The case has been going on for some time. In 2019, the first stories surfaced of Teslas that suddenly had less range after a software update and could also charge less quickly. A Norwegian Model S driver told Electrek two years ago: “With my 2014 Tesla Model S 85 I had a range of almost 400 kilometers. Until May 14, 2019, when an update was installed and the range of my car decreased. five weeks to about 350 kilometers. That is a decrease of about 12 percent. “
The battery must be protected, Tesla said
In a response, Tesla then said that the update was necessary to protect the battery and that only a small proportion of Tesla drivers would experience a reduction in range. Customers did not accept that explanation (why did the battery suddenly have to be protected?) And went to court. There are several cases against Tesla worldwide. In a Norwegian case, the judge has just given judgment.
Judge: Tesla must pay damages
Tesla has been found guilty of secretly reversing the range. In Norway, the manufacturer must therefore pay a compensation of 13,000 euros per person to thirty people. For Tesla, however, this could become an even more expensive issue. It is likely that 10,000 Tesla owners have been disadvantaged in Norway alone. In addition, more of these lawsuits are pending in other countries – including the United States.