Tesla’s display the expected range differently than other EVs in C/D testing. Tesla’s displays are based on the EPA range times the battery’s state of charge, while other electric vehicle (EVs) displays constantly alter to meet driving circumstances. Lucid, BMW, and Hyundai EVs differed in our real-world driving range test at 75 mph. Reuters reports that Tesla “rigged” its car software to overestimate the range left. Customers were upset when their autos couldn’t go as far on a single charge. Several California owners have launched a class-action complaint. Damages are specified. Car & Driver’s range testing demonstrates that Tesla EVs’ in-dash range screens differ from those of other automakers. Unlike other electric cars, Tesla’s range displays don’t alter based on how they’re driven. Our 75 mph highway range test examines battery charge, miles driven, and estimated range every five miles to simulate real-world driving. Because highway travel is less efficient than city driving, many EVs modify their DTE. The anticipated battery life generally decreases when the automobile adjusts to highway speeds and lower fuel efficiency. Teslas don’t do this. The 2021 Tesla Model S Plaid’s range fell at an unbelievable rate during the test. Fully charged, it offers a 350-mile range. The anticipated range reduces by more than 5 miles per mile, but it follows a simple formula: the battery’s charge level multiplied by the EPA’s estimated 348 miles. The test range stays at most 2 miles from this calculation. The Model 3 and Model Y followed the same trend. The number of kilometres until empty doesn’t change; setting a destination improves the navigation system’s battery charge estimation. Other electric cars feature more different DTE screens. The 2023 Lucid Air Pure AWD’s display displayed a 376-mile range and full charge at the start of the test. The EPA-rated content is 384 miles. The shown range and the expected EPA range vary during the trial. The gap ranges from 1 to 12 miles below the desired EPA range. The car’s computer adjusts the predicted range up and down for driving style, weather, and other drive-cycle characteristics. Our test data for BMW, GM, Hyundai-Kia, and others may show similar tendencies. No accurate way to measure a vehicle’s range, and EPA estimates change. Learn about Tesla’s secret adjustment factor in our story. Tesla isn’t the only automaker aggressive with EPA labelling, but its cars’ calculated range estimates are, at best, optimistic and, at worst, deceptive.
