By Italy’s competition authority has formally closed investigations into four major electric vehicle makers after securing commitments to improve how consumer information is presented.
The probes targeted BYD, Tesla, Stellantis, and Volkswagen over concerns that buyers may not have been given sufficiently clear details about electric vehicle performance and battery-related conditions.
Rather than imposing penalties, the regulator accepted a set of corrective measures focused on transparency.
The decision reflects a regulatory approach that prioritises clearer communication for consumers as electric vehicles become more mainstream and as scrutiny around EV marketing practices increases across Europe.
The investigations were launched in February and examined whether the companies had engaged in potential unfair commercial practices.
Authorities focused on the way information was displayed on official websites, particularly details that are central to consumer purchasing decisions in the electric vehicle market.
What regulators examined
At the core of the probes were claims related to electric driving range, an area where advertised figures can differ from real-world performance.
Regulators assessed whether consumers were adequately informed about the variables that influence range, such as driving conditions and usage patterns.
The authority also reviewed how carmakers explained battery capacity degradation over time.
Battery ageing affects vehicle efficiency and long-term ownership costs, making it a critical issue for buyers comparing electric models.
Another area of scrutiny involved battery warranty coverage. Investigators examined whether limitations, exclusions, or conditions attached to battery warranties were communicated in a clear and accessible way to consumers.
Commitments accepted by Italy
After reviewing the cases, the competition authority said it had accepted commitments from BYD, Tesla, Stellantis, and Volkswagen and decided not to proceed with sanctions.
Under Italian consumer protection law, breaches can result in fines ranging from 5,000 euros to 10 million euros, equivalent to about $5,855 to $11.71 million.
Instead of penalties, the companies agreed to revise their websites to ensure that information on electric vehicle performance and battery conditions is clearer and easier to understand.
The regulator said these changes are intended to reduce the risk of consumers misinterpreting technical data when comparing electric cars.
New comparison tools for buyers
As part of the commitments, the automakers also pledged to introduce a simulation tool that allows consumers to compare vehicle range within the same market segment.
The tool is designed to provide a more standardised basis for comparison, helping buyers assess differences between models more accurately.
In addition, Stellantis, BYD, and Volkswagen committed to improving warranty coverage related to battery degradation.
The authority said these changes should provide consumers with greater clarity around long-term battery protection and expected performance.
The outcome may influence how other European regulators approach similar cases, particularly as electric vehicles continue to evolve and consumer expectations around transparency increase.
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