Ford - Ride4Watts.com https://ride4watts.com/category/brand/ford/ Electrified Automotive Tue, 03 Dec 2024 15:45:56 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.1 https://i0.wp.com/ride4watts.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/cropped-ride4watts-high-resolution-logo-color-on-transparent-background.png?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1 Ford - Ride4Watts.com https://ride4watts.com/category/brand/ford/ 32 32 230869082 Most Reliable Pre-Owned EVs on the Market in 2024 https://ride4watts.com/2024/11/29/most-reliable-pre-owned-evs-on-the-market-in-2024/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=most-reliable-pre-owned-evs-on-the-market-in-2024 https://ride4watts.com/2024/11/29/most-reliable-pre-owned-evs-on-the-market-in-2024/#respond Fri, 29 Nov 2024 14:38:09 +0000 https://ride4watts.com/?p=276 If you’re ready to make the switch to an electric car but don’t want to pay new car prices, there’s never been a better time to not only shop for used cars but also used EVs. You’ll have lots of EVs to choose from, and you won’t have to worry about the steep depreciation of […]

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If you’re ready to make the switch to an electric car but don’t want to pay new car prices, there’s never been a better time to not only shop for used cars but also used EVs. You’ll have lots of EVs to choose from, and you won’t have to worry about the steep depreciation of a new EV. Take a look at some of the most reliable options for used electric vehicles.

Most Reliable Pre-Owned EVs on the Market in 2024 - Hyundai Kona EV EV

Hyundai Kona Electric – The Practical Electric Crossover

The Kona EV is a small crossover that offers a big dose of practicality and impressive range. The 2019 model is the current generation and has an electric motor that generates 201 horsepower and 291 pound-feet of torque. It comes with front-wheel drive and can go up to 258 miles on a full charge.

The tech in the Kona EV includes a 7-inch touchscreen that comes loaded with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. If you get one of the higher trims, a larger touchscreen is one of the added benefits.

Most Reliable Pre-Owned EVs on the Market in 2024 - Ford Mustang Mach-E

Ford Mustang Mach-E – Sporty Performance and Style

The Ford Mustang Mach-E is not only reliable but also fun. There are a lot of models to choose from, and you can get it with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Power ranges from 266 horsepower to 480, depending on the motor and battery pack. Every Mach-E has a 15.5-inch touchscreen that runs Ford’s Sync 4 infotainment system. It is well worth adding to your list of used cars to test drive.

Most Reliable Pre-Owned EVs on the Market in 2024 - Kia Niro EV

Kia Niro EV – Lots of Space and Great Tech

The Kia Niro EV is another small SUV that’s not only reliable but offers family-friendly space and technology. The motor generates 201 horsepower and will go up to 239 miles on a full charge. If you need a quick charge, DC fast charging will give you up to 80 of the battery charge in just 75 minutes.

An 8-inch touchscreen comes in the lower trims with a 10.25-inch screen available. Satellite radio is available along with a Harman Kardon stereo system and wireless charging for your phone.

Most Reliable Pre-Owned EVs on the Market in 2024 - Chevy Bolt EV

Chevy Bolt – Well-Rounded Compact EV SUV

The Chevrolet Bolt is a compact electric SUV. This practical electric SUV is efficient and fun, with an electric motor that generates 200 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. It quickly responds when you press on the accelerator, making it perfect for driving around town and when you need to merge and pass on the highway.

The Bolt may fit into the compact SUV market, but the cabin feels spacious. Even if you pile in four adults, everyone will feel like they have plenty of room to get comfortable.

Most Reliable Pre-Owned EVs on the Market in 2024 - Kia Soul EV

Kia Soul EV—Funky and Spunky

If you like used cars with some personality and you want something reliable, consider a used Kia Soul EV. This Kia was available from 2015 to 2019 and is even more fun to drive than the non-turbo gas model. The electric motor generates 109 horsepower and 210 pound-feet of torque, which is plenty for this small vehicle.

