Tesla has been mandated by the Borgarting Court of Appeal to compensate four Model S owners in Norway following a controversial software update that reduced the vehicle’s charging speed in 2019. Each owner is entitled to a discount of 50,000 Norwegian kroner (approximately 4,300 euros), a ruling that could have wider implications for numerous other Tesla customers in the country.
The decision stems from a larger legal battle involving 118 Tesla owners who are seeking compensation after the charging speed of their vehicles was throttled. The ruling suggests that any Tesla owner in Norway who purchased their vehicle during the affected timeframe may also be eligible for compensation.
This case, which has been ongoing for nearly four years, poses additional financial strain on Tesla. The company is responsible for not only its own legal fees but also those incurred by the four plaintiffs, totaling around 4.8 million NOK (approximately 409,000 euros).
Tesla implemented the charging speed reduction through an over-the-air update, justifying the move by stating it aimed to extend battery life and enhance safety. However, the Borgarting Court of Appeal contended that the charging speed is a fundamental feature of electric vehicles, making any post-purchase throttling unacceptable.
The ruling could set a precedent in Norway, potentially influencing how automakers manage software updates that affect critical vehicle performance metrics.
Source: motor.no
