The European Union’s antitrust investigation into Stellantis Europe (NYSE:STLA), Tesla Italy (NASDAQ:TSLA), BYD Industria Italia (USOTC:BYDDY) and Volkswagen Group Italia (BIT:1VOW3) has been resolved after the carmakers reached a formal agreement with regulators. Under the settlement, manufacturers have committed to delivering more transparent and comprehensive information on electric vehicle range, battery degradation and standard warranty terms.
In a statement, the Antitrust Authority said the measures will ensure consumers have immediate and clearer access to key details about electric vehicles. All agreed commitments must be implemented within 120 days.
The probe, launched in February, examined whether the automakers’ communications could constitute unfair commercial practices, particularly in relation to advertised driving range, battery capacity loss over time and restrictions linked to battery warranties.
As part of the agreement, companies will update their websites to present clear and accessible information on real-world driving range — not limited to theoretical figures — the factors that influence it, expected battery capacity degradation, and the scope and limits of standard warranties. This information will be displayed in a single, dedicated section.
Additional undertakings include the introduction of range simulation tools that reflect different usage scenarios and driving conditions. These tools will allow consumers to compare vehicles within the same segment and better assess how real-world factors affect performance. The disclosures will also provide indicative estimates of the variables influencing effective range and battery wear over time.
Manufacturers will further supply detailed explanations on battery State of Health maintenance for warranty purposes, including coverage thresholds, operating conditions and limitations. Stellantis, BYD and Volkswagen have also agreed to enhance consumer protection by raising the minimum battery efficiency threshold covered under standard warranty terms.
On the market, Stellantis shares opened lower on the Milan Stock Exchange, down around 0.5% at €9.944. The stock is now down roughly 20% year-to-date compared with its level at the start of January (€12.62).
Analyst consensus on Stellantis points to an average “hold” or “accumulate” recommendation, with price targets clustering around €9.75–€9.89.
Separately, the group confirmed plans to scale back output at its Mulhouse plant in France by 28% from early next year to align production with market demand. A company spokesperson said that from 19 January, daily production at the site will be reduced from 640 vehicles to 460.