 

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Ford Capri Reborn: A Classic Icon in a New Electric Era https://ride4watts.com/2024/10/15/ford-capri-reborn-a-classic-icon-in-a-new-electric-era/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ford-capri-reborn-a-classic-icon-in-a-new-electric-era https://ride4watts.com/2024/10/15/ford-capri-reborn-a-classic-icon-in-a-new-electric-era/#respond Tue, 15 Oct 2024 16:22:11 +0000 https://ride4watts.com/?p=256 The new Ford Capri joins the Ford F-150 Lightning among the ranks of iconic Ford vehicles reborn as EVs. Find out what European drivers can expect from the new iteration of the 1970s cult classic car. In America, the Ford F-150 Lightning captures the spirit of one of the country’s most iconic pickups. Ford is […]

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The new Ford Capri joins the Ford F-150 Lightning among the ranks of iconic Ford vehicles reborn as EVs. Find out what European drivers can expect from the new iteration of the 1970s cult classic car.

In America, the Ford F-150 Lightning captures the spirit of one of the country’s most iconic pickups. Ford is bringing the same energy to Europe with the new all-electric Capri. Pulling its inspiration from the 1970s sports coupe, the iconic car is back in a new form.

Ford’s Newest EV Resurrects an Older Name

Many drivers are old enough to remember the original Ford Capri of the 1970s and ‘80s. While this new iteration is a far cry from the old European pony car, it is true to its heritage. Think of it as what drivers in the 1970s would have expected the Capri to become.

The original Capri was a sports coupe, and the new all-electric model holds onto some of the same athletic nature. With 210 kW of power and 545 Nm of torque, the RWD Capri harnesses the power of electricity to bolt from 0-100 in 6.4 minutes.

The 2024 Ford Capri also holds onto some of the original sports car’s rebellious nature. With colors like Vivid Yellow and Blue My Mind, it’s attention-grabbing in the best way possible.

The 2024 Ford Capri is Also Thoroughly Modern

Modern drivers will appreciate that the Capri doesn’t have to sacrifice efficiency for power. They’ll get sports car acceleration and a driving range of over 620 km. The base model RWD Capri extended range can charge from 10-80% in 28 minutes on a DC fast charger. Along with its spacious cabin and luxurious interior features, this EV’s range and quick charging time make it a fantastic car for weekend getaways.

Ford Capri Reborn A Classic Icon in a New Electric Era - 2025 Capri EV

Drivers who want a little more from their EV sports cars will find it in the Capri Premium. The Capri Premium AWD extended range charges from 10-80% in 26 minutes and accelerates from 0-100 km/h in just 5.3 seconds.

Ford also embraces the modern era in their newest electrified offering by utilizing 12 ultrasonic sensors, five cameras, and 3 radars to create the ultimate driver assistance system. It’s a joy to drive with Assisted Lane Change, Clear Exit Warning, and other features.

A Look Inside the 2024 Ford Capri

The cabin of the 2024 Ford Capri has a minimalist yet luxurious feel with premium materials and advanced technology. The SYNC Move 14.6-inch center screen slides up and down, and smartphone users can integrate them seamlessly with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android
Auto.

Drivers will also notice premium features like an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, connected navigation, dual-zone automatic temperature control, and heated seats, which all come standard.

How Does It Compare to Other Ford EVs Like the F-150 Lightning?

The Capri has plenty in common with other Ford electric vehicles, including the Explorer and F-150 Lightning. While, stylistically, it shares many of the same design cues with the Explorer EV, all of these electric models are powerful, efficient and designed for the new electric era. The Ford Capri is perfect for families and eco-conscious individuals, while the Ford F-150 Lightning is the world’s new favorite EV workhorse.

Unfortunately, while the Ford F-150 Lightning is already available in parts of Europe, the automaker has no plans to introduce the Capri EV to American markets.

