Which electric vehicle models appear in range-related legal proceedings and how you can enforce your rights regardless of the model.
Is your electric car not achieving its advertised range? Certain models appear particularly frequently in court cases and reports. However, what matters for your rights is not the model, but the deviation of your vehicle from the advertised WLTP value. This article provides an overview and shows you how to assess your claims.
Why individual models appear in procedures
In reports and court cases concerning the range of electric cars, certain models are repeatedly mentioned. For example, according to media reports, a Peugeot e-2008 was the focus of the much-discussed ruling by the Wuppertal Regional Court, and a Porsche Taycan is currently being examined at the Osnabrück Regional Court.
The fact that a model appears in a legal proceeding does not mean that all vehicles of that type are defective. It merely shows that these individual cases led to litigation. Conversely, the absence of a model in the headlines does not mean that it is problem-free.
Therefore, for your legal assessment, it is not relevant whether your model has already been the subject of legal proceedings, but solely the deviation of your specific vehicle.
Is your model making headlines, or not? In either case, an individual review is worthwhile. Have your case assessed.
The common denominator: deviation from the WLTP value
Regardless of make and model, the legal standard is always the same. According to § 434 of the German Civil Code (BGB), a vehicle must possess the characteristics that the buyer can expect based on public statements made by the manufacturer. The advertised WLTP range is one such statement.
If the vehicle significantly deviates from the advertised value under comparable test conditions, a defect may exist. The ten percent rule established by the German Federal Court of Justice (BGH) regarding excessive fuel consumption serves as a guideline. We explain the principles behind this on our page [link to relevant page]. Reversal of an electric car purchase due to insufficient range.
This common denominator makes the argument transferable. Whether small car, compact model or luxury car, the question is always whether the real-world range under WLTP conditions falls short of the manufacturer's specifications.
Do you drive a different model than those mentioned? The legal review is underway. We'll look at your specific case.
Which vehicles may be affected
The problem isn't limited to one brand. Basically, any electric car that significantly falls short of its advertised range is relevant. The public discussion mentions models from various manufacturers, ranging from compact city cars to luxury vehicles.
Instead of compiling a list of supposedly affected models, an objective assessment is more important. Whether your vehicle is affected can only be determined by measuring your actual range compared to the advertised value. Blanket judgments about specific models are neither reliable nor legally sound.
- Source of the information: The decisive factor is the WLTP value from the brochure, configurator or purchase contract for your specific vehicle.
- Individual deviation: The crucial factor is how far your vehicle falls short of this value under suitable conditions.
- Battery status: Especially with used vehicles, the condition of the drive battery also plays a role.
Don't rely on generic model lists. We'll check your specific vehicle.
Here's how to find out if your vehicle is affected.
The path to clarity lies in comparing your real-world range with the advertised WLTP value, measured under suitable conditions.
- Determine the advertised value: Look for the WLTP value in your documents, such as the brochure, configurator, or purchase contract.
- Capturing real reach: Record how far you get under different conditions over several full charging cycles.
- Note the conditions: Note the temperature, speed, and route profile to be able to classify everyday values.
- Obtain an expert opinion: The reliable proof is provided by a measurement under conditions close to WLTP by an expert.
Only this comparison will show whether your vehicle reaches the relevant threshold. A single drive in cold weather is not sufficient for this purpose.
You're unsure whether your deviation is sufficient? We'll tell you what proof is needed in your case.
Your rights and the relevant deadlines
If a significant defect exists, you are entitled to the tiered warranty rights under § 437 of the German Civil Code (BGB): subsequent performance, rescission of the contract, price reduction, and damages. Which course of action is advisable depends on the extent of the deviation and whether you wish to keep the vehicle or return it.
When purchasing a vehicle from a dealer as a consumer, it is presumed within the first year after delivery that any defect shown was already present at the time of delivery (§ 477 BGB). Claims for defects in a new car generally expire two years after delivery. For used cars, the limitation period may be shorter, as explained on our page [link to relevant page]. Buying a used car from a dealer with defects enter.
Rogert & Ulbrich has extensive experience in enforcing such claims against manufacturers, gained from numerous vehicle-related legal proceedings. emissions scandal trusted.
Don't wait too long, because you will lose your rights once the statute of limitations expires. Have your case reviewed while the deadlines are still running.
Rogert & Ulbrich – Your lawyers specializing in electric vehicle defect law
Rogert & Ulbrich represents consumers nationwide in vehicle defect law and has its own Automotive sector as well as a bundled page on Tesla defects. The law firm of Dr. Marco Rogert and Tobias Ulbrich has represented a large number of consumers and conducted vehicle-related litigation against manufacturers for many years in the emissions scandal. This experience in enforcement is now benefiting buyers of electric cars.
We examine your specific model, assess the legal implications of the range discrepancy, and quantify your claims. We negotiate out of court with the dealer and manufacturer. If no satisfactory solution is reached, we enforce your rights in court.
Is your electric car not achieving its promised range? Get in touch and secure your rights.
