The car company Tesla has reduced the range of the three electric cars Model Y, S and X in the USA. Although the company does not provide a specific reason for this change, according to The Verge, the United States Department of Justice recently opened an investigation against Tesla for alleged range exaggerations. The group could therefore want to protect itself with the adjustments.
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Range information reduced by up to six percent
Tesla has reduced the estimated range for several Model Y, S and X models in the US, by up to six percent on certain trim levels. For example, Tesla’s online configurator now shows an estimated range of 285 miles (458 kilometers) for the Model Y. That’s 18 miles (around 29 kilometers) less than the previously estimated 303 miles (487 kilometers).
The Model Y Long Range’s range has dropped from 330 to 310 miles (about 500 kilometers), while that of the Model X Plaid has dropped from 333 to 326 miles (524 kilometers). Model S Plaid estimates have also been updated. More specifically, for the 19-inch wheel configuration, which dropped from 396 miles to 359 miles (577 kilometers). These changes do not currently apply to the UK and EU. The ranges of other vehicles such as the Cybertruck, the Model 3 and the Model Y with rear-wheel drive are also not affected.
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Tesla is often suspected of exaggeration
Tesla has provided no explanation for the lowered range estimates. Drive Tesla reports that according to internal company documents, the changes are due to two things. Firstly, there are “comfort and functional improvements” that the group has made and which require more energy. Secondly, it is the implementation of the revised testing requirements of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These should lead to “higher consumption and a slight reduction in overall range”.
The car giant is repeatedly confronted with accusations that its range figures are too high. The EPA claimed that CEO Elon Musk exaggerated the range of the Tesla Model S Long Range in 2020 at 400 miles. Last October, the DOJ opened an investigation into Tesla’s mileage estimates amid suspicions that many of the claims were intentionally exaggerated.