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2025 Subaru Solterra Gets $6,500 Price Cut And New Onyx Edition

  • Subaru has slashed Solterra pricing from $44,995 to $38,495.
  • The 2025 Solterra gains a new Onyx Edition, which features black accents.
  • The electric crossover will arrive at U.S. dealerships early next year.

Subaru has introduced the 2025 Solterra and announced pricing will start at $38,495 before a $1,420 destination fee. That’s a $6,500 drop, but the delivery fee climbs $75.

Thanks to the change, the Solterra Premium costs less than the Toyota bZ4X XLE AWD. That model begins at $39,150 and has a $1,395 destination fee that brings the combined price to $40,545.

More: 2025 Toyota bZ4X Gets $6,000 Price Cut, New Nightshade Edition

Pricing aside, the 2025 Solterra gains a new Onyx Edition. It costs $45,495 and is based on the range-topping Touring trim.

As the name suggests, the model echoes the bZ4X Nightshade Edition and features a host of dark flourishes. This includes black badging and 20-inch wheels with a black finish. They’re joined by an assortment of other black accents including the roof pillars, shoulder line trim, door frames, and rear spoiler. Buyers will also find black StarTex upholstery and black door trim.

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All Solterras are equipped with a 72.8 kWh battery pack, which powers a dual-motor all-wheel drive system producing a combined output of 215 hp (160 kW / 218 PS) and 249 lb-ft (337 Nm) of torque. The Premium trim has an EPA-estimated range of 227 miles (365 km), while higher-end variants are limited to 222 miles (357 km) due, in part, to their larger 20-inch wheels.

Speaking of equipment, the Solterra Premium has LED headlights and 18-inch wheels. Customers will also find a 7-inch digital instrument cluster and an 8-inch infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. Rounding out the highlights are a leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated front seats, and a dual-zone automatic climate control system.

Since EVs aren’t ideal for long distance trips, customers who purchase or lease a new Solterra gain access to the Subaru Just Drive Rental program. Participating Subaru dealers will provide a free car for up to ten days, so you can get something gas-powered for your family vacation.

2025 Subaru Solterra Pricing
ModelMSRP
Solterra Premium$38,495
Solterra Limited$41,995
Solterra Touring$44,995
Solterra Touring Onyx Edition$45,495
Prices exclude a $1,420 destination fee ($1,570 in Alaska)
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Tesla Brings Back “Free” Supercharging For Model S, As Long As You Won’t Overdo it

  • The offer has returned just after the Model S Long Range prices jumped to $79,990.
  • Interested customers should know that the offer excludes Teslas used for taxi and rideshare services.
  • Sales of the Model S are thought to have slipped considerably this year.

The end of 2024 is fast approaching, and Tesla looks eager to sell as many Model Ss as it can before the end of the month. It’s so desperate to sell its flagship electric sedan that it has reintroduced a free Supercharging for life offer that was last available in 2018.

Tesla recently updated its website to reveal that customers who purchase or lease a new Model S after December 13, 2024, will be eligible for free Supercharging. However, the offer does include some important caveats that somewhat limit its appeal.

Watch: Rogue Tesla Smashes Into Multiple Cars Before Plunging Off Parking Deck

For starters, the free Supercharging offer is tied to an owner’s Tesla Account and cannot be transferred to another vehicle, person, or order, “even in the case of ownership transfer.” That means any Model S sold at a later date won’t retain free Supercharging. Additionally, Tesla says that “vehicles used for commercial purposes,” including taxi, rideshare, and delivery services are excluded from the promotion. While we’re not sure how Tesla can determine if a vehicle is being used for commercial purposes like this, it’s an important catch to take note of.

Tesla has added that owners remain responsible for Supercharger idle and congestion fees when applicable. The carmaker also says it “reserves the right in its sole discretion to remove the free Supercharging from your vehicle in the event of excessive charging or unpaid fees related to Supercharging.” So, in theory, you could wake up and find your car is no longer eligible for free Supercharging.

 Tesla Brings Back “Free” Supercharging For Model S, As Long As You Won’t Overdo it

Price hikes

The announcement of this deal also comes just a few days after Tesla jacked up prices of the Model S in the US by $5,000, meaning the Long Range now starts at $79,990 and the flagship Model S Plaid is priced from $94,990 before destination fees. While anyone who splashes on a new Model S this month will get free Supercharging, they’ll indirectly be paying for it through this price increase.

With Supercharging costing an average of $0.25 per kWh, $5,000 is about 200 full charges of the Model S’s 100 kWh battery pack.

Tesla does not break down sales for each individual model in its lineup, and as of late, it has grouped together sales of the Model S, Model X, Cybertruck, and Semi into a single figure. In Q2, 21,551 of these models were sold, and Electrek believes sales of the Model S/X may have amounted to between 12,000 and 13,000 units, roughly a ~30% decline from the year prior.

 Tesla Brings Back “Free” Supercharging For Model S, As Long As You Won’t Overdo it

In win for biofuels, stopgap spending bill allows year-round sales of E15 gas nationwide

18 December 2024 at 10:34
A spending bill to be debated in Congress this week includes a provision to allow sales of a gasoline blend that includes up to 15% ethanol nationwide throughout the year. (Getty Images stock photo)

A spending bill to be debated in Congress this week includes a provision to allow sales of a gasoline blend that includes up to 15% ethanol nationwide throughout the year. (Getty Images stock photo)

A spending bill U.S. House appropriators released Tuesday evening to keep the government open into next spring includes a provision to allow sales of a gasoline blend that includes up to 15% ethanol nationwide throughout the year.

After years of prohibiting the blend, known as E15, from being sold at gas stations during the summer months, the Environmental Protection Agency this year allowed year-round sales in eight Midwestern states. The provision in the stopgap funding bill would allow E15 sales in all states throughout the year.

The provision is a major win for corn producers and their allies in Congress from both parties. Supporters of ethanol, which is derived from corn, say it boosts U.S. production and lowers gas prices.

Sen. Deb Fischer, a Nebraska Republican who sponsored a bill to make the blend available all year, said the move was part of the GOP agenda to “unleash American energy.”

“My bill puts an end to years of patchwork regulations and uncertainty — year-round, nationwide E15 will now be a reality,” Fischer said. “This legislation also delivers on the mandate we received in November to unleash American energy. Not only will my bill lower gas prices and give consumers more choices, but it will also create new opportunity for American producers, who are especially hurting right now from lower prices.”

House Energy and Commerce ranking Democrat Frank Pallone of New Jersey applauded inclusion of the measure, saying it would help reduce gas prices and bolster U.S. energy production.

“By allowing for a higher blend of ethanol in our gasoline, Americans can rely more on homegrown biofuels that save drivers money at the pump and help insulate Americans from dramatic global price fluctuations,” Pallone said in a statement.

U.S. Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., one of a handful of farm-state House Republicans pushing for the E15 provision, said in a statement, “Year around E-15 is the most important policy we can embrace for Midwestern farmers and ranchers. I was glad to advocate for this on the Agriculture Committee and to our Speaker, and glad to see it embraced. I also know our entire Nebraska delegation was pulling for this. It is a team win.”

At a U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee hearing last year, Sen. Debbie Stabenow, a Michigan Democrat who chairs the Senate Agriculture Committee, and Sen. Pete Ricketts of Nebraska promoted E15 availability as a way to lower greenhouse gas emissions and lower prices.