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Watt’s New in Trucks https://ride4watts.com/2024/10/07/watts-new-in-trucks/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=watts-new-in-trucks https://ride4watts.com/2024/10/07/watts-new-in-trucks/#respond Mon, 07 Oct 2024 16:33:55 +0000 https://ride4watts.com/?p=250 The Electric Revolution Hits the Road At first, EV trucks seemed like a niche product. Now, popular models like the Chevrolet Silverado and the Ford F-150 are becoming electrified, and the EV revolution is ready to hit the ground running. When the EV revolution started to take off, automakers began electrifying small hatchback cars. They’ve […]

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The Electric Revolution Hits the Road

At first, EV trucks seemed like a niche product. Now, popular models like the Chevrolet Silverado and the Ford F-150 are becoming electrified, and the EV revolution is ready to hit the ground running.

When the EV revolution started to take off, automakers began electrifying small hatchback cars. They’ve come a long way since then. Find out what’s happening with popular EV trucks like the Chevrolet Silverado EV, Ford F-150 Lightning, Tesla Cybertruck, and others.

New in 2024: The Chevrolet Silverado EV

With 440 miles of estimated range, the Chevrolet Silverado EV can take drivers further than competitors. When it’s time to top off the charge, drivers can plug in at home or stop at public fast-charging stations to pick up 100 mi of range in 10 minutes.

The Chevy Silverado EV’s electric motors produce 754 hp and 785 lb-ft of torque, and the impressive electric pickup can make it from 0 to 60 in under 4.5 seconds. It can also tow up to 10,000 lbs, more than enough to meet most contractors’ daily needs.

Because the Silverado EV is brand-new, it has all the most impressive modern features. Buyers can also purchase a GM Energy Vehicle-to-Home Enablement Kit to provide power by using the trucks for up to 21 days during a blackout.

What’s Ford Up to With the F-150 Lightning?

The F-150 Lightning has been around for several years, and the automaker has made only minor changes. The F-150 Lightning’s two electric motors make a combined 452 hp and 775 lb-ft of torque. Upgrading to the extended-range battery boosts the power up to 580 hp.

As with the Silverado EV, the F-150 Lightning can tow up to 10,000 lbs, albeit only with the extended-range battery. Expect towing heavy loads to reduce the range. No automaker has yet come up with a way to combat this issue.

The EV pickup can charge from 15 to 80 percent in 44 minutes on a DC fast charger and supply three days of power to the average household as a backup generator.

The Futuristic-Looking Tesla Cybertruck

The Tesla Cybertruck looks nothing like a standard pickup. However, it’s one of the best-known of the EV trucks. The Cybertruck features two electric motors that are good for 600 hp, plus an upgrade to a three-motor setup that puts out 834 hp. Theoretically, the Tesla Cybertruck can tow up to 11,000 lbs and haul 2,500 lbs.

The Cybertruck’s range varies substantially depending on how many motors drivers want, so there will always be a trade-off between range and power. With two motors, it maxes out at 340 miles per charge. Adding an optional range-extender battery pack to the bed bumps that number up to 440 miles.

Additional Competitors Joining the Race

The Silverado EV, F-150 Lightning, and Cybertruck are the best-known of today’s EVs. However, they’re being joined by more newcomers to the field every year. Additional options include the Rivian R1T, GMC Sierra EV, GMC Hummer EV Pickup, Ram 1500 REV, and others.

Interested buyers who are still driving gas trucks right now should make a point of discussing what it takes to make the switch to EV with their dealers. That way, they’ll be sure to get the right home charging stations to fit their needs.

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Ford’s Bronco and Mustang Electric Bikes: Style Meets Power https://ride4watts.com/2024/08/21/fords-bronco-and-mustang-electric-bikes-style-meets-power/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=fords-bronco-and-mustang-electric-bikes-style-meets-power https://ride4watts.com/2024/08/21/fords-bronco-and-mustang-electric-bikes-style-meets-power/#respond Wed, 21 Aug 2024 09:00:22 +0000 https://ride4watts.com/?p=199 Electric bikes are becoming popular methods of transportation for those looking for a motorized means of travel without the power of a motorcycle. The electric vehicle world covers almost anything with wheels, a motor, and a battery. A bike powered by an electric motor could be extremely useful for college students on campus, for an […]

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Electric bikes are becoming popular methods of transportation for those looking for a motorized means of travel without the power of a motorcycle.

