Elon Musk’s software program experience has helped Tesla outsmart different carmakers. Whereas rivals would possibly have to carry lots of of 1000’s of automobiles into outlets for recall repairs, Tesla can typically repair comparable points by way of an over-the-air software program replace.
However based on a class-action lawsuit filed Friday in California, software program updates have drained or rendered inoperable costly batteries for some house owners. The go well with states:
“When automobile house owners buy their automobiles, they moderately count on that unexpected occasions—like climate, accidents, or flat tires—could affect the efficiency of their automobiles and result in expensive repairs. However no affordable client would count on that the automobile producer itself, by means of an automatic system, would intentionally and considerably intervene with the automobile’s efficiency by means of software program updates that cut back the working capability of the automobiles. However that’s exactly what Tesla has carried out right here.”
In response to the go well with, Tesla’s automated software program updates have, with out warning, depleted the battery in Mannequin S and Mannequin X automobiles, lowering the driving vary by no less than 20%. “Automotive house owners shall be compelled to pay a 3rd occasion a major price ($500-$750) to reverse the software program replace in order that the automobile house owners may proceed to expertise the battery efficiency that they had earlier than the replace,” the go well with states.
In some instances, the software program updates “will render the batteries inoperable, and automobile house owners have to buy a brand new battery at a price of as much as $15,000,” it provides.
In July 2021, Tesla agreed to pay $1.5 million to settle claims that one in every of its software program updates quickly lowered the battery’s charging pace, most capability, and vary quickly for greater than 1,700 Mannequin S house owners, based on CNBC.
Hagens Berman lawyer Steve Berman, who’s representing Tesla house owners and lessors within the present lawsuit, instructed Fox Information, “Tesla house owners and lessors are uniquely on the mercy of the maker of their automobiles, and Tesla imposes software program updates with out consent each time their automobile is related to Wi-Fi.”
The lawsuit provides: “Tesla house owners hook up with Tesla immediately by way of Wi-Fi from their properties or companies, and Tesla can then push software program updates onto the automobiles, with out the chance to consent to the updates or ask questions in regards to the updates. And Plaintiffs actually didn’t consent to updates that hurt the efficiency of their automobiles.”
Tesla states on its web site: “Over-the-air software program updates introduce new options and updates to your automobile—making your automobile safer and extra succesful over time.”
Fortune reached out to Tesla for feedback in regards to the lawsuit however obtained no quick reply.