The EPA issued a waiver in May 2022 to allow the blend to be available nationwide throughout the year, as President Joe Biden’s administration sought to tame gas prices.

The stopgap measure, known as a continuing resolution, would keep the government funded at current levels through mid-March. It includes a few additional provisions, including funding to rebuild the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Maryland.

The House and Senate are expected to pass the catch-all measure before members depart for their holiday break on Friday. Biden is expected to sign the bill.

Nebraska Examiner reporter Aaron Sanderford and D.C. Bureau senior reporter Jennifer Shutt contributed to this report.

2025 Toyota bZ4X Gets $6,000 Price Cut, New Nightshade Edition

  • Toyota has announced the 2025 bZ4X will start at $37,070, which is $6,000 less than its predecessor.
  • The reduction comes shortly after Lexus dropped RZ pricing by more than $11,000.
  • Limited gains additional equipment, while there’s a new Nightshade Edition based on the XLE AWD.

Lexus recently slashed the price of the 2025 RZ to $43,975 which meant it was $490 cheaper than the 2024 Toyota bZ4X. The mainstream brand is now addressing that discrepancy by cutting the cost of entry to $37,070 before a $1,395 destination and handling fee.

That’s $6,000 less than last year’s model, but the crossover still costs significantly more than the Chevrolet Equinox EV, which starts at $33,600 and has an EPA-estimated range of 319 miles (513 km). That compares to a mere 252 miles (406 km) for the most efficient version of the bZ4X.

More: 2025 Toyota bZ4X Gets $10,000 Lease Discount And 0% APR Before It Even Hits Dealers

The range-topping Limited trim starts at $41,800 for a reduction of $5,380. While the price cut isn’t as drastic as on the XLE, buyers will find three new driver assistance systems. They include Front Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane Change Assist, and Traffic Jam Assist. The latter system is the most notable as it allows for hands-free operation at speeds under 25 mph (40 km/h) on controlled access freeways.

The other big change for 2025 is a new Nightshade Edition. It starts at $40,420 and is based on the XLE with all-wheel drive.

The model has black badging, black door handles, a black spoiler, and 20-inch wheels with a black finish. Buyers will also find a leather-wrapped steering wheel as well as SofTex and fabric-trimmed seats with red contrast stitching.

The 2025 bZ4X is slated to arrive at dealerships early next year and customers will find a familiar powertrain lineup. Front-wheel drive variants have a 71.4 kWh battery pack that powers a 201 hp (150 kW / 204 PS) electric motor. All-wheel drive models have a slightly larger 72.8 kWh battery and a dual-motor setup producing a combined output of 214 hp (160 kW / 217 PS).

2025 Toyota bZ4X Pricing
TrimMSRP
bZ4X XLE FWD$37,070
bZ4X XLE AWD$39,150
bZ4X Limited FWD$41,800
bZ4X Limited AWD$43,880
BZ4X Nightshade$40,420
Note: Prices exclude a $1,395 destination fee
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US grocery prices – and eggs in particular – climb heading into holiday season

16 December 2024 at 11:15
grocery store with eggs

A customer walks by a display of fresh eggs at a grocery store on Sept. 25 in San Anselmo, California. Grocery prices rose 0.4% in November, according to the Consumer Price Index, leading to tougher times for many during the holiday season. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

A rise in food prices makes for a less than merry holiday season.

Grocery prices rose 0.4% in November, according to the Consumer Price Index, released this week by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Eggs made one of the biggest jumps at 8.2% over the month, and 37.5% over the past year, providing challenges for people trying to eat a somewhat cheaper protein and families cooking holiday foods such as sugar cookies and jelly doughnuts.

Although the increase in food prices has moderated a bit from past years, they are still more than 20% higher than they were before the pandemic, according to David Ortega, at Michigan State University.

“It was a key issue in the election in terms of people really feeling that sticker shock at the grocery store,” said Ortega, a food economist.

President-elect Donald Trump vowed to bring down prices during his campaign and blamed the Biden administration for how they reached this point. But in an interview with TIME published this week, Trump said he does not believe his presidency would be a failure if grocery prices do not come down.

“It’s hard to bring things down once they’re up,” he said.

Price changes to understand before you set the holiday table

The increase in grocery, or food at home prices, was partly driven by the rise in egg and beef prices, Ortega said. He said the price of holiday roast has been affected by drought and high feed prices. This year, the inventory of beef cattle was the smallest beef herd since 1951.

“On eggs, the story continues to be bird flu together with increased consumer demand given the holiday season,” he said following Wednesday’s release of the latest Consumer Price Index. “And for beef the issue is supply — high input costs and decisions that beef producers made a couple of years back when they were facing drought and high feed prices which has reduced beef supply, and this in turn is affecting beef prices.”

The latest food price numbers presented a mixed bag for holiday shoppers looking to bake treats this month. Flour and prepared four mixes fell 1% and bread decreased 1.3%, while sugar and sweets rose 0.2%, and butter ticked up 1.5%.

Oranges, including the popular stocking stuffers tangerines, fell 1.8% in the latest Consumer Price Index report.

The rise in cost of eating your meals at home compared to the rise in cost of eating out is also getting narrower, with the gap in inflation between restaurant menu prices and grocery year-over-year prices being the narrowest it has been since May 2023, according to Supermarket News. Food at home in previous reports rose 0.2% and 0.4% compared to 0.2% and 0.3% for the past two food away from home reports.

Are companies profiting off of uncertain times?

Rakeen Mabud, chief economist at the Groundwork Collective, a left-of-center economic think tank, said that just a few seed producers, meatpackers, and grocers dominate the food industry, which is a key part of the story of what drives grocery prices. This hurts lower-income shoppers the hardest. Oklahoma, Iowa, and Arkansas are some of the states most dominated by a single grocer, such as Walmart or Hy-Vee.

“Across the food and grocery industry, we have a sector that is deeply consolidated,” Mabud said.  … And so when you have big companies controlling such large chunks of the market, we know that they have used things like inflation, things like supply chain shocks to jack up prices far beyond what their input costs to justify.”

Mabud said that when there is this level of market concentration, companies can signal to each other in earnings calls that they are going to start raising prices.

“If you know that your only other competitors are also raising prices, there’s kind of no reason for you to try to undercut them if you both hold giant shares of a market,” she said.

An economic paper published this year found that companies are able to coordinate price increases around cost shocks and increase profits from these events. Mabud said the holidays provide plenty of opportunity for the food industry to raise prices on things people ordinarily don’t buy and don’t have a price comparison for during a less in-demand season.

“Grocers and the food industry kind of know that they know that they have more information about the underlying cost of a good than a consumer who only comes to buy the Christmas ham once a year. And so they can take advantage of that,” she said.

An unhappy new year for grocery shoppers

Economists are watching out for how the next administration will impact food prices.

Trump’s promise to impose heavy tariffs on the U.S.’s biggest trading partners – Mexico, Canada and China – are expected to drive up the cost of everything, including groceries.

Products the U.S. can’t produce year round, like fruit and coffee, will be affected, Ortega said.

“There’s still a lot of uncertainty in terms of whether these tariffs are really going to be implemented or are they a negotiating tool? But that creates a lot of uncertainty,” he said. “Even that amount of uncertainty can lead to a rise in costs as companies prepare for the potential of these tariffs taking place.”

