- Italian authorities are investigating four EV makers for unfair commercial practices in Italy.
- BYD, Stellantis, Tesla, and VW face accusations of misleading information about their EVs.
- Alleged issues include misleading claims on driving range, battery degradation, and warranty.
Most people think of emissions and fuel consumption ratings when it comes to misleading automotive specifications. However, with the rise of electric vehicles, a new area of scrutiny has emerged: driving range. Four major automakers are now under investigation by Italian authorities for allegedly misleading consumers about their EVs’ specifications on official websites.
The companies in question are BYD, Stellantis, Tesla, and the VW Group. Notably, Stellantis and VW Group sell mechanically related EVs under different brands in the Italian market, adding another layer of complexity to the allegations.
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The Italian Competition Authority (AGCM) has accused these automakers of engaging in unfair commercial practices. Last Thursday, the AGCM, with help from the Italian financial police (Guardia di Finanza), conducted investigations at the Italian headquarters of BYD, Stellantis, Tesla, and VW Group.
According to the regulator, the automakers provided “generic” and occasionally “contradictory” information about their EVs’ driving ranges. While the WLTP figures are the standard for EV range in Europe, the AGCM argues that the companies failed to explain “which factors impact the advertised maximum range and the extent to which they affect the actual range.”
In addition, the automakers allegedly neglected to provide “clear and complete information” on battery capacity degradation over time under normal use, which is an important factor for long-term EV ownership. The AGCM also claims they did not adequately disclose the terms and limitations of their standard battery warranties.
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Essentially, it seems that important details about real-world EV performance may have been left out of marketing materials, potentially giving buyers an incomplete understanding of what to expect.
According to Italian media, the local divisions of BYD, Stellantis, and VW Group have not yet commented on the allegations. Tesla’s local representatives were reportedly unavailable for comment.
As the investigation progresses, we’ll keep an eye on developments and report any potential consequences for the automakers involved.
