⁣Tesla, the renowned electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer led by Elon Musk, is confronting a class-action lawsuit in Australia.⁤ ⁣The legal action centers on allegations that Tesla’s Model 3 and Model Y vehicles exhibit unexpected braking, fail to meet advertised battery ranges, and have overstated autonomous driving features.⁤⁥

Allegations of ‘Phantom Braking’

⁣A primary concern in the lawsuit is the phenomenon termed ‘phantom braking.’⁤ ⁣This issue involves Tesla’s Autopilot system initiating sudden and unwarranted emergency braking, posing potential safety hazards.⁤ ⁣Drivers have reported abrupt decelerations without clear obstacles, leading to increased accident risks.⁤ ⁣Similar complaints have surfaced in other markets, prompting regulatory scrutiny.⁤⁥

Disputed Autonomous Driving Claims

⁣The lawsuit also challenges Tesla’s portrayal of its Autopilot and Full Self-Driving (FSD) systems.⁤ ⁣Plaintiffs assert that these features do not deliver the level of autonomy advertised, despite customers paying significant premiums for them.⁤ ⁣The legal filing contends that Tesla’s marketing misled consumers regarding the vehicles’ true capabilities.⁤⁥

Concerns Over Battery Range

⁣Another critical issue raised is the discrepancy between Tesla’s advertised battery range and real-world performance.⁤ ⁣Owners claim that their vehicles often achieve less than 75% of the promised range, leading to concerns about the accuracy of Tesla’s marketing and the practicality of the vehicles for daily use.⁤⁥

Legal Proceedings and Potential Implications

⁣The class-action lawsuit, filed in the Federal Court by Brisbane-based law firm JGA Saddler, represents Australian owners of Model 3 and Model Y vehicles purchased between May 2021 and December 2024.⁤ ⁣The plaintiffs seek remedies for the alleged defects and misrepresentations, including potential compensation and corrective measures from Tesla.⁤⁥

⁣This legal action in Australia mirrors similar challenges Tesla has faced globally concerning its Autopilot system and vehicle performance claims.⁤ ⁣The outcome of this case could have significant implications for Tesla’s operations and consumer trust in the Australian market.⁤⁥

Conclusion

⁣As Tesla navigates this legal challenge, the case underscores the importance of transparent marketing and reliable performance in the rapidly evolving EV industry.⁤ ⁣Consumers and industry observers alike will be closely monitoring the proceedings, which may influence future regulatory standards and consumer expectations for autonomous driving technologies.⁤⁥