Trump’s expected policy of mass deportation of immigrants will also affect the agriculture industry, in addition to the major human rights implications.

“If there’s a mass deportation that is a shock to the labor supply and the agricultural sector. And that will lead to an increase in costs as producers and companies have to offer higher wages to attract enough labor. Ultimately that gets passed down to the consumer in the form of higher prices,” Ortega said.

Mabud is also concerned that expected tariffs could mean companies take advantage of the policy change well beyond the actual financial impact to their business.

“It’s a policy change where consumers don’t necessarily know how much the price of an avocado is going up because of a tariff versus a supply chain issue versus the grocery store just wanting to increase the price,” she said.

Patricia “Pogo” Overmeyer, 65, who works as a lawyer in Arizona and lives with her retired husband, said she has always been focused on how to save money on groceries. But she said she has become even more thrifty since inflation worsened.

She said she’s been using more meatless meals and stocks up on holiday food all year round when prices are low, some of which she freezes and cans.

“Once I retire, our income will not be as high,” she said, “Most likely I will forgo some foods or make substitutions. It’s anyone’s guess as to what we will be paying for groceries.”

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2025 Toyota bZ4X Gets $10,000 Lease Discount And 0% APR Before It Even Hits Dealers

  • Toyota isn’t expected to make many significant changes to the 2025 bZ4X.
  • The electric SUV is offered with $10,000 in lease cash across several US regions.
  • However, shoppers can still pick up a 2024 bZ4X with $16,250 in lease cash, so it may be the better option.

Toyota is getting ready to launch the 2025 bZ4X, but it’s already sweetening the deal with some hefty leasing and financing incentives, before you even get a glimpse of the new model at dealerships.

The 2025 Toyota bZ4X is currently available with up to $10,000 in lease cash in select US regions, including Los Angeles, Boston, Denver, Portland, and San Francisco, until January 6, 2025. Final lease terms are still under wraps, but Toyota’s offering a deal that essentially amounts to 0% financing, likely in a bid to pull more people that it already has into its electric crossover, developed in partnership with Subaru.

Read: Toyota And Subaru’s Next Joint Electric SUV Coming In 2026

If you want to walk away with an electric Toyota at a compelling rate, you’re not just limited to the 2025 model. The outgoing 2024 version is also offered with an even bigger $16,250 lease incentive in many regions across the country and a money factor equivalent to 0% APR.

According to Cars Direct, residents in Southern California can pick up the keys to one for $219 per month for 36 months with a $2,999 downpayment. That works out to be the equivalent of $302 per month and while it’s not the single cheapest new EV on the market to lease, it is very affordable and even cheaper to lease than a 2025 Toyota Corolla, underscoring Toyota’s aggressive push to make EVs accessible.

 2025 Toyota bZ4X Gets $10,000 Lease Discount And 0% APR Before It Even Hits Dealers

Very few changes are expected for the 2025 bZ4X. It may get a few new trim options, but mechanically, it will likely be identical to the model it replaces. It should also hit the market with a largely unchanged exterior and interior. The bZ4X is currently offered with single and dual-motor versions, rated at 201 hp and 214 hp respectively.

For those of you set on grabbing the 2025 model, financing deals are also on the table: 0% APR for 72 months, plus $2,500 in Toyota Financial Services Subvention Cash. It’s not going to set the world on fire, but for what’s essentially a tweak on an existing model, it’s a smart way to move metal while keeping the price competitive.

 2025 Toyota bZ4X Gets $10,000 Lease Discount And 0% APR Before It Even Hits Dealers

Priced From $129,990, Cadillac’s 2025 Escalade IQ Makes The Gas Model Look Like A Bargain

  • Cadillac’s new flagship electric SUV is offered in four different trim levels.
  • All models are powered by the same 200+ kWh battery pack and twin electric motors.
  • Pricing for the top-tier flagship model begins at $150,490 before optional add-ons.

It’s been a lengthy 16 months since the 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ first debuted, but only now has the automaker confirmed its full specs, including the electric SUV’s driving range. The Escalade IQ boasts an impressive GM-estimated range of 460 miles (740 km), setting a new standard for the Escalade lineup.

As anticipated, the electric SUV commands a premium price tag, starting at $130,000 ($129,990, to be exact) and topping out at $150,490 before factoring in a $2,290 destination and handling fee or optional add-ons. For perspective, this represents a considerable jump over the gas-powered Escalade, which starts at $89,950 for the base RWD model and maxes out at $121,890 for the long-wheelbase ESV Platinum trim. That said, the IQ still slots below the $164,990 V-Series ICE flagship.

More: EV Depreciation Shocker As Mercedes EQS Loses Almost Half Its Value In A Year

And that’s without factoring in the reality that, like most—if not all—EVs, the Escalade IQ is likely to experience significantly steeper depreciation compared to any other major vehicle types. This might be something worth considering for buyers weighing the commitment of a six-figure investment.

Four Trim Options

Cadillac is going to sell the Escalade IQ with a single powertrain option. The entry-level model is the Luxury 1 and comes standard with huge 24-inch polished wheels with black accents, an illuminated grille, basic LED headlights, and Galvano door handles.

Shoppers who want something that looks a little sportier can opt for the Sport 1, priced from $130,490. It has most of the same features as the Luxury 1 but sits on different 24-inch wheels with black center caps, features body-colored door handles, perimeter lighting, and Hudson Metallic nameplates.

Then we get to the two range-toppers, the Luxury 2 and the Sport 2, priced from $149,990 and $150,490, respectively. These models add trick new slim HED vertical headlights, better seats, a 36-speaker AKG Studio Reference audio system, power-adjustable second-row massage seats, and some extra standard safety features, including a wired trailer view camera. The Luxury 2 and Sport 2 can also be optioned with the Executive Second Row Seating Package.

2025 CADILLAC ESCALADE IQ MSRP
TRIM*MSRP
Luxury 1$129,990
Sport 1$130,490
Luxury 2$149,990
Sport 2$150,490
*MSRP excludes a $2,290 destination and handling fee
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This option, priced at $7,500, adds an 8-inch rear screen, second-row executive seating with heating, and ventilation, a 10-point power massage function, dual wireless chargers, a custom rear floor console, tray tables, and a 40-speaker AKG audio system.

One Powertrain, Plenty of Power

As mentioned, regardless of trim, the Escalade IQ packs the same all-electric powertrain: a mammoth battery with over 200 kWh of capacity powering dual electric motors. Together, they produce 680 hp and 615 lb-ft (834 Nm) of torque. Enable the Velocity Max drive mode, and output spikes to 750 hp and 785 lb-ft (1,063 Nm), launching the luxury SUV from 0 to 60 mph (96 km/h) in under five seconds.

Read: 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ Is A $130k Flagship Electric SUV With 450 Mile Range

There’s no word on how long it takes to fully charge the massive battery, but Cadillac says the 800-volt electrical architecture means up to 100 miles (161 km) of range can be added in 10 minutes through a DC fast charger.

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Toyota’s bZ3X Is A Sub-$14k Electric SUV That Americans Can’t Have

  • The SUV has been designed exclusively for the Chinese market and will be built with GAC.
  • Powering entry-level models is a 50 kWh lithium-iron-phosphate battery pack.
  • Despite the SUV’s bargain price, it comes loaded with driver assistance systems.

