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Tesla breaks down at the worst possible time trapping 10 cars

A hi-tech electric car has broken down at the worst possible time trapping motorists for hours inside a shopping centre carpark.

A Tesla has trapped motorists in a shopping centre car park after the vehicle ran out of battery at the worst possible time. Picture: Reddit
A Tesla has trapped motorists in a shopping centre car park after the vehicle ran out of battery at the worst possible time. Picture: Reddit

A Tesla has trapped motorists in a shopping centre car park after the vehicle ran out of battery at the worst possible time.

Motorists were stuck at the exit of the five-storey Westfield car park in London after the vehicle ran out of charge while trying to exit the building.

The story went viral on Reddit after a user, called Henry, posted about the lengthy wait time.

A Tesla has trapped motorists in a shopping centre car park after the vehicle ran out of battery at the worst possible time. Picture: Reddit
A Tesla has trapped motorists in a shopping centre car park after the vehicle ran out of battery at the worst possible time. Picture: Reddit
Cars had to wait in line for hours. Picture: Reddit
Cars had to wait in line for hours. Picture: Reddit

“Perfect, a Tesla ran out of battery and stopped at the ramp of a five-storey car park at Westfield. It has been three hours and counting,” he said.

As the wait continued, the Reddit user added photos to the thread – with one showing cars looping around the sloped spiral exit ramp.

The Teslas have a similar range as petrol-powered cars. The Model S – which appeared to cause the delays – can travel 580km on one charge.

This further infuriated readers on the Reddit post about the delay.

A 2021 Tesla Model S.
A 2021 Tesla Model S.

“Considering the huge range these cars have, there’s really no excuse for this.” One wrote

“Especially as the cars still have quite a bit of range (10-20 miles) even after hitting 0 per cent. The driver had plenty of warning.” Another agreed.

“Westfield even has a large capacity Tesla charging station lol.

“But yeah like others say over 3 hours is bad management imo. Get an extension lead at that point.

The interior of the hi-tech vehicle.
The interior of the hi-tech vehicle.

A spokesperson for Westfield told The Sun there were about 10 vehicles stuck behind the Tesla.

“A customer’s Tesla vehicle broke down on the entry ramp of the car park at around 6pm due to an empty battery,” they said.

“Westfield London’s car park team assisted the broken down vehicle and guided 10 vehicles that were behind the Tesla around it.

“Tesla car park assistance then arrived on site to support the broken down vehicle.”

Original URL: https://www.news.com.au/technology/tesla-breaks-down-at-the-worst-possible-time-trapping-10-cars/news-story/0126433c6be1fc51f1433c6c73124f5f