The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has issued subpoenas to Tesla as part of the EV maker’s ongoing investigation into its driving range, autopilot technology, and performance claims.
In August, the Wall Street Journal revealed that federal prosecutors were also investigating Tesla’s vehicle performance claims and the company’s use of finances for a secret project. In addition, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has been investigating the effectiveness of Tesla’s autopilot after discovering more than a dozen incidents in which Tesla vehicles collided with stationary emergency vehicles.
However, in a regulatory filing, Tesla stated that the DOJ had sent it demands for information, which included requests for documentation on the FSD and Autopilot aspects of Tesla and other requests “relating to personnel decisions, personal benefits, related parties, and vehicle range.”
As the EV manufacturer ramps up production and gets ready to release new models, its capital spending for 2023 will exceed the $7 billion to $9 billion target it set earlier this year.
Amidst a margin-sapping price war this year to sustain sales, Musk warned last week that increasing interest rates could harm demand at Tesla and that the company was reconsidering its plans to build a factory in Mexico.
According to the regulatory filing, the company’s spending is anticipated to rebound to the $7 billion to $9 billion range in the next two years. Reuters also reported that Tesla often fails to achieve its advertised range projections and estimates reported by the vehicles’ own equipment.
