The Supreme Court of Norway has rejected an appeal by Tesla Norway, finalizing a ruling that awards 115 Tesla Model S owners compensation after the company reduced charging capabilities in its vehicles.
The case centers on a 2022 software update that Tesla pushed to its Model S fleet. Owners reported that the update slowed charging speeds at Supercharger stations, particularly at higher power levels. Tesla attributed the change to efforts to protect battery health, but affected owners argued the company had misled them about the update’s impact. The dispute escalated when Tesla Norway initially refused to compensate owners who claimed their vehicles no longer met advertised charging speeds.
In 2023, a lower court ruled in favor of the owners, ordering Tesla to pay each 50,000 Norwegian kroner in damages. Tesla appealed, arguing the update was necessary for long-term battery safety. The Supreme Court’s decision this week upholds the lower court’s verdict, confirming that Tesla’s actions constituted a breach of contract. The court found that Tesla had failed to provide clear advance notice of the changes or their consequences for owners.
The 115 owners, represented by a consumer rights group, will now receive their compensation within 30 days. Tesla Norway has not indicated whether it plans further legal action. The company’s public statements have emphasized its commitment to battery longevity, though critics argue the ruling sets a precedent for transparency in software updates affecting vehicle performance.
The case has drawn attention from consumer advocates across Europe, where similar disputes over EV software changes have emerged. Regulators in several countries are reviewing how automakers communicate updates that alter vehicle functionality.
Source: tu.no