Tesla has lowered its range expectations for its electric vehicles as a new U.S. auto testing rule comes into effect, which is designed to ensure that automakers accurately reflect the true performance of the vehicle during use. Under the new regulations, automakers are required to test the range and fuel efficiency of electric vehicles in the "default" driving mode.
Some automotive experts found that Tesla's previous range expectations were exaggerated, and believed that lowering expectations was a necessary change. "Tesla is taking a step in the right direction," said Scott Case, CEO of Recurrent, whose previous vehicle range expectations have historically been 30 percent or more optimistic about actual mileage.
According to Reuters, Tesla has lowered its range expectations for electric vehicles as a new U.S. car testing rule comes into effect, which is designed to ensure that automakers accurately reflect the true performance of the vehicle during use.
In the U.S. market, driving range has been a key selling point for Tesla and other electric models, with consumers citing the lack of public charging infrastructure as the main reason to avoid battery electric vehicles. However, a survey revealed that Tesla's previously released vehicles exaggerated range expectations, prompting widespread complaints from car owners.
Reuters reported in July 2023 that about a decade ago, Tesla manipulated algorithms that control the car's range expectations, overly optimistic about how far car owners can travel before charging. The report also said that Tesla set up a secret team in 2022 to suppress thousands of mileage complaints and cancel mileage-related reservation services for car owners. Subsequently, Tesla disclosed that it had received a subpoena from federal investigators asking it to provide information about the car's mileage.
Recently, Tesla has lowered its range forecast for the Model X, S, Y, and 3 models. Taking the Model Y long-range version as an example, Tesla's official website is currently expected to have a range of 310 miles; On the other hand, fuel economy**, maintained by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), shows a range of 330 miles.
However, some Tesla models have smaller range expectations, such as the Model X Plaid from 333 miles to 326 miles; On the other hand, the range of the Model S Plaid is expected to be lowered from 396 miles to 359 miles.
Under the new regulations, automakers are required to test the range and fuel efficiency of electric vehicles in the "default" driving mode. Currently, many automakers, including Tesla, offer multiple driving modes for their vehicles, allowing maximum adjustment of efficiency or power.
According to a July 2022 letter from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to automakers, if the vehicle does not have a default or standard driving mode, then the automaker needs to test the vehicle's efficiency in the best and worst modes and take the average of the calculated results. According to the letter, the test rule changes will take effect for the 2024 model year.
According to the 2023 owner's manual released on its official website, Tesla offers a variety of driving modes, including a "cooling" mode for improved efficiency and range, and a "drag mode" for higher performance. In the Model Y owner's manual, "Tips for Maximizing Range," Tesla advises drivers to "consider using cooling mode."
Tesla did not respond to requests for comment, including on the reduction in mileage estimates, the EPA's new rules, and whether it used an overcooled mode or any efficiency gearing settings during previous tests.
Nick Conger, a spokesman for the U.S. EPA, said in a statement that automakers typically adjust efficiency estimates "based on new data when new models are replaced or test procedures are updated." It is understood that automakers can test their own vehicle range and fuel efficiency expectations, but must adhere to EPA guidelines. The EPA will retest a certain number of vehicles to verify the authenticity of the data.
As of now, Tesla is the best-selling electric car brand in the United States, and Ford, General Motors, and Hyundai Motor also offer a variety of pure electric models. A Ford spokesperson said the range expectations for three EVs, including the F-150 light pickup, the Mustang Mach-E and an electric transport van, have not been adjusted in line with the EPA's new rules.
In fact, some automotive experts found that Tesla's previous range expectations were exaggerated and believed that lowering expectations was a necessary change. The vast majority of EVs tested have a better range than advertised, but Tesla is the exception, according to EDMUND.
None of the 8 Tesla vehicles we tested met EPA expectations. Alistair We**er, editor-in-chief of EDMUNDS, said Tesla's lowering expectations is an important step, allowing car owners to know more accurately how far their vehicle can travel on a single charge.
Electric vehicle analyst firm Recurrent said it noticed in November that the range of the Model 3 long-range instrument cluster that it monitors has dropped to 333 miles from 358 miles previously. This is in line with the gap between Tesla's estimate for the model and the EPA's estimate.
Tesla is taking a step in the right direction," said Scott Case, CEO of Recurrent, whose previous vehicle range expectations have historically been 30 percent or more optimistic about actual mileage.
Alex Knizek, manager of automotive testing at Consumer Reports, applauded the new rule changes to EPA as they provide a more standardized range of measurement and methodology. "This makes data from different models from different manufacturers more comparable, and it also provides consumers with more reliable information when buying a car. (Compiled by Jiang Zhiwen, China Economic Net).