No official reasons reported
Tesla has lowered range estimates for Model Y, S and X vehicles in the United States, reducing range estimates by up to 6 percent on some trims.
As reported by Electrek, Tesla's online configurator now displays an estimated range of 458 km for the Model Y Performance trim, which is 30 km less than the previous estimate of 488 km.
The Model Y Long Range range has been reduced from 531 to 498, and the Model X Plaid has had its range reduced from 535 km to 524 km. Tesla Model S Plaid with 19-inch wheels can now travel up to 577 km instead of 637 km.
No changes were made to Tesla's UK and EU websites, and the range of other vehicles such as the Cybertruck, Model 3 and rear-wheel drive Model Y remained unchanged.
Tesla did not provide an explanation for the low range estimates. Drive Tesla, after studying internal company documents, reports that the changes are related to two things. The first is the «improvements in comfort and functionality»made by Tesla, which require more power, and the second is the implementation of revised EPA testing requirements, which result in«higher consumption and smaller reduction in total power reserve».
As The Verge writes, the move comes after the Justice Department began investigating complaints that Tesla was overstating its range.