in it,” he said.

“They’re fascinated by the car.

"It's a fun car to drive."

The 52-year-old bought the electric car, which is the second electric vehicle he has had, two months ago and he says he would never go back to a regular car.

Mr Tetik's Tesla (Image: The Argus)

“I’m loving it,” he said.

“And so are my customers.

“I will stick with electric cars.

“I wouldn’t go back.

“I’m ranked five star as an Uber driver in the Brighton area.

“My car is clean and my customers are very happy with the car and how I treat them.

“I treat people how I would like to be treated.”

One aspect of the car that delights and surprises customers is the car's fart noise feature.

Mr Tetik often uses the amusing feature with the permission of parents when there are children on board.

“I can make the back seat make a fart sound,” said Mr Tetik.

“It makes people really laugh.”

The electric car, as well as proving to be a hit with customers, is also more economical, Mr Tetik said.

“SWhen I take London trips I don’t have to pay the ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone) charge or the congestion charge,” he said.

“I think it’s a good way to go.”