The electric vehicle market in China is increasingly becoming a battleground for automakers looking to offer more for less, and Toyota’s latest entry, the bZ3X, promises to shake things up. Launched in partnership with Toyota’s GAC joint venture, this electric SUV is priced to undercut much of the competition, starting at just 100,000 yuan ($13,800) and capping out at 200,000 yuan ($27,500). With first deliveries slated for March next year, Toyota is making a serious play for value-conscious EV buyers.

Compact Power, Long(ish) Range

The entry-level model, known as the 430 Air+, comes equipped with a 50.03 kWh lithium-iron phosphate battery pack. That’s quite a small pack for an SUV of this size, but Toyota says it’s good for 430 km (267 miles) of range on a single charge. However, this is under the CLTC cycle, which is known to be quite generous. This battery powers a single electric motor with a quoted 221 hp (165 kW).

In addition to the 430 Air+, the SUV will also be available in 520 Pro+ and 620 Max forms, although limited details about these variants are known. If the naming strategy is any indication, they could have 520 km (323 miles) and 620 km (385 miles) of range respectively, which might necessitate a larger battery pack.

Read: Toyota bZ3C And bZ3X To Join China’s Crowded EV Market

The bZ3X is sized competitively within the compact SUV segment, measuring 4,600 mm (181.1 inches) in length, 1,875 mm (73.8 inches) in width, and 1,645 mm (64.7 inches) in height, with a wheelbase of 2,765 mm (108.8 inches). It has a curb weight of 1,835 kg (4,045 lbs).

 Toyota’s bZ3X Is A Sub-$14k Electric SUV That Americans Can’t Have

Toyota has been working on the bZ3X for quite some time and previewed it earlier in the year alongside the smaller bZ3C crossover. The cabin of the bZ3X seems to be quite well-equipped and as standard, includes a 14.6-inch infotainment display and an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster. It also rocks a two-spoke steering wheel, a wireless phone charger, and a split center console. An 11-speaker Yamaha audio system comes standard.

Perhaps most impressive is all the safety technologies that Toyota has crammed into its new EV. It’s equipped with no less than 11 high-definition cameras, three millimeter-wave radars, a lidar, and 12 ultrasonic sensors, enabling a raft of driver-assistance systems.  

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Dodge Dealers Set To Cash In Big On New Charger Daytona EV Profit Margins

  • Dodge dealers are in line to make a killing on every new Charger Daytona EV they sell, a new report says.
  • Cars Direct claims dealers could pocket $3,246 based on the difference between the invoice price and MSRP.
  • Markups could balloon that figure – one dealer told reporters Daytonas would sell for at least $10k over list price.

Dodge dealers are set for some big paydays if they can persuade drivers to take a new Charger EV home. A new report claims retailers could bank thousands of dollars on every 2024 / 2025 Charger Daytona they sell, and that’s before the inevitable markups enter the conversation. For dealerships, it’s a windfall. For buyers? Well, that depends on how much they’re willing to shell out for Dodge’s electrified muscle revolution.

According to Cars Direct, which analyzed the difference between dealers’ internal Stellantis order guide invoice pricing (the price the dealer pays Dodge) and the MSRP for the same vehicles and found high-spec Daytonas could generate over $3,200 for the retailer.

Related: Dodge Charger Daytona EV Shows Its New Colors As It Gets 0% Financing Deal

The investigation revealed the base Charger Daytona has a before-options MSRP of $57,995, but an invoice price of $55,096, meaning the dealer will pocket $2,899 from a straight cash sale. That compares with an invoice-to-MSRP difference of just $607 on a 2023 Challenger SXT, which sounds very low, although dealers also get deals from automakers and may often pay below invoice for a car.

Things get even more lucrative if the buyer is looking at the sportier Scat Pack. The official invoice price for one of those is $61,746, so if the dealer sells at MSRP, he could bank $3,246. But we’re talking about one of the most hotly anticipated American performance cars of the year. The dealers likely aren’t going to be selling at MSRP. One dealer in Scottsdale, AZ, told Cars Direct Daytonas will be slapped with a markup of at least $10k.

Markups Meet EV Transparency

The report suggests Dodge might have purposely built dealer profit into the Charger to avoid markups being applied, and because EVs tend to have more transparent prices. But if other dealers have the same attitude as the Arizona one in the story, the strategy has not worked.

 Dodge Dealers Set To Cash In Big On New Charger Daytona EV Profit Margins
Photo Stephen Rivers / Carscoops

Whether the Daytona EV can handle those kind of markups once the initial rush of excitement is over remains to be seen. Dodge might bring forward the introduction of the combustion-powered, six-cylinder Charger because that’s where customers are indicating they want to spend their money.

But presuming it is the electric version of the Charger you want and you can find a dealer who isn’t going to fleece you with a crazy markup, there are some good deals around that make it a tempting package. Dodge is offering $549 per month lease deals and giving buyers 0 percent APR for up to 72 months.

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Polestar 3 Gets Cheaper Leasing And 0% Financing Options

  • With zero down, the LR Dual Motor’s effective lease payment is $599 per month.
  • Polestar is also offering 0% financing on its SUVs until January 2, 2025.
  • Prices for the twin-motor Polestar 3 start at $73,400 excluding delivery.

Hot on the heels of Polestar starting production of the entry-level, single-motor 3 in the US at its Charleston, South Carolina facility, the electric carmaker has announced new financing and lease deals for some of the higher-end models. While Polestar is in a little bit of turmoil, the 3 is a compelling option for those in the market for a high-end electric SUV.

American customers eyeing the 2025 Polestar 3 Long Range Dual Motor with the Pilot Standard Pack can now lease one for $599 per month over 36 months. However, this excludes a hefty $5,599 down payment. When factoring in this upfront cost, the effective monthly payment rises to $755, with mileage capped at 10,000 miles per year.

Read: Polestar Says Biden’s China Tech Ban Would Make It Impossible To Sell Even US-Built Models In America

Over the life of the lease, this works out to be $27,163. Previously, this version of the Polestar 3 had commanded $699 per month for 36 months.

Of course, these are the advertised rates, so your mileage may vary depending on your haggling skills, the dealership’s flexibility, your ability to negotiate a lower capitalized cost (negotiated price of the car, including fees), and whether you can secure a more favorable money factor (interest rate). As always, persistence and careful negotiation can make a significant difference in the final cost of a lease.

One key reason shoppers may lean toward leasing rather than outright purchasing the Polestar 3 is the $7,500 lease cash currently available. This contrasts with its ineligibility for the $7,500 federal EV tax credit when purchased outright, despite the fact that the model is manufactured in the U.S.

 Polestar 3 Gets Cheaper Leasing And 0% Financing Options

0% Financing

Polestar has also rolled out a new financing offer for the electric SUV, which might be a better deal if you want to keep the car. A bulletin recently sent to dealers reveals it’s eligible for 0% financing for 60 months for all variants, excluding the new single-motor version. Cars Direct says the financing rate had previously been sent at 6.99%, meaning buyers can now benefit from $15,000 in savings. Both the new lease and financing deals run until January 2, 2025.

Specs and Pricing

Pricing for the dual-motor Polestar 3 starts at $73,400 (excluding destination). This model pairs a 111 kWh battery pack with two electric motors, producing a combined 489 horsepower and 620 lb-ft (840 Nm) of torque. The setup delivers an EPA-estimated range of 315 miles (507 km) on a full charge.

