Electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer Mullen Automotive (NASDAQ: MULN) announced it is now accepting Bitcoin (BTC) and the $TRUMP meme coin as payment for its vehicles, becoming one of the first U.S.-based automakers to enable cryptocurrency-based EV purchases.
The company will support crypto payments across its commercial lineup, including the Mullen ONE cargo van, Mullen THREE cab-chassis truck, and Bollinger B4 Class 4 commercial vehicles. Mullen also revealed plans to expand the list of accepted cryptocurrencies to include popular stablecoins and other meme coins.
“The increasing acceptance of cryptocurrency as a form of payment expands Mullen’s ability to deliver its product to a broader audience at the commercial and consumer levels,” said David Michery, CEO and Chairman of Mullen Automotive, in a press release on Tuesday.
The crypto payment infrastructure will be facilitated through integrations with leading third-party crypto payment platforms, enabling seamless transactions for buyers interested in alternative currencies.
Regulatory Tailwinds Support Crypto Adoption
Mullen’s announcement coincides with broader shifts in digital currency policy and regulation across the United States. Earlier this month, California’s State Assembly unanimously passed Assembly Bill 1180 (AB 1180), a legislative milestone that encourages public institutions to accept Bitcoin and other digital currencies for payments. The bill passed 68–0, marking growing bipartisan support for crypto adoption.
Other states are also exploring frameworks to support Bitcoin as a legitimate medium of exchange, with some pushing for its recognition in tax payments and government transactions.
Automotive Industry Inches Toward Crypto
While Mullen’s move is bold, it follows a gradual industry trend toward crypto integration. Luxury carmakers such as Ferrari, BMW, and Lamborghini have previously dabbled in accepting Bitcoin or crypto through select dealerships, but Mullen becomes the first major U.S. commercial EV company to offer direct crypto payments at scale.
Industry analysts see the move as both a marketing advantage and a nod to shifting consumer demographics.
“Crypto-native buyers represent a growing market segment,” said Angela Martinez, senior analyst at EVTech Insights. “By enabling Bitcoin and meme coin payments, Mullen is positioning itself as a forward-looking brand willing to meet customers where they are.”
The announcement also triggered a modest rally in Mullen’s share price on Nasdaq, as retail traders and crypto enthusiasts responded positively to the news.
Tesla’s Crypto Future Remains Uncertain
Mullen’s decision has reignited speculation about whether Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ: TSLA) might resume cryptocurrency payments for its EVs.
Tesla briefly accepted Bitcoin for car purchases in 2021, following a $1.5 billion Bitcoin investment, but discontinued the program after just 49 days, citing environmental concerns related to Bitcoin mining’s energy consumption.
Since then, Tesla has retained Dogecoin as an accepted payment method—though only for merchandise sold on its online store. CEO Elon Musk has stated on multiple occasions that Tesla may accept crypto payments again in the future, provided Bitcoin mining becomes significantly more sustainable.
“When there’s confirmation of reasonable (~50%) clean energy usage by miners with positive future trend, Tesla will resume allowing Bitcoin transactions,” Musk said in a 2021 tweet.
However, no timeline has been set for reinstating crypto-based car purchases. Tesla sold a significant portion of its Bitcoin holdings in 2022, adding to skepticism over its long-term commitment to digital assets.
Musk’s attention has also shifted in recent months following political engagement and shareholder pressure. He has since returned focus to Tesla’s core business, including work on the company’s Autopilot and Robotaxi programs.
Broader Trend: Crypto’s Growing Role in Commerce
Mullen’s foray into cryptocurrency payments reflects a broader trend across industries, as both retail and institutional adoption of crypto continues to grow. Public companies including MicroStrategy, Block Inc., and Metaplanet have added Bitcoin to their balance sheets, reinforcing digital assets as part of long-term corporate strategy.
With regulatory frameworks such as California’s AB 1180 making headway, and stablecoins gaining popularity for real-world payments, analysts believe more automakers may follow suit.
“Digital assets are quickly transitioning from speculative investments to real-world payment mechanisms,” said John Carlisle, fintech consultant and advisor at ChainBridge Strategies. “As infrastructure improves and legal clarity increases, we will likely see broader adoption across the automotive sector.”
Conclusion
Mullen Automotive’s acceptance of Bitcoin and $TRUMP coin marks a significant step in merging cryptocurrency with the electric vehicle industry. With legal and consumer sentiment shifting in favor of crypto, the move could pave the way for wider adoption among car manufacturers.
As for Tesla—once a crypto trailblazer—the world is watching to see whether Elon Musk will seize the opportunity to bring Bitcoin and Dogecoin back into Tesla’s payment ecosystem.
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