Tesla, the revolutionary automaker that’s become synonymous with electric vehicles, is facing scrutiny on multiple fronts from the Department of Justice from misleading Tesla vehicle ranges to Elon Musk’s personal benefit – find out more in this deep-dive.

The Department of Justice (DoJ) has expanded its investigation into the company, diving deeper into claims related to personal benefits for executives and discrepancies in EV driving ranges.

In a revealing SEC filing, Tesla confirmed that the DoJ has cast its investigative net wider, seeking details on “personal benefits, related parties, vehicle range, and personnel decisions.”

This comes on the heels of an earlier inquiry where the DoJ sought insights on Tesla’s Autopilot and Full Self-Driving features.

Tesla’s Mileage Claims in Question: The Real-world Range Discrepancies

The vehicle range, an essential metric for electric vehicles, is a key component of this investigation.

Both Reuters and Consumer Reports have found discrepancies between Tesla’s claims and the actual driving range of its vehicles.

While the EPA’s lab tests provided one set of numbers, real-world tests often show reduced ranges.

Especially under the lens is Tesla’s Model Y, which Consumer Reports claims fell short of its claimed range by 50 miles in warm weather conditions.

It’s crucial to understand that while colder temperatures naturally affect all EV ranges, such a significant deviation in warm climates raises eyebrows.

Allegations have emerged that Tesla, previously penalized in other nations for under-disclosing cold-weather range reductions, set up a dedicated team to handle and potentially suppress range-related complaints.

This team reportedly communicated to concerned customers that EPA figures were mere estimates and battery degradation would naturally lead to reduced range.

Elon Musk’s Personal Benefits: Allegations and the Glass House Mystery

“Related parties” in regulatory filings frequently refer to the company’s top brass, including senior management and major shareholders.

The spotlight is firmly on Elon Musk, Tesla’s iconic CEO, amidst whispers of him possibly using company funds for personal projects, notably a “glass house.”

Both the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York and the SEC are keenly interested in details about this alleged house and other benefits Musk may have received.

In their defense, Tesla maintains a transparent approach, stating that to their knowledge, “no government agency in any ongoing investigation has concluded that any wrongdoing occurred.”

However, they also acknowledge the uncertainty surrounding these investigations and the potential impact on the company’s overall health and reputation.

Shares of Tesla showed resilience, ticking upwards even after a slight dip following a somewhat bleak Q3 earnings call by Musk.

This call highlighted Tesla’s commitment to R&D and their drive to maintain competitive pricing, despite external economic pressures.

The Road Ahead: Potential Impact of the DoJ Probe on Tesla’s Future

Regulatory scrutiny is not new for trailblazing companies, and Tesla is no stranger to it.

From investigations surrounding Autopilot claims to the mysterious “glass house project” for Musk, the magnate’s other ventures, like SpaceX and X Corp. (formerly Twitter), have also faced their share of inquiries.

This expanded Department of Justice probe adds another layer of intrigue to Tesla’s ongoing story.

With both vehicle ranges and executive perks under the microscope, the outcomes of these investigations could have lasting impacts on Tesla’s future trajectory and reputation.

For now, Tesla enthusiasts, investors, and the general public await more information.

As the story unfolds, all eyes will be on the automaker and its enigmatic leader.