For those wanting more luxury and performance, Polestar offers a $78,900 version of the Long Range Dual Motor model, which includes the Plus Pack. This adds premium features such as heated rear seats, a 25-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system, and 21-inch wheels.

The Polestar 3 family also includes the Long Range Dual Motor w/Pilot and Performance Pack, and the Long Range Dual Motor w/Pilot, Plus Pack, and Performance Pack, priced from $79,400 and $84,900, respectively.

 Polestar 3 Gets Cheaper Leasing And 0% Financing Options

Entry-Level Polestar 3 Combines RWD With $67,500 Price Tag

  • Polestar has begun producing the 3 Long Range Single Motor, which starts at $67,500.
  • The crossover sports a rear-mounted motor producing 295 hp and 361 lb-ft of torque.
  • The entry-level variant comes nicely equipped and has an EPA range of up to 350 miles.

The Polestar 3 lineup is expanding as the company has begun building a new entry-level variant in Charleston, South Carolina. Known as the Long Range Single Motor, the latest version of the electric crossover starts at $67,500 before a $1,400 destination fee.

That’s $5,900 less than the dual-motor all-wheel drive variant and the good news doesn’t end there as the entry-level model has an EPA range of up to 350 miles (563 km/h). That’s 35 miles (56 km) more than its counterpart.

More: Polestar 3 Deliveries Begin As New RWD Variant Debuts

However, there are some obvious tradeoffs as the crossover has a rear-mounted motor producing 295 hp (220 kW / 299 PS) and 361 lb-ft (489 Nm) of torque. This results in a 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) time of 7.5 seconds. When it comes time to replenish the 111 kWh battery pack, a 250 kW DC fast charger can take it from a 10-80% charge in as little as 30 minutes.

The Polestar 3 Long Range Single Motor comes nicely equipped with LED headlights, rain-sensing wipers, and acoustic windows. They’re joined by a panoramic glass roof, a power liftgate, and 20-inch wheels.

Moving inside, drivers will find a 9-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.5-inch infotainment system. Other highlights include eight-way power heated front seats, a tri-zone climate control system, a wireless smartphone charger, and a 10-speaker audio system.

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An assortment of driver assistance systems come standard including Pilot Assist, Lane Change Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Blind Spot Information with Steer Assist. Buyers will also find Lane Departure Warning, Road Sign Information, and Rear Collision Warning and Mitigation.

An assortment of options are available including a $5,500 Plus Pack that adds a 25-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system, a head-up display, a heated steering wheel, and heated rear seats. The package also includes soft-close doors, a power-adjustable steering column, and a foldable load floor.

 The Polestar 3 Long Range Single Motor will also be offered in Europe where it will have a WLTP range of up to 438 miles (706 km). German pricing starts at €79,890 while Brits will need to shell out £69,900.

 Entry-Level Polestar 3 Combines RWD With $67,500 Price Tag

Tariffs guarantee higher prices for Americans who believe they are too high already

5 December 2024 at 11:00
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off

A scene on tariffs from Ferris Bueller’s Day Off in 1986 is getting some extra attention. (Paramount Pictures.)

Fans of the movie, “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” will remember the scene. Ben Stein plays a famously boring high school teacher giving a lecture about economics to a room full of teenagers fighting to stay awake. In about a minute, he covers the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act and the Laffer Curve, fundamental economic topics, desperately trying to get the students to engage with him.

“Anyone? Anyone…” is the memorable device Stein uses, to no avail, to engage an audience who couldn’t care less.

Some analysts say the economy is the reason voters chose Donald Trump for a second term in last month’s election. His economic plan is rooted in the broad and cavalier use of tariffs on imports from friends and foes alike. Last week, he announced his plan to impose 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico. The announcement prompted a surprise visit from Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and a phone call from Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum.

Meanwhile, the American public, particularly Trump voters, remain in an economic daze much like Ben Stein’s class.

The Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act was passed in 1930 in an attempt to thwart the impacts of the Great Depression. It was legislation initially designed to provide relief to the American agriculture sector but became “a means to raise tariffs in all sectors of the economy.” It also marked the end of an entrenched Republican platform of protectionist policymaking during that era. The policies ended because they were…anyone…anyone? Failures.

The details

Ignorance has become a vital asset in the political space these days. Yes, it is an asset in politics, but it is the devil in economics.

As a political asset, there are voters who believe that simply throwing a tariff at any nation they are mad at has nothing but benefits. Mad at Mexico because of migration? Slap them with a tariff and border crossings will go down, right? A good number of voters believe the answer is yes. Though this is almost entirely wrong, politically speaking, that ignorance served the pro-tariff candidate in November.

Economically however, the only real certainty that a 25% tariff on Mexico will have, is a 25% price increase in America. There actually is no disagreement on how tariffs functionally work, but I will refer to PBS for a simple explanation. Importers here pay the tariff, otherwise known as a tax, and remit that payment to the U.S. Treasury. How they pass that increase in costs along may vary a little from merchant to merchant, but ultimately it ends up in the price the American consumer pays.

Yes, a tariff program, in the most basic sense, is government imposed price increases. So, if high prices are the reason why an American voted against the current party in power, voting for higher prices seems, well, ignorant.

Now, does a tariff hurt who the angry American is mad at? Sure. In our example, Mexican goods become less affordable if a tariff is applied to them. In that sense, a tariff can hurt who it is designed to hurt. But that doesn’t change the fact that Americans pay the tariff, not the other country.

Many voters have the perspective that Trump imposed tariffs during his first term, and everything worked out fine. The Associated Press reports, “When Trump first became president in 2017, the federal government collected $34.6 billion in customs, duties and fees. That sum more than doubled under Trump to $70.8 billion in 2019, according to Office of Management and Budget records.” That sounds like a lot of money, until it is put in the context of the current $29.3 trillion gross domestic product.

The tariffs Trump is discussing in 2024 are wildly bigger and are being threatened toward virtually every country. But that’s not the only thing different between 2024 and 2017.

What else is different?

Anyone? Anyone?

The economy that Trump inherited in 2017 is sharply different than the one he will inherit in January. Inflation eight years ago was low and had been for a long time. Interest rates were also low and had been for a long time. The 2016 election wasn’t about inflation, and those rather small tariffs weren’t either. But times have changed.

For the life of me, I cannot find any credible theory as to how raising prices on imported goods will have the effect of lowering prices. I’ve written that sentence six times, and I know it reads like gibberish, but I just can’t help it.

Simply put, tariffs raise prices. After a bout with historic global inflation, consumers are exhausted with high prices. We can all agree with that part.

But there is a word for thinking that raising prices will actually lower them.

Anyone? Anyone?

Ohio Capital Journal is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Ohio Capital Journal maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor David Dewitt for questions: info@ohiocapitaljournal.com. Follow Ohio Capital Journal on Facebook and X.

Tesla Cuts Cybertruck Leasing To $899 Just Weeks After Launching Lease Options

  • The standard leasing option includes a $7,500 downpayment, although this figure can be reduced or scratched completely.
  • Buying out the regular Cybertruck All-Wheel Drive will cost $54,930 at the end of the lease, and the Cyberbeast $67,510.

Tesla’s Cybertruck has only been available for lease for a few weeks, yet the company is already slashing prices. Along with the newly announced cuts, Tesla is now offering shoppers the option to purchase the electric pickup at the end of the lease, though it comes with a hefty price tag. However, while these new terms might seem appealing at first glance, a closer look at the numbers reveals a more nuanced picture.

Leases for the base all-wheel-drive Cybertruck now start at $899 per month for 36 months with a 10,000-mile annual limit, down from the previous $999 per month. However, to get that number, Tesla requires a $7,500 downpayment upfront. If you include this, then the effective monthly cost rises to $1,107, totaling $39,864 over three years.

Read: Tesla Finally Offers Lease Buyout Option, But Is It Really Worth It?

For those avoiding the downpayment, which we always advise buyers to consider, the monthly cost jumps to $1,142, with the lease totaling $41,112 over its term.

Leasing to Owning: The High-Stakes Math

Late last month, Tesla also introduced lease buyouts for the first time in years. In the case of the Cybertruck All-Wheel Drive, the buyout totals a hefty $54,930 plus taxes, fees, and a $350 purchase fee. Add that to the $41,112 you could pay over the life of the lease if opting for no downpayment, and you’ll end up spending $96,392 before unspecified taxes and fees. To put that into perspective, it costs $79,990 to buy the same Cybertruck model outright.

 Tesla Cuts Cybertruck Leasing To $899 Just Weeks After Launching Lease Options
 Tesla Cuts Cybertruck Leasing To $899 Just Weeks After Launching Lease Options

The story is similar for the flagship Cyberbeast model, which Tesla now offers for $999 per month on a 36-month lease with the same $7,500 downpayment. That equates to an effective $1,207 per month, or $43,464 over the term of the lease.

Skipping the downpayment increases monthly payments to $1,277, for a total of $45,972. Want to keep the Cyberbeast at the end of your lease? Be ready to shell out $67,510 for the buyout, bringing the grand total to $113,832—nearly $14,000 more than the $99,990 sticker price.

The Real Cost of Flexibility

Tesla’s revised leasing deals and buyout options give customers more flexibility, but they also come with significant trade-offs. While the lower monthly payments may attract more drivers, the long-term math strongly favors buying the Cybertruck outright if ownership is the goal.

 Tesla Cuts Cybertruck Leasing To $899 Just Weeks After Launching Lease Options

Ford’s New Puma Gen-E Brings Mach-E Flair To The Budget EV Market

  • The Ford Puma now comes with a fully electric powertrain under the Gen-E name.
  • Its electric motor generates 166 hp, just 2 hp less than the Puma ST’s ICE version.
  • The Gen-E starts at €36,900 ($38,800) in Germany, making it Ford’s most affordable EV in Europe.

The sub-compact SUV market has a new electric contender, and it’s wearing a familiar face. Ford’s Puma Gen-E has officially joined the lineup in Europe as a fully electric alternative to the popular mild-hybrid Puma. With ST-level power, a respectable (if not groundbreaking) 376 km (234 miles) of range, and increased interior practicality, the Puma Gen-E steps into the EV ring with plenty to prove.

But does it deliver enough to hold its own against Stellantis’s electric arsenal or the reborn Renault 4? Let’s dive in.

A Familiar Punch, but Not Quite a Knockout

The Fiesta-based Puma Gen-E runs on a single electric motor mounted on the front axle, producing 166 hp (124 kW) and 290 Nm (214 lb-ft) of torque. This makes it technically less powerful by 2 hp than the hybrid Puma ST, which is the most potent version of the small SUV, but with a welcome bump of 42 Nm in torque. However, tipping the scales at 1,553 kg (3,426 pounds), the Gen-E gains some heft courtesy of its 43 kWh battery pack.

That added weight shows in the numbers: a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) time of 8 seconds flat, making it 0.6 seconds slower than the ST variant. The top speed is capped at a modest 160 km/h (99 mph), signaling its city-focused intentions. It’s certainly not going to embarrass hot hatches at the lights, but for an electric crossover in this class, these specs land squarely in the “adequate” column.

More: Ford Slashes 14% Of European Workforce As EV Demand Fizzles

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And the range? Depending on trim, Ford claims between 347-376 km (216-234 miles) on a single charge. That’s a little behind competitors like the Jeep Avenger or Peugeot E-2008 from Stellantis, which feature slightly larger battery capacities in the 50-54 kWh range. The Puma Gen-E’s smaller pack is reflected in its WLTP numbers, but Ford touts an impressive efficiency of 13.1 kWh/100 km.

On the plus side, it supports 100 kW DC fast charging, juicing the battery from 10-80% in about 23 minutes, a stat that softens the blow of its middling range. If you’re wondering, the charging port is located in the same spot with the fuel cap in the ICE-powered Puma.

A Mustang-Inspired Nose and More Room for Junk in the Trunk

Where the Puma Gen-E makes a stronger case for itself is in its design and practicality. The SUV receives a revised front bumper with a closed-off grille and sleeker intakes that nod to the Mustang Mach-E. Beyond that, it’s business as usual, with minor updates like unique alloy wheels, a slightly tweaked rear spoiler, and—of course—the absence of tailpipes.

Inside, Ford plays the practicality card, leveraging the compact electric motor to carve out more storage. The boot offers a generous 574 liters (20.3 cubic feet), plus a 43-liter (1.5 cubic feet) frunk, perfect for charging cables or groceries. Even better, the cleverly named “Megabox” under the boot floor has been upsized to a “Gigabox.” Marketing semantics aside, it seems genuinely useful.

The digital cockpit is shared with the regular Puma, including the 12.8-inch digital instrument cluster and the 12-inch infotainment touchscreen, introduced earlier this year as part of the mid-lifecycle update. However, the electric version features a raised center console with a new storage compartment taking advantage of the space normally occupied by the gearbox.

Pricing And Rivals

The Puma Gen-E is being produced at the Ford Otosan plant in Craiova, Romania, although the electric drive units are being shipped from Halewood, UK. Ford has already started accepting orders, with deliveries expected to commence in spring 2025.

The Puma Gen-E enters the European market with a starting price of €36,900 ($38,800) in Germany, making it Ford’s most affordable EV offering in the region. For context, the gas-powered Puma starts at €28,900 ($30,400), while the hybrid Puma ST goes for €40,600 ($42,700). That puts the Gen-E in a competitive sweet spot for buyers willing to go electric but not quite ready to splurge on a Mustang Mach-E or the Capri EV.

Rivals of the Ford Puma Gen-E include the Jeep Avenger, Fiat 600e, Alfa Romeo Junior, Peugeot E-2008, and Opel Mokka Electric from Stellantis, alongside the Renault 4 E-Tech, and the Mini Aceman.

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Ford

2,200-Mile Tesla Model 3 Performance ‘Highland’ Sells For $12k Under MSRP

  • The Tesla Model 3 Performance is a seriously fast sports sedan.
  • Now, buyers are finding it with deep discounts on the second-hand market.
  • One crossed the auction block at $12k under MSRP and another is up for grabs.

Love them or hate them, electric vehicles can deliver mind-bending performance. We’re talking supercar levels of acceleration here, at least for 0-60 mph (96 km/h) and quarter-mile sprints. Take the Tesla Model 3 Performance, for instance.

Priced from $54,990 or $47,490 if you choose the no-cost Stealth Grey option and meet the requirements for the $7,500 federal tax credit (the only color that qualifies without adding the $8,000 FSD package, which unlocks eligibility for all colors and also nets you the tax credit), it might just be the best value in the EV sports sedan segment. That is, as long as you can stomach the depreciation that comes with it, especially compared to something like a BMW M3, which holds its value far better.

More: New Tesla Model 3 Long Range Gets Acceleration Boost Option In Some Markets

Not only does the Model 3 Performance outrun a BMW M3, but it also costs tens of thousands less than the German contender. For context, the base rear-wheel-drive M3 starts at $76,000, offering 473hp and a 0-60 time of 4.1 seconds. Step up to the M3 Competition xDrive, with its 523hp and a quicker 3.4-second sprint to 60 mph, and you’re looking at $85,300. And that’s without touching BMW’s extensive options list.

Meanwhile, the Model 3 Performance hits 60 mph in a blistering 2.8 seconds (albeit with a roll-out, so think around 3 seconds flat without) and rockets through the quarter-mile in about 11 seconds , all while offering just over 300 miles (488 km / EPA estimate) of range. Oh, and did we mention buyers are snapping up these Teslas for bargains on the second-hand market?

Second-Hand Steals

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Photos Cars&Bids

For example, a Model 3 Performance in Ultra Red recently sold on Cars & Bids for just $46,250. It had only 2,200 miles on the odometer having been purchased new in June of 2024. To put that into perspective, that’s Lexus ES money for a car that delivers supercar acceleration. Apparently, 2,200 miles is all it takes for some buyers to lose interest in owning such a car.

As with all Model Performance variants, the car in question featured a panoramic glass roof, a premium interior, heated and ventilated front sport seats, and 20-inch wheels. The sale also included the Tesla Mobile Connector kit, compatible with both 120V outlets and NEMA 14-50 240V outlets for Level 2 charging.

The seller had the windows tinted and much of the body covered in SunTek paint protection film (PPF), which was applied to the front bumper, headlamps, hood, fenders, and mirror caps. Keep in mind that all of this came from Tesla with an MSRP of $58,380. Even at that price, it’s nothing short of a performance bargain.

A Windshield Or Another Tesla?

 2,200-Mile Tesla Model 3 Performance ‘Highland’ Sells For $12k Under MSRP

Interestingly, we’re about to see if this trend continues as another Model 3 Performance is up for sale again over on Cars & Bids. It has even fewer miles, just 800 so far, and with one day left into the auction, the highest bid stands at $38,250 at the time of writing with a day left (the auction ends on December 2). That’s for a car that, according to the listing, cost $56,380 new.

But why is the seller parting ways with it after so little time? As it turns out, replacing a windshield was enough to drive them into another Tesla. After all, who needs a windshield when you can just buy an entirely new car? Now that’s forward thinking.

“When I had to replace the windshield, Tesla had difficulties getting a replacement. They kept arriving damaged. Then, there was a lack of availability. It was dragging on. I was impatient. I just bought another Tesla while waiting for this one to be repaired,” the seller explained.

And he’s not alone either. A little digging reveals that windshield replacement for Teslas can be a frustrating and costly ordeal. When parts do finally arrive, the cost can hit nearly $1,500. Despite these headaches, the Model 3 Performance remains a killer deal in the sports sedan market. Whether new or lightly used, it’s hard to argue with this level of speed and value.

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Photos Cars&Bids

Tesla Boosts Referral Discounts In The US And Canada

  • Model Y buyers in Canada can now get the EV with a discount of up to CAD$2,600.
  • Discounts cap out at $2,000 in the US for the Model S, Model X, and Cybertruck.
  • Referrers receive $1,000 for each sale that they generate.

Tesla has made its popular referral program in the US and Canada a little more generous, benefiting both new and existing owners.

The changes start with the Tesla Model S, Model X, and Cybertruck. Those who purchase one of these EVs using an existing owner’s referral will get a hefty $2,000 discount. This is double the $1,000 discount that had been provided previously. Tesla has also increased the discount for the Model 3 and Model Y from $500 to $1,000.

Read: California To Reinstate EV Rebates If Trump Scraps Tax Credit, Just Not For Tesla

Canadian buyers can also benefit from new discounts. Those who place an order for a Model S, Model X, and Model Y, will all receive a CAD$2,600 discount, double what it used to be. That discount is particularly generous for the Model Y as it’s significantly cheaper than both the Model S and Model X.

Existing Tesla owners who provide their referral codes are also being rewarded more. In the US, each successful referral an owner makes will receive $1,000, while in Canada, they’ll get CAD$1,300. This money can be used at the Tesla Shop to buy accessories, for Supercharging, or at Tesla Service centers. Each referrer is capped at ten referrals before it resets. This means owners in the US can stack them and get up to $10,000 off their next vehicle purchase or CAD$13,000 in the Great White North.

 Tesla Boosts Referral Discounts In The US And Canada

The referrals work for newly-ordered vehicles, as well as those in Tesla’s existing inventory.

In September, Rivian launched a Tesla-inspired referral program for its owners. The electric startup offers 750 points ($1 point equals a $1 credit) for an owner who makes a referral and another 750 points to a new buyer who uses that referral code. Both parties also receive six months of free charging at the Rivian Adventure Network. The 750 points can be redeemed for a future vehicle purchase or spent on Rivian’s online stores.

 Tesla Boosts Referral Discounts In The US And Canada

Dodge Charger Daytona EV Shows Its New Colors As It Gets 0% Financing Deal

  • The deal is only available to buyers in the Northeast, Southern, and Central US.
  • Dodge has confirmed the new EV will be offered with the full $7,500 tax credit when leased.

While the jury is still out on whether Dodge jumped the gun and launched an all-electric muscle car before the market was ready, Stellantis has unveiled the four colors available at launch: Peelout (orange), Diamond Black, White Knuckle, and Bludicrous. Previously, it was believed that only three colors—Diamond Black, Triple Nickel, and White Knuckle—would be offered when the new Charger Daytona went on sale, but it seems plans have changed.

At the same time, Stellantis announced a new financing deal that could tempt power-hungry enthusiasts to get behind the wheel of the new electric muscle car rather than waiting for next summer (or fall) when the ICE-powered version with a turbocharged straight-six engine is expected to reach dealers.

Read: Dodge Tries To Woo Charger Daytona EV Lessees With Extra $1,000 Loyalty Discount

Buyers in the Northeast, Southern, and Central US can pick up the keys to the new EV with 0% financing for up to 72 months, a bulletin recently sent to dealers reveals. This promo will only run through until December 2, is a standalone offer that can’t be combined with other incentives, and only people with above-average credit will qualify. Moreover, it’s unclear whether those living on the West Coast will be able to take advantage of that deal.

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However, it’s worth noting that Dodge has yet to confirm if the Charger Daytona is eligible for the $7,500 EV tax credit when purchased. What we do know is that it’s eligible for the full credit when leased, meaning this could be a better option for some.

Additionally, Stellantis announced in October that 2024 Charger Daytona models qualify for a $1,000 loyalty discount for customers returning a leased Dodge vehicle. As Cars Direct points out, the automaker has yet to disclose how much it will cost to lease the electric muscle car.

More: Dodge Charger Daytona Is Already The EV To Beat For Resale Values

Those interested in purchasing the Dodge outright will need to shell out $61,590 for the entry-level R/T model. This version delivers 496 hp and 404 lb-ft (548 Nm) of torque—plenty of muscle for most buyers.

