S.Korea investigates possible exaggerated Tesla mileage ad

SEOUL, Feb 15 (Reuters) – South Korea’s antitrust regulator is investigating U.S. electric car maker Tesla Inc (TSLA.O) over allegations the company overstated the specifications of its batteries, an official said on Tuesday. the Korea Fair Trade Commission (KFTC). .

Yonhap news agency reported late Monday that the KFTC sent a report to the electric vehicle (EV) maker saying it had exaggerated the mileage of some of its models, including the Model 3, in violation of the law. on fair labeling and advertising.

“We plan to hold a meeting to decide on the level of sanctions against the automaker,” a KFTC official told Reuters.

Tesla, on its website, says its Model 3 can travel 528 km (328 miles) on a single charge. The KFTC, however, says the range could be lower than that if the temperature drops below freezing.

Analysts said most electric vehicles could generally experience some range loss in cold weather.

Tesla was not immediately available for comment when contacted by Reuters.

($1 = 1,198.3100 won)

Reporting by Joori Roh, Heekyong Yang; Editing by Stephen Coates

Our standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.