The electric vehicle world covers almost anything with wheels, a motor, and a battery. A bike powered by an electric motor could be extremely useful for college students on campus, for an urban population, and as a companion vehicle for some driving adventures. Ford recently teamed up with N+ to build some electric bikes that will wear two of the most popular Ford nameplates: Bronco and Mustang.

Let’s see what these two new electric bikes have to offer.

The differences in character

The Ford Bronco and Mustang couldn’t be much different from each other, save for the ultimate goal of each vehicle. These two vehicles are made to make driving fun but in different ways. The Bronco is a hardcore off-roader that’s designed and developed to tackle nearly every outdoor trail and obstacle in its path, while the Mustang is made to be a fun and fast muscle car that can tear up the track and leave other cars in the dust. Both vehicles are made to be fun, and Ford has teamed up with N+ to make a bike that fits each vehicle’s individual personality.

Ideal design DNA

Much like the vehicles they are named for, the two electric bikes are made to tackle different areas of biking fun. The Bronco model is a trail-riding mountain bike with an electric motor that is ideal for your fun hill climbs and trail rides while the Mustang has performance and handling on the street in its DNA, giving it the spirit of the iconic pony car.
These two builds make it easy to have a bike that can be a lot of fun wherever you want to take your ride.

What does the Bronco e-bike offer?

The Bronco e-bike has a motorcycle-style seat to make it more comfortable when you hit a bump or ride over some roots in the forest. This bike has a dual suspension system with rims that are wrapped in Pirelli Scorpion Enduro M hardwall tires that are knobby and made to give you better grip and durability when you take this bike on the wilderness trails that you want to explore. This bike could be the perfect companion to its namesake, giving you a great way to explore trails where the Bronco 4×4 can’t go.

What does the Mustang e-bike offer?

If you want an electric bike that has a sportier look and feel, the Mustang e-bike is the right choice. This model has an aluminum alloy frame and a conventional saddle-style seat that makes it look more like a regular bike. The tires are a set of Pirelli Angel GT semi-slicks that give this bike the perfect riding feel when racing down the streets in your local town. The Mustang e-bike helps celebrate 60 years of the pony car with a 60th Anniversary Edition with vintage decals and available limited numbers to give you something extra special.

What drives these two e-bikes?

Both bikes use the same hub-mounted electric motor that is good for 1 horsepower (yes, only one) and 63 lb-ft of torque. This is more than enough power to allow an average-sized person to enjoy the ride. The top speed of these e-bikes is limited to 28 MPH, and the driving range is 60 miles. The battery pack is a 48-volt 720-Wh battery, which takes 3.5 hours to charge to refresh the batteries.

These bikes also feature a set of four-piston hydraulic disc brakes, a set of bright lights, and an LDC display on the handlebars that shows the speed, range, and battery life to ensure riders know what’s going on with the motor and drive system.

These Ford-branded e-bikes aren’t cheap

You wouldn’t expect an electric bike with Pirelli tires to be cheap, and these e-bikes are not. The Mustang model starts at $4,000, while the Bronco model will cost at least $4,500. Both bikes offer the choice of ten colors, but these choices cost an additional $390 to go away from the standard colors provided.

These new Ford e-bikes should begin delivery later in 2024, giving many shoppers an option of a fantastic companion vehicle or the right electric bike for students to ride around on college campuses.

How will you use your e-bike

Could the Bronco or Mustang e-bike be the right choice for you? If you love to ride around on two wheels but you don’t want to pedal, these bikes give you an enjoyable electric option that bridges the gap between a traditional bicycle and a motorcycle.

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Ford EV Sales Saw a Big Jump in May https://ride4watts.com/2024/06/12/ford-ev-sales-saw-a-big-jump-in-may/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ford-ev-sales-saw-a-big-jump-in-may https://ride4watts.com/2024/06/12/ford-ev-sales-saw-a-big-jump-in-may/#respond Wed, 12 Jun 2024 15:11:39 +0000 https://ride4watts.com/?p=165 What’s Behind the Welcome Change? Sales of the Ford Mustang Mach-E, F-150 Lightning, and E-Transit vans have all been on the rise. What’s driving the shift in consumer buying patterns? Earlier this year, Ford announced plans to scale back the adoption of hybrid and EV tech due to a lack of customer demand. In May, […]

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What’s Behind the Welcome Change?

