Reparations: Tesla again pinned for a practice deemed abusive

If all independent repairers finally have access to the electronic diagnostics of Tesla, non-approved must pay a fee.

Following a complaint in Germany, Tesla recently opened access to electronic diagnostics for its vehicles to independent workshops… but at a high price. The American manufacturer in fact conditions access to the diagnostic and programming software for its brand's vehicles on payment of a fee of €125 per hour. A situation denounced in France by the Federation of Automobile Distribution (FEDA). The FEDA calls on Tesla to respect free competition for the repair of the brand's cars.

The fee is not charged to workshops approved by Tesla. The federation therefore considers that this condition is "obviously" intended to exclude the independent operators, which it represents, when it comes to repairing a Tesla. Because of this fee, non-approved workshops obviously cannot offer competitive prices.

The FEDA recalls that “the abusive practice of authorized networks is prohibited by the European treaties and has been condemned by the Competition Authority”. European regulations allow independents to have the same conditions as approved ones to carry out repairs.

Contacted, Tesla declined to comment.