Audi slashes EV interest rates, but Tesla Y can cost a lot less

2024 Audi Q4 E-TronCurrent Audi EV financing undercuts Tesla, but it may still be possible to get a better deal overall from the U.S. automaker, reports CarsDirect. A recent dealer bulletin showed 0.99% financing on all 2024 Audi EVs for up to 60 months, compared to rates of 2.99% to 6.49% for most of the brand's other models. It also undercuts the 1.99% rate Tesla...

Ford Fusion Hybrid, Lincoln MKZ Hybrid get do-not-drive warning

New 2010 Ford Fusion HybridFord on Tuesday issued a do-not-drive warning to owners of Fusion Hybrid, Mercury Milan Hybrid, and Lincoln MKZ Hybrid sedans who did not have defective Takata airbags replaced under three previous recalls. The automaker issued its first Takata airbag recall in 2015. Like many other automakers, Ford was supplied airbags by Japanese firm Takata...

2025 Genesis GV60 gets less expensive base AWD model

2025 Genesis GV60The 2025 Genesis GV60 receives minor changes and a minor price increase for its third model year on sale in the U.S., Genesis announced last week. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now available, along with a new Capri Blue exterior paint color. The 19-inch-wheel option for all-wheel-drive models has also been broken out into its own…

Fratzonic: EVs have to sound like something, but does it have to be ICE?

2024 Dodge Charger DaytonaThe 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona electrifies a hallowed muscle-car nameplate. And it features an elaborate sound generator to replicate the exhaust noise of the V-8 that will not be offered in the new Charger. Unveiled in March, the Daytona is the all-electric version of the redesigned Charger, which will also be sold with a gasoline...

Do stop-start systems wear out your car’s starter?

Chrysler Engine Stop-Start (ESS) technology  -  slated for 2015 Jeep CherokeeSome are almost unnoticeable, others make the car shudder each time they activate—but stop-start systems are here to stay. First rolled out in Europe and Asia, where crowded city driving requires cars to spend more time at a standstill, they switch off the engine when the car's not moving. When the driver starts to lift a foot off the brake...

Test drive: 2024 Subaru Solterra feels fit for the blue highways

2024 Subaru SolterraSolterra efficiency is in the same ballpark as Hyundai Ioniq 5 and VW ID.4 Even with improvements, it's one of the slower-charging electric crossovers X-Mode off-road mode gives the Solterra impressive AWD traction and finesse Subaru’s vehicles have never completely fallen in line with the mainstream. As I spent more time with the...

EV battery costs dropped 90% in last 15 years

Mercedes-Benz Alabama battery factoryThe average price of a lithium-ion battery pack for a light-duty EV has decreased 90% over the past 15 years, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) estimates. In 2023, the DOE estimates pack prices averaged $139/kwh on a usable-energy basis for production at scale, meaning at least 100,000 units per year. That's still not quite at the magical...

2025 Nissan Leaf is now cheaper than Versa economy car

2025 Nissan LeafThanks to incentives, the 2025 Nissan Leaf is now the automaker's cheapest model regardless of powertrain type, reports CarsDirect, undercutting the gasoline Versa economy car. The base 2025 Nissan Leaf S starts at $29,280 with destination, but through September 3 it's eligible for $7,500 in NMAC Special APR cash, which is essentially a rebate...

Rivian R2 charge port moves to left rear, like Tesla

Rivian R2Rivian confirmed rear left charge port location in upcoming R2 models Had previously indicated rear right for streetside charging and Rivian’s own networks Means R2 owners will have an easier time using Supercharger stations Front, rear, left, right? Automakers still can’t agree on where to place EV charge ports on the vehicle. But it...

2025 Volvo EX90 price hiked $3,300, still missing features

2025 Volvo EX90The 2025 Volvo EX90 now costs $81,290 The updated pricing includes a $3,300 price increase due to material costs The 2025 Volvo EX90 is in production in South Carolina The 2025 Volvo EX90 has gotten $3,300 more expensive ahead of the planned start of U.S. deliveries later this year, reported Automotive News. Volvo's website now lists the base...