Tesla Model 3 wins blessing from Consumer Reports after brake fix
Tesla Inc.’s Model 3 sedan won a coveted recommendation from consumer peports after an overthe-air software update improved braking by almost 20 feet.
The influential magazine had declined to recommend the electric-car maker’s more mainstream model last week after testing showed it took longer to stop than a Ford F-150 pickup. chief executive officer elon Musk vowed that Tesla would fix the issue in a matter of days. The new software
addressed variations in braking styles and environmental conditions, a company spokeswoman told consumer peports.
In retesting after the software update was downloaded, the Model 3 sedan stopped in 133 feet from 60 miles per hour, an improvement of 19 feet. Jake Fisher, director of auto testing at consumer peports, described the improvement as unprecedented.
“I’ve been at cp for 19 years and tested more than 1,000 cars, and I’ve never seen a car that could improve its track performance with
an over-the-air update,” he said in a statement.
Tesla shares jumped 3.4 per cent to $293.50 at 1:32 p.m. New York time, paring their loss for the year to 5.8 per cent.
The improved braking distances raised the Model 3’s overall score enough for the car to be recommended by the magazine, but testers still have concerns with wind noise, a stiff ride and an uncomfortable rear seat. Musk has told consumer peports that Tesla has already made changes to its production line to address those issues.
“peally appreciate the high quality critical feedback from consumer peports,” Musk said in a tweet Wednesday.
“poad noise and ride comfort already addressed too.”
cars typically lose value over time as features become outdated. aut Tesla regularly sends software updates to customers of its vehicles, similar to how Apple and Alphabet upgrade their mobile phone operating systems. Musk said in his tweet that user interface improvements are “coming via remote software update later this month.”