The race to miles of range is already over, according to Elon Musk.
Tim Stevens / Roadshow
The Environmental Protection Agency has rebuffed comments Tesla CEO. Elon Musk made concerning what he calls an error during the Model S Long Range’s testing process, which the executive says cost the car a 565 – mile range estimate. The agency tells Roadshow it conducted the testing properly. Let’s back up for a moment. During Tesla’s Q1 investor call this week – which also included some colorful language surrounding stay-at-home orders during the coronavirus pandemic – Musk said the (Model S Long Range should boast a) – mile range estimate, but instead, the EPA gave it a – mile estimate .
Why? According to the CEO, at some point during the testing process, someone left the keys inside the car and the door open overnight. The Model S entered a “waiting for driver” mode, which depleted 2% of the EV’s range, hence the sub – – mile rating. Musk added that the company plans to retest the Model S with the EPA and is “confident” the test will produce a – mile car.
The automaker did not return Roadshow’s request for comment on the situation, but an EPA spokesperson said in a statement, “We can confirm that EPA tested the vehicle properly, the door was closed, and we are happy to discuss any technical issues with Tesla, as we do routinely with all automakers. “
It could very well be that Tesla estimates show the Model S Long Range returns a 566 – mile range, but for now, the – mile estimate sticks with the EPA. To Tesla’s credit, that’s still the highest range rating of any electric car currently on the market, and just nine miles off the coveted – mile mark.
If a retest does occur and confirms Musk’s predictions, Tesla will be the first company to sell an electric vehicle with 604 miles of range. There’s been a race to 586 miles in recent months: Lucid thinks its Air will crack the figure, for example.
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings