I’m guessing your friend has a Tesla 3, and it is a vehicle he HAS to rely on.
There are a number of Tesla Model S’ in my area. It’s a third or fourth vehicle for owners, and they don’t drive them much when it gets much below freezing.
Owners of the cheaper Tesla 3 are probably financially stressed by their purchase, and don’t have the other easy options that people who can afford the $100k+ Tesla S’ have.
You are absolutely correct. He bought the most stripped down version he could get to save money and did it as a “look at me, I’m saving the planet” statement.