Taxi drivers whose Tesla Model Y cars have been immobilised say the breakdowns have stopped them earning a living. For owners whose vehicles are outside the battery warranty, replacement estimates exceed €16,000. La Gaceta del Taxi reported that some owners faced long waits for replacement batteries; JCTaxiElectrico also described cases in which drivers had waited months.
The Plataforma de Afectados por las Baterías de Tesla held a peaceful protest on 29 October 2026 at 12:00 outside the Tesla Service Center at Calle Almendro 9-11 in Fuenlabrada, Madrid. Reports on social media showed a small turnout. The group called for transparency and producing results solutions, while bringing affected owners together to press Tesla to address their cases individually.
The group says the affected cars use lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) batteries supplied by BYD. Information from La Gaceta del Taxi, the vehicles involved were Berlin-built Model Y cars, with sales reported from 2023. JCTaxiElectrico’s 29 October report described cases involving vehicles manufactured from May 2023, throughout 2024 and, in some instances, during 2025.
Drivers have linked the faults to fast charging in high temperatures. They report charging or performance problems followed by an isolation fault that can immobilise a vehicle. Because the battery forms part of the car’s structure, they describe full replacement as the practical repair option.
The affected owners say their findings point to the battery’s insulation rather than a defect in BYD’s cells. They report that engineers at the German factory told them the insulation had not been correctly designed. They said the flaw allowed moisture in and caused overheating. Owners have also linked some failures to fast charging during periods of high outside temperatures. Reports said Tesla was replacing some batteries under warranty.
Fuenlabrada Noticias reported that owners complained of unclear information from Tesla after problems with battery performance or charging. The group is seeking a direct channel to discuss cases individually and find solutions that would let drivers return to work. Some affected owners are professional taxi and public-transport operators whose vehicles have become unavailable.
Some affected cars are still within the reported battery warranty limit of 160,000 kilometres, but owners say they have not received clear answers. Those beyond the limit face replacement estimates exceeding €16,000. The platform has created a website to bring owners together for claims against Tesla and a possible collective lawsuit.
