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🚗 Introduction: A Reputation on the Line
Tesla’s Model 3 has consistently ranked as one of the safest and most technologically advanced electric vehicles on the market. However, recent brake performance tests conducted by a respected Swedish car magazine have ignited a public dispute between Tesla Sweden and Teknikens Värld. The publication claims that the latest Model 3 shows “deficient braking,” sparking concerns among consumers and EV critics alike. With Tesla standing firm on its safety record and the publication doubling down on its claims, the issue raises key questions about vehicle testing standards, regional variances, and the future trust in autonomous braking systems.
📉 the Original
In a recent article, Swedish car magazine Teknikens Värld accused the new Tesla Model 3 Long Range of having subpar braking performance. In their tests, the braking distance of the Model 3 was measured at 133.2 feet (40.6 meters), which falls well beyond the acceptable limit of 124 feet (28 meters). A second Model 3 performed slightly better, but still exceeded the benchmark.
Interestingly, this measurement stands in stark contrast to
Tesla Sweden disputed the findings, emphasizing that the figures did not align with their internal testing data or with third-party safety scores. Tesla cited earlier tests by the same magazine in 2021 that showed much better braking performance — around 36.5–36.7 meters — and pointed to Euro NCAP’s five-star safety rating for the latest Model 3 as validation of its safety integrity.
Despite this, Teknikens Värld remained firm. They argued that the 2025 Model 3 should be considered a new generation and that older results are not applicable. They also dismissed the Euro NCAP test as irrelevant to braking distance, saying their real-world test results speak for themselves.
As this debate unfolded, separate but related Tesla news made headlines: a political rift between Elon Musk and Donald Trump, a rise in Tesla UK sales, and confirmation that the Tesla Model 3 ranked as the safest car in Europe for 2025, per Euro NCAP’s updated protocols.
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The Real Issue: Testing Conditions vs. Engineering Reality
The core of the controversy lies not just in the test results, but in how tests are conducted. Differences in road surfaces, tire conditions, temperature, and braking techniques can dramatically influence outcomes. European roads may offer different traction compared to those in the U.S., and even tire wear or software settings might affect performance.
Legacy of Reliability: Model 3’s Safety Record
Tesla’s Model 3 has built a legacy of high safety rankings. With a 90% Euro NCAP score for adult occupant safety, it’s hard to believe that the car is inherently unsafe. The bigger question may be: Did these specific units underperform, or is there a systemic issue? Tesla’s decision to investigate the exact vehicles tested is a reasonable move to determine this.
Is This a Media War?
There is a possibility that Teknikens Värld is leveraging controversy to gain attention. It’s not unusual for automotive publications to take an aggressive stance — especially with high-profile brands — to maintain influence or reader engagement. Tesla’s defensiveness, in turn, reflects the high stakes: braking performance is not just technical, it’s reputational.
Tesla’s Transparency Will Be Crucial
To restore trust, Tesla must publicly share the results of its own analysis of the two Model 3 units tested. If a software issue or hardware malfunction is found, it should be addressed via over-the-air updates or service interventions. Transparency here could reinforce Tesla’s customer-centric ethos.
Consumer Perception vs. Technical Validity
Many consumers may not dig into the technical details of braking systems. A headline stating “Deficient Brakes” is damaging, regardless of context. Tesla needs to invest in clear, public-facing education around how testing variances work, and why the Euro NCAP rating should carry more weight than one isolated result.
The Bigger Picture: Euro NCAP Validation
Despite the braking controversy, Tesla’s Model 3 has topped Euro NCAP’s 2025 rankings, outscoring 19 other vehicles in multiple safety categories. This broader validation underscores the fact that Tesla vehicles are among the safest available, even if a single metric comes under scrutiny.
✅ Fact Checker Results
✅ Independent validation: Euro NCAP confirmed the Model 3’s superior safety, including pedestrian and driver assistance features.
❌ Braking controversy: Swedish magazine results contradict global data, but lack consistency or third-party verification.
✅ Tesla’s response: Company committed to investigating discrepancies and maintaining safety standards.
🔮 Prediction: Will This Hurt Tesla’s Sales in Europe?
Despite the noise, Tesla is unlikely to suffer long-term damage from this incident. European consumers remain highly focused on vehicle tech and safety — and Tesla still leads both areas. Once the investigation concludes, and assuming no critical flaws are found, sales of the Model 3 will likely continue growing, especially as EV incentives and infrastructure improve across Europe.
If Tesla is transparent and proactive, this may even become a case study in corporate responsibility, reinforcing the brand’s strength in the EV space.
References:
Reported By: www.teslarati.com
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