The first Tesla ‘range inflation’ lawsuit has been filed

Tesla facing a lawsuit over allegations of consumer fraud regarding exaggerated range estimates of its electric vehicles.

Key points:

• Several Tesla owners have filed a class action lawsuit against the automaker.
• The lawsuit alleges that Tesla violated state consumer fraud statutes by falsely advertising the range of its electric vehicles.
• Tesla is accused of grossly overvaluing the range to increase sales.
• A Reuters investigation found that Tesla had inflated its range estimates, prompting owners to seek service.
• CEO Elon Musk reportedly directed the use of algorithms to provide rosier range numbers.
• Tesla created a "diversion team" to handle range complaints and save costs by canceling service appointments.