Latest news with #Model3s
25-05-2025
- Automotive
Want an electric vehicle but not a Tesla? Here are some great alternatives
Buying a Tesla has become a bit more complicated in the past year. The company's Model Y and Model 3 continue to be the best-selling electric vehicles in the U.S., accounting for more than 40% of all EVs sold last year, according to Cox Automotive data. But Tesla's stronghold on the EV market is slipping. The U.S. electric automaker has seen its popularity dip in recent months, with insiders attributing the decline to more competition and Elon Musk's political views. Reports of Tesla owners selling their vehicles, violent demonstrations at Tesla showrooms and anti-Musk rallies across the globe have convinced some consumers to search for an alternative. The good news is that legacy automakers and electric startups are quickly answering that demand, unveiling new models that offer performance, styling and impressive range. If you're searching for an EV, here are some suggestions that could meet your driving needs. Model 3 Jason Cammisa, host of Hagerty's "ICON" series, said motorists have "legitimate" concerns about Tesla: "Buying one is making a political statement," he told ABC News. But the Model 3 is also "the best consumer product in the world," he argued. "It's the best car in the world, period, full stop, not up for discussion," he said. "You won't find a better car on planet earth, not at that price and combination of attributes." He added, "The thing about Tesla is that is spans so many different price points and socioeconomic situations ... you have value shoppers looking at Model 3s as well as billionaires." Cammisa, however, has plenty of praise for several Model 3 competitors, including the Hyundai Ioniq 5 ($42,400), the Kia EV6 ($42,900) and Genesis GV60 ($52,350). "The Hyundai products tend to hit all the marks well -- the packaging is good and the UX (user experience) works well enough," he noted. "The Ioniq 5 N is the enthusiast choice -- it has drift modes and you get Lamborghini levels of performance in that car." Cammisa said he reviews and ranks EVs on factors that may not have been top priorities for motorists in the past. "The biggest differentiators in the market now are not things like powertrains and suspension tuning. The consumer experience is the real differentiator now," he said. Patrick George, editor-in-chief of InsideEVs, said he's heard from many Tesla owners who are ready "to move on" from their cars. "They're done with Tesla because of Elon," he told ABC News. "Getting rid of Teslas are a real thing." He and his staff have compiled a list of non-Teslas to chose from, which includes the EV6 and Ford Mustang Mach-E. George noted that the BMW i4 and i5 were superb replacements: "I was massively impressed with how those drive," he said. Model Y Jared Rosenholtz, editor at large for CarBuzz, has two favorite Model Y replacements: the Chevy Equinox ($33,600) and Porsche Macan Electric ($77,295). "The Equinox EV is a fantastic little vehicle with a nice interior and 300 miles of range," he told ABC News. "With incentives, the price will come in under $30,000." The pricier Macan EV "drives just as well as the gas version," according to Rosenholtz, who is also a fan of the Audi Q6 e-tron ($63,800), which is similar in size and power. Camissa, too, was impressed with the Macan, saying it had "the best stereo I ever heard in a car." "The Macan EV is the total package," he said. Rosenholtz also recommended the new Volvo EX30 ($46,195), a smallish yet mighty crossover that packs 422 hp and sprints from 0-60 mph in 3.4 seconds. "The EX30 is super adorable and the quickest Volvo ever made," he said. Model S Cammisa, Rosenholtz and George all agreed that the Lucid Air, a handsome electric sedan that can travel at least 420 miles on a single charge, was without question a top competitor to the S, or any sedan on the market. "It has unbelievably fast charging and drives amazing," said Rosenholtz. "And you can get a Lucid for $10,000 less than the cheapest Model S." The Air, which is available in four trims, has a starting price of $69,900. Owners can "fill up" their Air with 200 miles of charge in about 12 minutes if they opt for the Wunderbox battery charger, according to the company. Cammisa raved about the Air Sapphire ($250,000), which is priced like a Bentley and performs like a supercar: 0-60 mph in 1.89 seconds. "It's the best-handling sedan ever made in the history of the world," he said. "The Lucid Gravity is even better -- if you want a minivan looking SUV. Dynamically that thing is unbelievable and the packaging is unbelievable. I send people to Lucids all the time." In addition to the Lucid Air, George listed the Porsche Taycan ($100,300) and Hyundai Ioniq 6 ($37,850) as two great options, depending on one's budget. "The Ioniq 6 is outstanding on range," he pointed out. "The Taycan is the OG Model S competitor -- it's more like a sports car with really fast charging." Model X Americans love their big, three-row SUVs and plenty of Model X challengers have hit the market in recent months. George said Tesla owners are increasingly turning to startup Rivian, which makes the fashionable R1S ute ($75,900). "We've seen a lot of Model X owners move to Rivian. It's the closest to Tesla in so many areas -- software updates, range and performance," George said. "Everyone who has gotten a Rivian has so far adored it. It's one of my favorite trucks." Added Cammisa: "The R1S is the EV that Range Rover owners want." Cammisa still prefers the Lucid Gravity ($79,900), which is available to order now on the Lucid site. "It does have the proportions of a minivan but the engineers have crafted the perfect commuter vehicle," he said. "This thing has everything you need but the question will be: is this what people want?" George also pointed to the Polestar 3 ($67,500), a sleek and haute SUV that can be configured in all-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive. The 3's long range dual motor model makes 489 horsepower and 620 lb.