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Tesla has been exaggerating its vehicles' potential driving distance for years by rigging their range-estimating software, report says

Jul 27, 2023, 22:26 IST
Business Insider
Tesla's algorithms misrepresent battery range, Reuters reports.Kena Betancur/VIEWpress via Getty Images
  • Tesla's algorithms misrepresent battery range, Reuters reports.
  • Elon Musk is looking for any edge he can get as more competition hits the EV market.
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Your Tesla's range estimator might be lying to you.

A report from Reuters exposing an entire team of people hired at Tesla to suppress range complaints revealed that Elon Musk's electric vehicle company has rigged its range estimation algorithms to show drivers more aspirational range projections on a full charge.

A source told Reuters that when a Tesla battery falls below 50% of its maximum range, the algorithm adjusts to give a more accurate picture of the remaining mileage on the battery. This adjustment was designed to prevent Tesla drivers from getting stranded, the source told Reuters.

To add to this, a "safety buffer" allows for about 15 miles of additional range even after the battery reads as empty, the source told Reuters.

Tesla did not respond to a request for comment. Tesla and Elon Musk did not respond to questions from Reuters, it said.

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Tesla wants to cure range anxiety

Battery range is one of the most important considerations for EV shoppers, automotive retail experts have said. These ranges can be a deal-breaker or maker for any particular shopper, especially if they don't have a home-charging solution.

Tesla has long carried a reputation for being the best at easing range anxiety with its impressive advertised ranges and robust Supercharger network. In fact, the Supercharger network is so crucial to Tesla's success that other companies are paying to use it in the future.

With the rollout of the Cybertruck, range will be more important than ever. Pickup trucks require big batteries to carry their heavy frames longer distances. Tesla's competitors in the electric truck segment have already struggled with this metric, and if Musk can create a perceived edge on this issue he could add to Cybertruck's appeal.

Musk is looking for any way to juice demand

Tesla is looking for any edge it can take on competitors as it loses its first-mover advantage. Musk has made several moves this year to press Tesla beyond a scrappy startup and into a high-volume automotive powerhouse. Lying about the range of Teslas would help combat issues like stale designs and less differentiation on technology.

Tesla has already fallen victim to some of the oldest volume-boosting tricks in the automotive industry this year, from slashing prices to offering dealer-like incentives on Supercharger miles.

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