Tesla Quietly Cuts Range Estimates for Some Models
Tesla has long been accused of being, um, “overly optimistic” about its EVs’ range estimates. Its vehicles often fall further from their EPA estimates than other models, prompting an investigation by the DOJ and owner complaints. Now, the automaker has quietly reduced its advertised range estimates, with some falling by significant amounts.
The Model Y, Model S, and Model X got range cuts. The Model Y Performance dropped 18 miles, while the Long Range cut seven miles. The Model S Plaid’s range estimate fell the most, from 396 miles with 19-inch wheels to 359. The Model 3 and Cybertruck did not see changes.
Tesla doesn’t have a communications department, so there’s no way to reach out and ask why it made this change, but there are a few hints. Drive Tesla reported that internal documents blame the change on “comfort and functionality improvements” that drain more battery power, as well as a change in the way the EPA tests range, which the automaker said causes “higher consumption and a slight decrease in overall range.”
To be fair to Tesla, many automakers’ EV range estimates turn out to be optimistic, and there are a variety of factors that impact the numbers. That said, these aren’t massive changes in range, so it will be interesting to see if it takes some of the heat off Tesla for inflating its estimates.
[Image: Tesla]
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Chris grew up in, under, and around cars, but took the long way around to becoming an automotive writer. After a career in technology consulting and a trip through business school, Chris began writing about the automotive industry as a way to reconnect with his passion and get behind the wheel of a new car every week. He focuses on taking complex industry stories and making them digestible by any reader. Just don’t expect him to stay away from high-mileage Porsches.
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Are you two for real?
What do you think MPG translate into...Range.
talk about "reading comprehension". smh
https://www.techradar.com/news/ev-battery-size-charge-speeds-and-range-explained
Although a small detail, it is worth remembering that some car manufacturers quote the total or actual battery capacity, and others quote the usable capacity.
For example, the largest battery fitted to a Porsche Taycan has an actual capacity of 93.4kWh, but a usable capacity of 83.7kWh.
It's only a small difference, but worth knowing if you see what appears to be a conflicting set of numbers for the same vehicle.
So, for all you control freaks....
Semantics.
How many EV's are being powered on 4 d cells which is what your analogy is trying to use.
Like saying gas burners are no good if you run them on a one cyl. engine.
How did other EV brands fare? Maybe some increased range and just Tesla decreased?