Tesla Faces DOJ Probe Over Vehicle Range Claims - TSLA

The U.S. Justice Department is investigating whether Tesla’s electric vehicles meet the Environmental Protection Agency’s stated range estimates, according to a recent SEC filing. The probe centers on potential discrepancies between advertised and actual driving ranges, with Consumer Reports testing showing the Model Y fell significantly short of its EPA-rated 326 miles, achieving only 274 miles in warm weather. The investigation follows independent tests by Consumer Reports comparing the Model Y with the Volkswagen ID.4, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and Ford Mustang Mach-E. While the ID.4 and Mach-E exceeded or nearly matched their EPA ratings, the Model Y underperformed despite traveling farther than some competitors. EPA estimates rely on automaker-provided data, and false reporting could lead to legal consequences, as seen in Volkswagen’s $4.3 billion settlement for diesel emissions fraud. Tesla stated no agency has found wrongdoing, and neither the company nor the DOJ commented further. The inquiry was disclosed in filings dated January 22, 2026.