Tesla Ordered to Pay 5.6M NOK in Norway Over Reduced Charging Speeds

A Norwegian court has ruled that Tesla must pay over 5.6 million Norwegian kroner (about $530,000 USD) in damages to first-generation Model S owners after a software update in 2019 slowed charging speeds by as much as 30%.

The decision from the Oslo District Court marks the latest chapter in a legal battle that began with 118 Model S owners who joined together to sue Tesla for what they described as misleading performance claims.

Court finds Tesla violated marketing claims

The software update in question was rolled out to early-generation Model S vehicles with the stated goal of enhancing battery longevity and safety. However, owners quickly noticed reduced Supercharging speeds, which they argued diminished the value and utility of their vehicles, especially since fast-charging was one of the car’s key selling points.

Tesla initially won the first round of test cases, but subsequent appeals reversed those decisions. The Supreme Court of Norway declined to hear Tesla’s final appeal, and the Oslo District Court has now ruled in favor of the remaining 112 plaintiffs, according to a CarUp report.

Each affected owner will receive 50,000 Norwegian kroner (about $4,900) in damages, totaling 5.6 million kroner, plus legal fees estimated at another 500,000 kroner (about $49,300). Tesla continues to argue that the judgment is disproportionate.

Thousands more owners could still file claims

Legal experts note the ruling could open the door to a wave of similar claims. Up to 10,000 Model S vehicles may have been sold in Norway between 2013 and 2015, and many of those could be eligible for the same compensation if additional lawsuits are filed.

The court emphasized that the reduced charging performance impacted not just convenience, but the defining feature that set the Model S apart from other electric vehicles at the time.

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