Sales of the Ford Mustang Mach-E, F-150 Lightning, and E-Transit vans have all been on the rise. What’s driving the shift in consumer buying patterns?

Earlier this year, Ford announced plans to scale back the adoption of hybrid and EV tech due to a lack of customer demand. In May, the Ford Mustang Mach-E alone sold 18,737 models. Let’s look at what could be behind this welcome change in buyer behaviors.

The Situation in April

To fully appreciate the significance of this shift in buying patterns, you’ll need a better idea of where they stood in prior months. In April, Ford announced that its EV division lost $1.32 billion on vehicles wholesaled in the first quarter. That’s a significant loss, even for an automotive giant.

In the same month, Ford opened orders for the 2024 F-150 Lightning. It features a “Flash” trim that designers believe hits a sweet spot with consumers thanks to its extended-range battery, extra tech, and popular features.

The new model falls between the XLT and the Lariat. All three of these lower trim levels got price cuts earlier this year. The XLT now costs $2,000 less, the Flash is priced at $5,500 less than anticipated, and the Lariat saw a discount of $2,500.

May Brought a Huge Jump in Sales

In May, electric vehicle sales climbed 64.7%. The Ford Mustang Mach-E was the top-selling EV, accounting for 4,255 of the models sold. That’s up 46% from May 2023. Sales growth for the F-150 Lightning was even higher at 91% year-over-year. Ford sold 3,260 models.

Demand for the automaker’s E-Transit electric commercial van has been slightly lower, but it’s up 77% from last May when 1,450 vans were sold. Ford’s overall EV sales growth outpaced its hybrid and internal combustion engine growth numbers.

Why the Change?

The sudden jump in Ford Mustang Mach-E, F-150 Lightning, and EV-Transit sales has caught some people off guard. However, it makes sense when considered in the bigger picture.

Part of consumers’ motivation is almost certainly taking advantage of the lower prices and other incentives announced earlier this year. The Ford Mustang Mach-E also saw serious price cuts, with the automaker offering a new 0% APR offer after slashing prices by up to $8,100.

It’s not all about lower prices at the dealership. Ford has also begun a partnership with Tesla, allowing EV owners to use the competitor’s upgraded Superchargers via an adapter. The adapters are free.

Is Now the Time to Buy a Ford Mustang Mach-E?

Now may be the perfect time to invest in a Ford Mustang Mach-E or F-150 Lightning. These EVs are increasing in popularity, and prices may not remain as low forever if demand continues to surge.

Ford has yet to announce further changes to its earlier statement that it was shifting course to focus on hybridizing its existing lineup rather than producing new BEVs.

Drivers who take a wait-and-see approach may be left paying higher prices or settling for models they don’t love.

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Debunking Myth or Fact: The True Maintenance Cost of Electric Cars https://ride4watts.com/2023/09/21/debunking-myth-or-fact-the-true-maintenance-cost-of-electric-cars/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=debunking-myth-or-fact-the-true-maintenance-cost-of-electric-cars https://ride4watts.com/2023/09/21/debunking-myth-or-fact-the-true-maintenance-cost-of-electric-cars/#respond Thu, 21 Sep 2023 09:00:03 +0000 https://ride4watts.com/?p=78 Are electric cars cheaper to maintain and own than gas-powered cars? We’ve been led to believe this, but the facts might be a little different than perception. Electric vehicles are creating a divided feeling in the automotive world. Some people love the EVs and their silent driving, cheap electric power, and clean burning features. Others […]

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Are electric cars cheaper to maintain and own than gas-powered cars? We’ve been led to believe this, but the facts might be a little different than perception.

