Elon Musk's Tesla has drastically changed the way it describes the performance of its electric vehicle lineup, reducing the estimated range of Model Y, Model S, and Model X by up to 37 miles.
The Verge report In a recent update, Tesla reportedly adjusted the range estimates for several electric vehicles, specifically the Model Y, Model S, and Model X. This change reduces nominal range by up to 37 miles, and performance estimates are based on existing owner experience.
Tesla accident in California (Contra Costa County Fire Protection District, via AP)
The Model Y Performance's range is reduced from 303 miles to 285 miles, and the Model Y Long Range's range is listed at 310 miles, down from 330 miles. The Model X Plaid has a smaller range, ranging from 333 miles to 326 miles. The biggest reduction was seen in the Model S Plaid with 19-inch wheels, which dropped from 396 miles to 359 miles.
Interestingly, this range estimate change currently only applies to Tesla's US market, with no similar adjustments reported in the company's UK and EU listed markets. Other Tesla models such as the Cybertruck, Model 3, and Model Y Rear-Wheel Drive are not affected by this update.
Tesla hasn't explicitly stated why the range estimates have decreased, but the change is due to the company's continued improvements in “comfort and functionality,” which can consume more energy. , likely due to a combination of factors, including new EPA testing requirements. Energy consumption may increase and range may be slightly reduced.
Tesla's range numbers have been controversial in the past. CEO Elon Musk has previously been criticized for overstating the range. In 2020, the EPA disputed Musk's claim that the Model S Long Range had a range of 400 miles. Most recently, in October 2023, the Department of Justice began investigating Tesla's range estimates following accusations of possible exaggeration.
In July 2023, Breibtaert News reported that Tesla had created a “transformation team” to silence range-related issues. Breitbart News reported:
Tesla owner Alexandre Ponsin shared his experience with the company's service. After purchasing his 2021 Model 3 used, Ponsin embarked on a family road trip from Colorado to California. He expected to get close to the advertised range of 353 miles with a fully charged battery. However, I quickly realized that my range could be less than half that, especially in cold weather. “We're looking at the range, and we're literally seeing the numbers dwindle before our eyes,” Ponsin said.
When Ponsin made a service appointment with Tesla, he received two text messages informing him that the company wanted to cancel the visit after a remote diagnostic showed there was no problem with the battery. Without his knowledge, Tesla employees were instructed to prevent customers who complained of poor range from taking their vehicles in for maintenance.
The Diversion Team was reportedly set up to deal with an influx of service bookings from owners disappointed with their cars' performance. Inside the Nevada team's offices, employees celebrated canceling service appointments, often resolving hundreds of cases a week.
read more Verge here.
Lucas Nolan is a reporter for Breitbart News covering free speech and online censorship issues.
