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.

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.

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.

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.

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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With used models often listed for under $10,000, the Chevy Bolt EV is an attractive opportunity for budget-conscious buyers looking to go green.

The Legacy of the Chevy Bolt EV

Launched in 2016, the Chevy Bolt EV quickly became a cornerstone of the affordable EV market in the United States. Praised for its range, price, and user-friendly features, it became the best-selling non-Tesla EV, contributing to GM’s electric vehicle sales. The discontinuation of the Bolt EV in December, as part of GM’s shift towards newer Ultium-based EVs like the Chevy Equinox, Blazer, and Silverado EVs, marks the end of an era but also signifies a turning point in GM’s electric strategy.

Why Used Chevy Bolt EVs Are Still Valuable

Even with production halted, the Chevy Bolt EV remains a valuable player in the used car market, especially for those interested in sustainable mobility. The vehicle’s affordability is complemented by a respectable range of 231 to 250 miles on select models, making it an excellent choice for daily commutes and moderate distance travels. Features like a 10.2-inch infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay mrges convenience with modern technology.

Market Availability and Pricing

The used Chevy Bolt EV market is alive and well, with multiple listings across various car sales platforms like Edmunds and KBB. Prospective buyers can find models such as the 2019 Chevy Bolt EV LT priced around $9,499 with over 78,000 miles and a strong battery life; these vehicles both accessible and dependable. Such price points offer an eco-friendly alternative to traditional combustion engine vehicles without a hefty price tag.

The Future of Affordable EVs

GM is not stepping back from the affordable EV market with the discontinuation of the Bolt EV. Instead, they are doubling down with plans to introduce a new generation Bolt as part of their Ultium line. This future model is expected to be even more budget-friendly and will feature modern advancements like LFP batteries, promising improved performance and longevity. The anticipation of such models is getting drivers excited for the electric vehicle industry, where affordability and advanced technology continue to merge.

Used Cars Can Help You Save Green by Going Green

The Chevy Bolt EV represents an era of accessible electric vehicles that have paved the way for the next generation of EVs. For those intrigued by electric mobility but cautious about costs, used cars like the  Chevy Bolt EVs offer a golden opportunity to embrace sustainability without compromising financial wellbeing. As the market evolves, the legacy of the Bolt EV will undoubtedly continue to influence the direction of the market.

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The post Exploring Affordable Electric Mobility with Used Chevy Bolt EVs appeared first on Ride4Watts.com.

The rapid advancement in automotive technology, much like the breakthroughs in semiconductor chips, is not only transforming new vehicles but also impacting the value and appeal of used cars. Let’s explore how the tech boom is influencing used car sales and what potential buyers should look out for.

Technology Upgrades Enhancing Older Models

Just as Nvidia and other tech companies are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with chips, automotive manufacturers are constantly upgrading their tech, from enhanced safety features to digital dashboards and connectivity. For buyers of used cars buyer, this means that even models that are a few years old now come equipped with advanced technology that was once considered premium. This shift has made used cars more attractive to buyers looking for modern features without the new car price tag.

Electric Vehicles and Hybrid Models

The surge in semiconductor technology has paralleled the rise of electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrids, which rely heavily on advanced chips for their operation. As more consumers buy into new energy vehicles, the secondary market sees an influx of these high-tech cars. This trend diversifies the used car market but also makes it more appealing to environmentally conscious drivers. The growing infrastructure for EVs and better battery technologies are making used electric and hybrid vehicles a more viable option than ever before.

Impact of Tech on Used Cars Sales

Technology has also transformed how used cars are sold. Online platforms powered by powerful data analytics are making it easier for consumers to find the right used car at the right price, mirroring the accessibility and efficiency seen in the tech industry. From virtual test drives to digital transactions, the used car market is becoming more aligned with the expectations of a tech-savvy generation.

Smart Buying in a Tech-Driven Market

For those interested in purchasing a used car, the current landscape offers several advantages. It is wise to look for vehicles that are not just in good physical condition but are also equipped with desirable tech features. This could mean opting for a slightly older model with a higher spec over a newer but more basic vehicle. Understanding the tech specifications and their impact on long-term value is key.

Choosing the Right Time and Model

As with investing in stocks like Nvidia, timing in the used car market can affect the value you get. Watching market trends, such as the introduction of new technologies or changes in consumer preference towards EVs, can guide you in making an informed decision on when to search for used cars. With the right knowledge and timing, purchasing a used car in today’s tech-influenced market can be as rewarding as investing in a thriving tech company.

The post How the Rise of Tech Innovations Boosts the Used Car Market first appeared on Ride4Watts.com.

The post How the Rise of Tech Innovations Boosts the Used Car Market appeared first on Ride4Watts.com.

What Drivers Should Consider Before They Buy

Everyone knows the benefits of buying a new EV. Electric vehicles don’t use fossil fuels, reducing their environmental impact and saving drivers money. These days, most used car dealerships have at least one or two in their showrooms. But are they worth buying?

Batteries Are the Biggest Worry for Used EV Buyers

Electric vehicles have fewer moving parts than their gas-powered alternatives. Fewer moving parts means less to go wrong, and EV owners’ typical driving habits further improve the situation. The limited range of most EVs means people don’t drive them as far.

What most drivers worry about when buying used EVs isn’t the general condition of the cars but the batteries. Most major battery components come with manufacturers’ warranties, and the EVs found at used car dealerships are usually well within the eight-to-ten-year warranty periods.

The flip side of the coin is that when EV batteries reach the end of their warranty periods, they are expensive to replace. The cost of purchasing a new battery pack starts at around $4,000 and can range as high as $10,000 for some models.

Eco-Friendly Drivers Can Do Their Part for the Planet Twice

Buying an EV takes one more combustion-powered engine off the road. That’s good for the environment since the pollutants emitted by traditional gas-powered cars contribute to climate change.

Buying any vehicles at used car dealerships is also better for the environment since it reduces the need for natural resource extraction. The initial manufacturing of an electric vehicle has a larger carbon footprint. Drivers who buy them new don’t start making up for the higher manufacturing emissions for 6 to 18 months.

Used EVs have already offset their initially higher emissions. Buying them instead of going for brand-new models right off the factory lines means drivers are doing their part for the future of the planet not once but twice.

Used EVs Don’t Make Sense for Everyone

That EVs run off electricity instead of gas is what sets them apart from traditional vehicles with combustion engines. Unfortunately, it also makes them a poor choice for some drivers.

EVs require frequent charging and older models have shorter ranges and lower battery capacity. Drivers who don’t have a place to plug in at home may find themselves at a disadvantage. The price of public charging stations varies significantly.

Renters may have difficulty convincing landlords to install dedicated 240-volt plugs. Plus, not all homes can support EV charger installation. If a home has old wiring, an electrician will need to fix it. Even if the house has modern wiring, installing an EV charger can cost thousands of dollars.

All these factors make it essential that buyers consider whether a used EV is the right solution. Talking to experts at reputable used car dealerships about the pros and cons of purchasing an electric vehicle can make the decision easier.

The post Is a Used EV a Good Idea? first appeared on Ride4Watts.com.

The post Is a Used EV a Good Idea? appeared first on Ride4Watts.com.