Electric vehicles are creating a divided feeling in the automotive world. Some people love the EVs and their silent driving, cheap electric power, and clean burning features. Others feel that EVs cost too much, use far too many rare-earth metals, and require new charging stations, which only add to the ruin of the world’s landscape.

Should you drive an electric car, and are they cheaper to maintain and own than ICE models? Let’s explore.

What are we being told?

Most automakers tout lower maintenance costs for electric vehicles while also promising owners won’t need to visit service centers nearly as often with EVs as ICE models. Overall, fewer visits mean you’ll spend more time driving and less time at the service center, but the cost per visit could be greater for EVs. Electric cars are relatively new in Israel, and some owners are learning that these infrequent visits can be costly compared to what they paid per tip for gas-powered vehicles.

Still, the overall maintenance costs could be less for electric vehicles during a specific time period. The best way to learn about this is to compare gas and electric versions of nameplates that offer both types of vehicles. For this comparison, we’ll use the data collected by Car and Driver concerning the Hyundai Kona and Ford F-150, which offer gas and electric versions.

What are the maintenance cost comparisons?

When electric and gas versions of the same vehicles are compared, electric cars are cheaper to maintain. The three-year timeline provided for the Kona and F-150 shows the electric models cutting costs by almost $900 for the Kona and $600 for the F-150. The actual maintenance costs after 45,000 miles of driving are:

  • Hyundai Kona: $0.0984 per mile/$4,428
  • Hyundai Kona Electric: $0.0794 per mile/$3,573
  • Ford F-150: $0.0933 per mile/$4,199
  • Ford F-150 Lightning: $0.0794 per mile/$3,573

How much does the fuel cost for each vehicle type?

This is where comparisons become murky, and it’s hard to know how to gauge exactly what it costs to fuel different vehicle types. For the gas-powered versions of these two vehicles, Car and Driver used $3.70 per gallon for regular fuel, which was the national average fuel price at the time of their study. This means the gas-powered versions cost:

  • Hyundai Kona: $5,162
  • Ford F-150: $8,325

When looking at the electric versions of these two vehicles, the average rate of $0.1546/kWh is used for at-home charging. Of course, there are other factors to consider as well. Some drivers will use public charging exclusively, while others might never need to plug in at a DC fast-charger. We know these public chargers are much more expensive than at-home charging.

Tossing the figures in a bucket to figure out how much it costs to charge the electric versions of the Kona and F-150 for 45,000 miles, the total comes to:

  • Hyundai Kona Electric: $2,548
  • Ford F-150 Lightning: $4,529

What have we learned?

Are electric cars cheaper to maintain than gas-powered vehicles? In this example, the answer is a resounding “yes.” The difference we find is that EVs don’t have to visit the service center nearly as often as gas-powered vehicles, which is a plus, but those visits can be more costly each time, which is a negative.

Driving EVs is much less expensive than driving gas-powered vehicles, especially in areas where gasoline costs nearly $4.00 per gallon. It’s also much cheaper to recharge electric vehicles at home than out on the road.

Why are some drivers avoiding electric vehicles?

Typically, when you buy a vehicle, you’re familiar with how it drives, what to do to fuel the vehicle, and how to maintain it. Transitioning from a gas-powered vehicle to an electric model creates a challenge for most drivers. Where are the charging stations in your area? If you don’t know the answer to this question, you’ll need more information to change from a traditional model to an EV.

Another reason some drivers aren’t ready to make the change is the need for an at-home charger. Some people live in apartments and don’t have electric chargers at their buildings, while homeowners with garages might avoid an EV because running a 240-volt electric line and plug can be expensive.

Electric cars are cheaper to maintain so far, but we only have a few years and a small sample size. We won’t know everything about EVs until some have lasted for 20 or 30 years to prove they can stay on the road as long as some gas-powered vehicles. Still, EVs are cheaper to fuel and maintain, and they are cleaner to drive, which are only a few of the benefits of EVs.