-ft. of torque and its dual chamber active air suspension improves the handling and ride quality by adapting to sensor input 500 times a second. "The Polestar 3 is very Tesla-esque," said George. "It's got great tech, outstanding performance and great styling." Honda's Prologue ($47,400), the company's first electric SUV, has already been a hit with consumers since it launched last year. The interior is spacious, the optional panoramic roof adds brightness to the cabin and designers included high-quality materials and large buttons and knobs. Honda has partnered with General Motors on battery development and technology, so there are many similarities with the Chevy Blazer EV. "The Prologue is a great gateway to EVs," said George, who noted how "normal" the Prologue drove compared to more aggressive regenerative braking systems. Plus, "it has buttons if you don't want a car that's all screens and minimalist."
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
An Over $4K Discount on Tesla Model 3 Could Be on the Horizon — Should You Start Budgeting for One?
Tesla just rolled out a 'Tesla Bonus' discount in select European countries, slashing prices by as much as €4,000 on new and in-stock Model 3s. When paired with local government electric vehicle subsidies, the final cost drops significantly, lower than most luxury sedans. Be Aware: Read Next: Tesla hasn't said how long the bonus will last or whether it will expand to other models or regions, but it's clear this move is designed to jump-start sales in areas with strong demand and intense competition. Here's everything you need to know about this Tesla discount and if you should start budgeting for one now. The Tesla Bonus isn't available everywhere yet, but according to Drive Tesla Canada, here's where the Model 3 discounts are active: Italy: €4,000 discount on new Model 3s. Luxembourg: €4,000 discount on both new and inventory cars. Spain: €3,290 discount on new orders. Portugal: €3,800 discount, currently for inventory only. According to DriveGreenLiveGreen on X, in Luxembourg, the price of a rear-wheel-drive Model 3 drops to just €29,996 after stacking the Tesla Bonus with a €6,000 government incentive. Each country has its own eligibility and structure, so the exact savings will depend on where you live and what's available. Consider This: The European electric vehicle (EV) market is now crowded. Chinese automakers are flooding in with sleek, cheaper models, and homegrown brands like Volkswagen and Renault are digging in with strong lineups and local loyalty. Tesla's once-unmatched appeal is being challenged hard, especially in price-sensitive segments. With rumors swirling about incoming updates to the Model 3, Tesla likely has more stock than it's comfortable holding. Moving that inventory quickly keeps things lean and avoids backlogs when new trims roll out. While the bonus is only available in a few countries, Tesla could be testing the waters. If it sparks a sales bump, similar discounts could sweep across Europe and maybe even hit North America. If you're a first-time EV buyer, live somewhere with strong government subsidies or just want a premium electric car without blowing your savings, this discount is a big deal. A few thousand dollars off, especially when stacked with national incentives, can close the distance between 'maybe someday' and 'I could actually buy this.' So yes, if you love Tesla vehicles and have wanted a Model 3 for a while, this is a great time to start saving. But temper your expectations for now since these discounts are country-specific. Some only apply to in-stock vehicles, not custom orders. There's also no promise that Tesla will roll this out across the United States. A steep Tesla discount paired with government subsidies can shave thousands off the Model 3's price, enough to finally tip the scales for budget-conscious buyers. Even if you're outside Europe, this may be the first sign of broader cuts ahead. If prices drop near you, would you be ready? More From GOBankingRates Here's How Much Cars Made in the US Cost Compared to Mexico, Canada and China How Much Money Is Needed To Be Considered Middle Class in Every State? 4 Grocery Items To Buy Now Before Tariffs Raise Prices This Summer How Much Money Is Needed To Be Considered Middle Class in Every State? Sources Drive Tesla Canada, 'Tesla Offers Up to €4,000 Off Model 3 in Select European Markets with New 'Tesla Bonus'.' X, 'DriveGreenLiveGreen.' This article originally appeared on An Over $4K Discount on Tesla Model 3 Could Be on the Horizon — Should You Start Budgeting for One?
