Tesla Owners’ Bid to Avoid Arbitration in Battery Dispute Fails

A trial court’s ruling that Tesla Inc. can compel several used-car buyers to individually arbitrate claims that it overstates the battery life of some pre-owned electric vehicles wasn’t a final, appealable order, the Ninth Circuit ruled Friday.

The appeals court therefore lacks jurisdiction, the panel said.

Hugh Nguyen and other plaintiffs allege the automaker failed to document inspections for certified pre-owned Model S and Model X vehicles, denied warranty coverage for them, and promised more battery life than consumers received.

They sued on behalf of a would-be nationwide class, or alternatively, a California class.

But a federal district court said ...