Tesla: ‘We believe the test was likely not properly conducted’

Tesla Model S

Tesla issued a response today to Tech in Asia’s query on the huge difference between the energy efficiency of the used Tesla Model S when it was rolled out of the factory in 2014, and when a test was conducted by car inspection firm Vicom and Singapore’s Land Transport Authority (LTA).

The electric car company said: “We believe the test was likely not properly conducted, and we are working cooperatively with the LTA to test the car again.”

Tech in Asia has asked for an elaboration from Tesla on why it thinks the test was likely flawed.

The controversy started when IT professional Joe Nguyen tried to import his used Tesla Model S into Singapore and got his car tested in order to receive a electric vehicle rebate. Instead, he was taxed US$10,900 because his car didn’t meet the standards.

According to an LTA statement released yesterday, the car’s Certificate of Conformity stated that its consumption rating was 181 Wh/km. However, Vicom’s test put it at 444 Wh/km. This led observers to wonder what caused the huge difference in efficiency.

LTA then suggested that the discrepancy might have been caused by wear and tear. “The emissions and fuel efficiency of a used car, unlike a new car, can vary significantly depending on its prevailing condition, how it was previously driven and maintained,” it said.

Tech in Asia reached out to LTA for comment, but was redirected to the statement it released on Facebook.

Read more: Singapore’s LTA says the Tesla Model S it tested was a used car, hence its low efficiency

Converted from Singapore dollars. US$1 = S$1.38.