EV breaks down often, dealer ordered to pay refund

A new electric SUV owner faced frequent breakdowns after purchasing the vehicle, leading to a legal battle. The consumer disputes commission ruled in favor of the buyer, ordering the dealer to refund the car's price after deducting depreciation, along with compensation and costs, totaling nearly Rs 24.63 lakh. The buyer had taken a loan to purchase the SUV for over Rs 26.64 lakh.

Two persistent issues plagued the car: the smart key losing range and the central locking system malfunctioning. The commission noted that the dealer had repaired the vehicle multiple times, but the underlying defect remained unresolved. The dealership argued it was not liable, claiming it was only an authorized dealer and service center.

However, the commission rejected this argument, stating the dealer bore responsibility for delivering a defective vehicle. The dealer was also required to pay Rs 50,000 for mental anguish and financial hardship, and Rs 15,000 for costs. The total amount owed to the buyer was close to Rs 24.63 lakh, with 45 days given to complete payment or interest would accrue.