I was recently informed that South Korea’s antitrust regulator, the Korea Fair Trade Commission (KFTC), has announced that it will impose a fine of 2.85 billion won ($2.2 million) on Tesla for failing to disclose to customers the reduced driving range of its electric vehicles in cold weather.
The Driving Range of Tesla Cars in Cold Weather
According to the KFTC, Tesla has exaggerated the “driving ranges of its cars on a single charge, their fuel cost-effectiveness compared to gasoline vehicles, as well as the performance of its Superchargers” on its official local website since August 2019 until recently.
The regulator stated that the driving range of Tesla cars can drop by up to 51% in cold weather, compared to the advertised range on the website.
Tesla’s Winter Driving Tips
I attempted to reach out to Tesla for comment, but they were not immediately available. On its website, Tesla provides winter driving tips, such as pre-conditioning vehicles with external power sources and using its updated Energy app to monitor energy consumption, but it does not mention the loss of driving range in sub-zero temperatures.
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The Impact of Cold Weather on Electric Vehicles
It is worth noting that the impact of cold temperatures on the performance of electric vehicles is a well-known challenge, and EVs are still popular in markets such as Norway, where four out of five vehicles sold last year were battery-powered, with Tesla leading the way.
- A study conducted by telematics provider Geotab in 2020 found that most EV models experienced a similar drop in range in cold weather, primarily because the battery is also used to heat the car for the driver and passengers.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Korea Fair Trade Commission (KFTC)?
The KFTC is South Korea’s antitrust regulator, responsible for enforcing fair trade laws and protecting consumer rights.
Why has the KFTC imposed a fine on Tesla?
The KFTC has imposed a fine of 2.85 billion won ($2.2 million) on Tesla for failing to disclose to customers the reduced driving range of its electric vehicles in cold weather.
When did Tesla exaggerate the driving range of its vehicles?
According to the KFTC, Tesla has exaggerated the driving range of its vehicles on its official local website since August 2019 until recently.
How much does the driving range of Tesla cars drop in cold weather?
The KFTC has stated that the driving range of Tesla cars can drop by up to 51% in cold weather, compared to the advertised range on the website.
Has Tesla commented on the fine imposed by the KFTC?
Tesla has not yet provided a comment on the fine imposed by the KFTC.
Does Tesla mention the reduced driving range of its EVs in cold weather on its website?
No, Tesla’s website provides winter driving tips such as pre-conditioning vehicles with external power sources and using its updated Energy app to monitor energy consumption, but it does not mention the loss of driving range in sub-zero temperatures.
Is the impact of cold temperatures on EV performance a well-known challenge?
Yes, the impact of cold temperatures on the performance of electric vehicles is a well-known challenge.
Are EVs still popular in markets with cold climates?
Yes, EVs are still popular in markets such as Norway, where four out of five vehicles sold last year were battery-powered, with Tesla leading the way.
What did a study by telematics provider Geotab in 2020 find about the impact of cold temperatures on EV range?
The study conducted by Geotab in 2020 found that most EV models experienced a similar drop in range in cold weather, primarily because the battery is also used to heat the car for the driver and passengers.
Why do EVs experience a drop in range in cold weather?
EVs experience a drop in range in cold weather primarily because the battery is also used to heat the car for the driver and passengers.
