Electric vehicle manufacturer Tesla Inc. is currently facing a legal storm as it finds itself entangled in yet another class action lawsuit. The case, filed by Sean Cohen, alleges that Tesla falsely advertised three years of unlimited free supercharging for consumers who purchased a Model S or Model X vehicle between April and June 2023. Cohen contends that Tesla’s promises of free supercharging were nothing more than a marketing ploy to attract customers, resulting in inflated prices for these electric vehicles.
The Deceptive Advertising Allegations
The heart of the matter lies in Tesla’s advertising strategy during that specific time frame. Cohen asserts that Tesla ran an elaborate online marketing campaign, falsely promoting the idea of unlimited free supercharging for customers who bought the Model S and Model X between April 20 and June 30. He goes on to state that he, and likely many others, would not have made the purchase or would have paid significantly less if they had known the advertised perks were, in fact, false.
Supercharging Costs and Consumer Choices
Cohen’s argument points out a critical factor in the electric vehicle market – the cost of supercharging. According to him, Tesla was well aware that potential buyers place a great deal of emphasis on supercharging expenses when deciding to purchase an electric vehicle. As a result, Tesla prominently showcased the “3 Years of Free Supercharging” offer in its marketing materials to lure in customers.
Legal Grounds and Demands
Cohen’s class action lawsuit levels several serious accusations against Tesla, including fraud, unjust enrichment, and negligent misrepresentation. Furthermore, the lawsuit alleges that Tesla violated California’s Unfair Competition Law, False Advertising Law, and Consumers Legal Remedies Act.
In response, Cohen is seeking a jury trial and has requested declaratory and injunctive relief, along with compensatory, statutory, and punitive damages, not only for himself but for all class members affected by Tesla’s alleged deceptive marketing tactics.
Not an Isolated Case
This lawsuit is not an isolated incident for Tesla. Earlier in the same month, the automaker faced another class action lawsuit from three consumers who claimed that Tesla had grossly overestimated the range of its electric vehicles in its advertisements. These cases underscore the growing scrutiny and legal challenges facing the electric vehicle giant.
Have You Been Affected?
If you have purchased a Tesla Model S or Model X vehicle for personal use since May 17, 2019, you might be part of the affected class. This ongoing legal battle is of interest to all those who believe they were misled by Tesla’s marketing strategies during the specified period.
Legal Representation
Sean Cohen is represented by Shalini Dogra of Dogra Law Group PC in this class action lawsuit.
The Legal Battle Ahead
The case, known as Cohen, et al. v. Tesla Inc., Case No. 2:23-cv-07057, is currently being litigated in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. As the legal proceedings unfold, the outcome of this lawsuit will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications for both Tesla and the broader electric vehicle industry. We will continue to monitor the developments in this case as it progresses through the legal system.