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Toyota Dealers Begging for a Ford Maverick Fighter https://ride4watts.com/2023/09/14/toyota-dealers-begging-for-a-ford-maverick-fighter/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=toyota-dealers-begging-for-a-ford-maverick-fighter https://ride4watts.com/2023/09/14/toyota-dealers-begging-for-a-ford-maverick-fighter/#respond Thu, 14 Sep 2023 17:38:15 +0000 https://ride4watts.com/?p=75 Currently, when it comes to small trucks, you can’t beat your local Ford dealer for options like the Maverick which includes a hybrid powertrain. America Loves Small Trucks, But Toyota Drags Its Feet The call for a Toyota rival to the hit Ford Maverick compact pickup grows louder every day. Everyone from Toyota dealers to […]

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Currently, when it comes to small trucks, you can’t beat your local Ford dealer for options like the Maverick which includes a hybrid powertrain.

America Loves Small Trucks, But Toyota Drags Its Feet

The call for a Toyota rival to the hit Ford Maverick compact pickup grows louder every day. Everyone from Toyota dealers to loyal customers is pleading for a fun-sized truck to compete with the Maverick’s runaway success. Yet despite the overwhelming demand, Toyota remains tight-lipped on any official plans.

Steve Gates, chairman of the Toyota National Dealer Council, is one of the loudest voices urging Toyota to take on the Maverick. With three Toyota and one Ford dealership, Gates has seen the Maverick mania firsthand.

“The quality small truck is Toyota’s DNA,” said Gates. “We hear stories all the time from people who long for another small Toyota truck. I think the volume opportunity is huge without affecting Tacoma and Tundra sales.” According to Gates, the Maverick sells as fast as every Ford dealer makes them available, with no end to the order backlog in sight. But surprisingly, Maverick sales haven’t even dented demand for Ford’s Ranger or F-150.

Toyota Admits Interest But Stays Quiet

Even Toyota’s North America CEO, Dave Christ, acknowledges the Maverick is squarely in Toyota’s sights. “We’ve obviously watched Maverick closely,” Christ admitted. “Could there be an opportunity there? I’m sure the market exists because Maverick’s done reasonably well.”

With Christ openly stating the demand and potential value of a small pickup, why is Toyota holding back? A compact truck built on the new Corolla Cross platform seems like an obvious win. But so far, Toyota is keeping mum on any official plans.

America Clamors for Small Trucks

The roaring popularity of the Maverick at Ford dealer locations across the country proves compact pickups are making a huge comeback. Ford can’t build them fast enough to satisfy demand. Even the Maverick’s only competition, the Hyundai Santa Cruz, sees strong interest, too.

Although the Santa Cruz can tow more and offers luxury features, it comes at a higher cost. The Maverick provides rugged utility and fuel efficiency at an affordable price. That’s why shoppers are looking for an alternative to the massive, costly pickups that currently fill the market. This combination of usefulness, efficiency, and value in smaller pickup packages has sparked a small truck frenzy.

Toyota Missing Out on Hot Market

From dealers to diehard fans, the masses have spoken. They want a Toyota Maverick fighter. Something to compete against the lineup at the local Ford dealer. Compact pickups represent Toyota’s heritage and a potential sales goldmine. Yet Toyota drags its feet instead of jumping on this opportunity.

Maybe Toyota is playing it extremely close to the vest with secret truck plans. All signs point to Toyota missing out by ignoring the red-hot small truck market. America is begging for another compact pickup legend, but is Toyota listening? The window for Toyota to win big with a Maverick rival grows smaller every day.

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Is an Electric Car Cheaper Than a Gas Car? https://ride4watts.com/2023/08/29/is-an-electric-car-cheaper-than-a-gas-car/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=is-an-electric-car-cheaper-than-a-gas-car https://ride4watts.com/2023/08/29/is-an-electric-car-cheaper-than-a-gas-car/#respond Tue, 29 Aug 2023 09:00:57 +0000 https://ride4watts.com/?p=58 Will you spend less over the time of ownership for an electric car or a gas car? This question continues to plague the auto industry. Strangely, everything associated with the gas vs. EV conversation doesn’t come down to simple math. During the vehicle’s life, an EV is much cheaper to fuel and maintain, but they […]

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Will you spend less over the time of ownership for an electric car or a gas car? This question continues to plague the auto industry.

