After Dieselgate and the Takata scandal, an Electricgate?

Italy is investigating BYD, Tesla, Volkswagen, and Stellantis for misleading claims about batteries and electric vehicle range.

The Italian Competition Authority (AGCM) has opened an investigation into four major electric vehicle manufacturers: BYD, Stellantis, Tesla, and Volkswagen. These inquiries focus on potential misleading business practices regarding battery capacity, the range of electric vehicles (EVs), and other critical elements.

The AGCM announced that it has initiated these proceedings to examine the practices of the local subsidiaries of the manufacturers. According to the authority, these companies may have violated consumer code in Italy by publishing information deemed generic or contradictory on their websites.

The investigation focuses on three main points:

• EV Range: The manufacturers failed to clearly indicate the factors influencing the maximum claimed range and their actual impact on effective range.
• Battery Degradation: Consumers were not accurately informed about capacity loss related to normal vehicle use.
• Battery Warranties: The terms and limitations of standard warranties were not sufficiently detailed.

Inspections have been carried out at the local offices of the companies in collaboration with the Guardia di Finanza, a special unit of the Italian financial police.

In a statement, Stellantis confirmed that it has fully cooperated with the AGCM, providing all necessary information and documents. The company stated: “Stellantis Europe S.p.A. is confident that it has adequately and comprehensively responded to the investigators’ questions and will continue to fully cooperate.” To date, Stellantis is the only one of the four groups involved to have publicly commented on this matter.

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