This EV Impressed Experts So Much They Had to Change Their Road Test Rules

This electric vehicle earned the highest score ever recorded in Consumer Reports road tests.

Electric vehicles are steadily gaining popularity and are increasingly positioned to compete with traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) cars. Automakers are doing everything they can to make fully electric models more appealing to potential buyers.

According to SlashGear, one EV impressed experts so deeply that it forced them to revise their vehicle scoring methodology. The car received such an extraordinary rating that many drivers found it hard to believe it could really be that good.

In 2015, Consumer Reports tested the Tesla Model S P85D. Reviewers were struck by how technologically advanced and revolutionary the vehicle was for its time.

Initially, the Model S P85D scored above 100 points—an impossible result under Consumer Reports’ system, where the maximum road test score is 100. As a result, the publication had to adjust its evaluation methodology.

After revising the scoring system, Consumer Reports awarded the Tesla Model S P85D a perfect 100 out of 100 in road testing. It became the first vehicle in history to achieve the highest possible score.

Notably, reviewers did not overlook the car’s shortcomings. They pointed out that interior materials were not among the best in the segment. In addition, the high-performance version of the EV delivered a noticeably firmer ride than the standard model.

Testers also faced a practical challenge during evaluation: charging infrastructure. Back in 2015, there were far fewer EV charging stations in the United States than there are today, making long-distance travel more complicated.

Reliability was another concern. At the time, the Model S P85D lagged behind comparable gasoline-powered vehicles in long-term dependability. However, the publication noted that Tesla has since made significant improvements in build quality and reliability over the years.

Previously, Consumer Reports also identified six standout affordable EVs. According to experts and owners, these models rank among the best in their respective segments.

The list included electric vehicles from manufacturers around the world. While the models differ in many ways, reviewers say they share one key trait: they outperform their direct competitors.

Among those receiving high marks were the Tesla Model 3 and Ford Mustang Mach-E, along with the Nissan Ariya, Chevrolet Equinox EV, and Tesla Model Y.