Strangely, everything associated with the gas vs. EV conversation doesn’t come down to simple math. During the vehicle’s life, an EV is much cheaper to fuel and maintain, but they come with a much higher initial cost. Gas cars cost less at the dealership but require more maintenance and will cost a lot more to fuel during their lifespan. Is there a bottom line we can follow for these two vehicle types? Let’s find out.

Direct comparisons provide the proof

For this comparison and some solid numbers, we’ll turn to Car and Driver. They compared two vehicles that offer both gas and electric versions. These vehicles are the Hyundai Kona and Kona Electric, and the Ford F-150 and Ford F-150 Lightning. Using these two vehicles offered with both an EV and gas version, we can find the underlying cause of this question. In addition to utilizing these two models, the Car and Driver team used a three-year cost analysis to create hard evidence of what each vehicle costs.

How much did each vehicle cost?

The starting point for cost analysis between an electric car and a gas car has to begin with price. Using the base trim of the two Hyundai SUVs and the XLT trim for the F-150s, we find that the starting purchase price of each vehicle is:

  • Hyundai Kona: $22,595
  • Hyundai Kona Electric: $35,295
  • Ford F-150: $40,960
  • Ford F-150 Lightning: $54,769

As you can see, the electric versions are much more expensive than the gas-powered models.

How much does each vehicle cost to fuel?

Using the three years of ownership an average of 15,000 miles-driven per year, each vehicle would drive for 45,000 miles during the testing time. The gas price used is $3.70 per gallon, but understanding the cost of charging electric vehicles is much more complicated.

Electric vehicles can charge at home and at public charging stations. Typically, the cost of using public chargers is much higher than what’s spent at home. Using the $0.43/kWh for DC fast charging and $0,15/kWh for at-home charging, we’re coming closer to a solid number. If electric car drivers charge at home 80% of the time and only 20% at public chargers, the calculations become clearer.

Overall, the cost to fuel these four vehicles during the first three years of ownership is:

  • Hyundai Kona : $5,162
  • Hyundai Kona Electric: $2,548
  • Ford F-150: $8,325
  • Ford F-150 Lightning: $4,529

These figures assume the EVs are charged to 100%, but most EVs only charge to 80% at public charging stations, which is not part of this calculation.

EV maintenance costs are much lower

The first three years of a vehicle’s life should be the most affordable in terms of overall maintenance and repairs. Still, gas cars are more expensive to maintain than electric cars. The figures for these four vehicles might surprise you because there’s not as wide a difference than some might expect.

The cost to maintain these vehicles is:

  • Hyundai Kona: $4,428
  • Hyundai Kona Electric: $3,573
  • Ford F-150: $4,199
  • Ford F-150 Lightning: $3,573

Which vehicles are cheaper to own?

Using fuel costs, maintenance costs, and depreciation over the three years of owning these four vehicles, the cost of ownership is:

  • Hyundai Kona: $19,385
  • Hyundai Kona Electric: $21,426
  • Ford F-150: $26,505
  • Ford F-150 Lightning: $23,840

Depreciation adds quite a bit to these figures. An item that hasn’t been considered yet is the Federal EV Tax Credit of $7,500, which would only be applied to the electric cars and not the gas cars.

From this figure, not counting the starting price of each vehicle, the Ford F-150 Lightning is much more affordable to operate than the gas-powered Ford truck. Conversely, the Hyundai Kona is more affordable than its electric counterpart.

Final Thoughts

Unfortunately, the figures for this comparison don’t produce a clear winner when trying to understand whether electric cars are cheaper to operate than gas cars. Also, the starting price wasn’t considered in the final calculation. If you toss those numbers in the mix, gas-powered vehicles are more affordable to operate during the first three years of ownership. Still, during time on the road, fuel and maintenance costs favor the EVs over gas-powered vehicles.

Although the goal was to find a clear picture, much like the conversations surrounding EVs vs gas cars, the results using two models are still clear as mud. Finding the right solution could mean performing your own comparison based on the vehicle considered.

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