For those seeking even more power, the Daytona Charger is also offered in the Scat Pack configuration, which boosts output to 670 hp and 627 lb-ft (850 Nm). Starting at $75,185, it’s a hefty price tag, but the performance backs it up. The Scat Pack rockets to 60 mph (96 km/h) in just 3.3 seconds and can tear through the quarter-mile in 11.5 seconds.

Unfortunately, buyers will have to wait a bit longer to get behind the wheel than originally anticipated as production of the EV had yet to begin as of last week.

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Jeep Wagoneer S EV Already Available With 0% APR For 72 Months

  • The Wagoneer S Launch Edition costs $71,995 and offers 0% APR for qualified buyers.
  • A pair of electric motors combine to produce 690 hp and 617 lb-ft of torque.
  • For those who prefer to lease, it’s $599 per month with $4,999 due at signing.

Hot on the heels of the 2024 Wagoneer S making its debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show last week, Jeep has announced some attractive financing and leasing offers for their new electric SUV.

In the US, the Wagoneer S Launch Edition will start at $71,995. That’s quite a lot of money, but shows that Jeep is positioning the Wagoneer S as a more premium EV. However, a recent dealer bulletin revealed that Jeep is offering the Wagoneer S at 0% APR for 72 months, which could be a deal that’s too good to pass, for some buyers.

Read: Stellantis Delays Jeep, Dodge, And Ram EVs Again Because Quality Takes Time

Cars Direct notes the financing deal is only available until December 2 in the Central, Southern, and Northeastern US. Shoppers who take advantage of the deal could save well over $10,000 compared to another similarly-priced SUV at a higher APR. It also means the Wagoneer S is cheaper to finance than a regular 2024 Wagoneer at a 3.9% rate.

Lease It or Love It?

For those leaning toward leasing rather than buying, Jeep is offering the Wagoneer S at $599 per month for 36 months, with a 10,000-mile annual cap. But before you start celebrating, there’s a catch. This deal requires $4,999 upfront, which effectively tacks on another $138 per month when spread across the lease term. However, there’s a silver lining: lessees are eligible for the $7,500 EV federal incentive, easing the financial burden and making the lease proposition more palatable for some.

 Jeep Wagoneer S EV Already Available With 0% APR For 72 Months

A Muscle SUV Beneath the Electric Veneer

Beyond the dollars and cents, the Wagoneer S boasts some serious hardware under the skin. A 100 kWh battery pack supports DC fast charging, enabling the SUV to recharge from 20% to 80% in just 23 minutes—faster than your lunch break.

The twin electric motors combine to produce 600 hp and 617 lb-ft (837 Nm) of torque, meaning the Wagoneer S almost has as much power as a Lamborghini Urus. Despite tipping the scales at a hefty 5,667 lbs (2,570 kg), Jeep says the new model needs just 3.4 seconds to hit 60 mph (96 km/h).

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2025 Audi e-tron GT Is $19,000 Pricier But Much Faster This Year

  • Audi’s refreshed 2025 RS e-tron GT Performance delivers 912 HP and hits 60 mph in 2.4 seconds.
  • All models come standard with an enlarged 105 kWh battery pack, boosting range to 300 miles.
  • Starting at $167,000, the RS e-tron GT is Audi’s most powerful production car yet.

Some five months after its online unveiling, the 2025 Audi e-tron GT range has launched in the US, and while it’s technically only a mid-life facelift, the car’s starting price has jumped significantly.

In certain markets, the new car will be sold in standard S e-tron GT, RS e-tron GT, and RS e-tron GT Performance guises, although the US will only get the entry-level model and the flagship. Prices for the standard model now start at $125,500, a hefty premium over the $106,500 commanded by the pre-facelift model, excluding a $1,295 destination and delivery fee.

Read: 2025 Audi RS e-tron GT Performance Has 912 HP, Hits 62 MPH In 2.5 Seconds

Fortunately, for the extra cash, you’re also getting a significant performance boost. The new S e-tron GT delivers 670 hp which is more than what the old flagship $147k RS e-tron GT offered. The new model also features an improved air suspension system that’s even more advanced than the old one, capable of actively managing body movements to keep the chassis level. The range of this new variant is also much higher than its predecessor, sitting at 300 miles (483 km) compared to 249 miles (400 km). This extra range has been achieved with the fitment of a bigger 105 kWh battery whereas the old car had a 93.4 kWh pack.

Straight-line performance has been approved, too, with just 3.3 seconds required for the 0-60 mph (96 km/h) in the S e-tron GT, 0.6 seconds faster than the old model.

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Then there’s the range-topping RS e-tron GT Performance. It delivers an impressive 912 hp compared to the 637 hp of the old range-topper, allowing it to rocket to 60 mph (96 km/h) in just 2.4 seconds. This makes it the quickest-accelerating production Audi ever. The carmaker hasn’t released a range figure for this model but says it will exceed that of both 2024 models.

Fittingly, the prices of the RS e-tron GT Performance are quite a bit higher than the outgoing model. It starts at $167,000 or $19,900 more than the 2024 RS e-tron GT. Both 2025 models are now available to order through US Audi retailers, and deliveries should start next year.

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Ford Really Wants You To Buy Its EVs With 0% APR, Thousands Off, And Free Charger

  • Ford is offering big deals on its electric vehicles late this year.
  • That includes 0% APR on both the F-150 Lightning and the Mustang Mach-E.
  • It also includes free home charger installation and thousands off of sticker prices.

As the year comes to a close, automakers are eager to make deals. Ford is no stranger to this game plan and it’s coming to market with some serious incentives. Not only will it agree to install a charger for those who buy or purchase some EVs, but it’ll stack discounts and financing deals onto that too. Here’s a breakdown of what to look for if you want an electric Ford.

First and foremost, these deals all include Ford’s “Power Promise” that it launched earlier this year. That means that buyers or lessees will get a charger installed at their home (if applicable) included in the cost of the car itself. That on its own is already a big cost savings and is a major hurdle to overcome for many EV buyers.

More: You Can Get A Tesla For Under $20K From Hertz, But You Probably Shouldn’t

On top of that, InsideEVs points out that those who lease a Mustang Mach-E get up to $3,000 off in bonus cash. That can be combined with the $7,500 federal tax incentive to effectively lop off $10,500 from the price of a Mach-E—not to mention any additional state-level tax breaks.

That’s a screaming deal on a mostly good electric vehicle. Those who prefer to buy the Mach-E still get a good deal. That includes 0% APR for 72 months and $5,000 in bonus cash. Notably, the Mach-E doesn’t qualify for the federal tax credit when bought. Nevertheless, buyers still get the free charger installation.

 Ford Really Wants You To Buy Its EVs With 0% APR, Thousands Off, And Free Charger

On the F-150 Lightning side of the world, the pickup gets the same APR and bonus cash deal for buyers. In this case, that deal is only available to buyers who select the XLT and Platinum+ trim levels. Customers interested in leasing the truck get $3,500 in lease cash along with $3,000 bonus cash.

In a market where several car brands are offering deals right now, these ones from Ford are competitive to say the least. Don’t forget that state tax incentives could add to these discounts too. 

 Ford Really Wants You To Buy Its EVs With 0% APR, Thousands Off, And Free Charger
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