Tesla has been accused of inflating the driving range of its electric vehicles (EVs) for years and even setting up a team to suppress complaints about the issue, according to a report by Reuters. The article claims that the EV giant intentionally exaggerated the in-dash range-meter projection on its EVs at the directive of CEO Elon Musk. A source familiar with the matter stated that Musk gave the order to manipulate the range estimating software, providing a rosy range projection that did not accurately reflect the EV’s actual mileage.
The in-dash readout reportedly became more accurate once 50 percent of the battery capacity had been used, preventing drivers from being stranded. Additionally, Tesla allegedly built in a safety buffer of 15 miles of range even after the meter showed an empty battery. The source explained that this manipulation was aimed at giving Tesla vehicles an impressive range when fully charged, which influenced customers’ purchasing decisions.
The practice of inflating range estimates is said to have started when Tesla was selling its first-generation Roadster and Model S. Reuters reports that it is unclear whether the company is currently engaging in this practice. However, testers and regulators have continuously accused Tesla of exaggerating its vehicles’ driving range.
Earlier this year, South Korean regulators fined Tesla because its EVs delivered less than half the advertised range in cold weather. The US Environmental Protection Agency has also required the company to reduce the listed range of six of its vehicles since 2020 by an average of 3 percent.
Efforts were allegedly made by Tesla to suppress complaints about the exaggerated range. The company reportedly established a secret Diversion Team based in Las Vegas to cancel as many range-related service appointments as possible in response to the numerous complaints. According to the report, the team closed hundreds of cases per week and celebrated their success with xylophone performances that triggered applause from their coworkers.
Reuters contacted Tesla and requested a comment concerning the allegations made in the report, but there has been no response as of yet. It is important to note that a decrease in an EV’s range after it is no longer at full charge is not uncommon, especially during highway driving or in adverse weather conditions. However, a study conducted by EV analytics firm Recurrent, with the support of a National Science Foundation grant, found that the battery-powered Ford Mustang Mach-E, Chevrolet Bolt, and Hyundai Kona provided more accurate range estimates compared to Tesla.
In conclusion, the accusations against Tesla suggest that the company has been inflating the driving range of its EVs for years. This alleged manipulation of range estimates has drawn scrutiny from regulators and testers. Tesla has previously faced fines in South Korea for falling short of advertised range in cold weather, and the company has been required by the US Environmental Protection Agency to reduce the listed range of several vehicles. Efforts have also been made by Tesla to suppress complaints concerning the exaggerated range. Tesla has yet to respond to the recent allegations, but it is worth noting that other EVs have been shown to provide more accurate range estimates.