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
An Over $4K Discount on Tesla Model 3 Could Be on the Horizon — Should You Start Budgeting for One?
Tesla just rolled out a 'Tesla Bonus' discount in select European countries, slashing prices by as much as €4,000 on new and in-stock Model 3s. When paired with local government electric vehicle subsidies, the final cost drops significantly, lower than most luxury sedans. Be Aware: Read Next: Tesla hasn't said how long the bonus will last or whether it will expand to other models or regions, but it's clear this move is designed to jump-start sales in areas with strong demand and intense competition. Here's everything you need to know about this Tesla discount and if you should start budgeting for one now. The Tesla Bonus isn't available everywhere yet, but according to Drive Tesla Canada, here's where the Model 3 discounts are active: Italy: €4,000 discount on new Model 3s. Luxembourg: €4,000 discount on both new and inventory cars. Spain: €3,290 discount on new orders. Portugal: €3,800 discount, currently for inventory only. According to DriveGreenLiveGreen on X, in Luxembourg, the price of a rear-wheel-drive Model 3 drops to just €29,996 after stacking the Tesla Bonus with a €6,000 government incentive. Each country has its own eligibility and structure, so the exact savings will depend on where you live and what's available. Consider This: The European electric vehicle (EV) market is now crowded. Chinese automakers are flooding in with sleek, cheaper models, and homegrown brands like Volkswagen and Renault are digging in with strong lineups and local loyalty. Tesla's once-unmatched appeal is being challenged hard, especially in price-sensitive segments. With rumors swirling about incoming updates to the Model 3, Tesla likely has more stock than it's comfortable holding. Moving that inventory quickly keeps things lean and avoids backlogs when new trims roll out. While the bonus is only available in a few countries, Tesla could be testing the waters. If it sparks a sales bump, similar discounts could sweep across Europe and maybe even hit North America. If you're a first-time EV buyer, live somewhere with strong government subsidies or just want a premium electric car without blowing your savings, this discount is a big deal. A few thousand dollars off, especially when stacked with national incentives, can close the distance between 'maybe someday' and 'I could actually buy this.' So yes, if you love Tesla vehicles and have wanted a Model 3 for a while, this is a great time to start saving. But temper your expectations for now since these discounts are country-specific. Some only apply to in-stock vehicles, not custom orders. There's also no promise that Tesla will roll this out across the United States. A steep Tesla discount paired with government subsidies can shave thousands off the Model 3's price, enough to finally tip the scales for budget-conscious buyers. Even if you're outside Europe, this may be the first sign of broader cuts ahead. If prices drop near you, would you be ready? More From GOBankingRates Here's How Much Cars Made in the US Cost Compared to Mexico, Canada and China How Much Money Is Needed To Be Considered Middle Class in Every State? 4 Grocery Items To Buy Now Before Tariffs Raise Prices This Summer How Much Money Is Needed To Be Considered Middle Class in Every State? Sources Drive Tesla Canada, 'Tesla Offers Up to €4,000 Off Model 3 in Select European Markets with New 'Tesla Bonus'.' X, 'DriveGreenLiveGreen.' This article originally appeared on An Over $4K Discount on Tesla Model 3 Could Be on the Horizon — Should You Start Budgeting for One? Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Forbes
04-05-2025
- Automotive
- Forbes
Used Tesla Model 3 Inventory Surges Below $25,000 Incentive Price
05 April 2024, Berlin: 05.04.2023, Berlin. A Tesla Model 3 drives along a road (dragged shot with ... More longer exposure time). Photo: Wolfram Steinberg/dpa Photo: Wolfram Steinberg/dpa (Photo by Wolfram Steinberg/picture alliance via Getty Images) Tesla's used inventory site is increasingly populated by Model 3s below $25,000 with lowest prices falling below $20,000, making more eligible for the used EV federal tax credit. Used electric vehicles priced at $25,000 or below are eligible for a used clean vehicle tax credit up to a maximum credit of $4,000, according to the IRS. That would potentially put many of the used Model 3s priced below $24,000 under $20,000 with the credit. Some examples of used pricing on the inventory website include: However, as of early May 2025, Tesla's used inventory website is not posting prices --at least not prominently – that include the $4,000 used EV tax credit. In other words, it doesn't appear to be a point of sale discount like the $7,500 tax credit on new EVs. By comparison, new Tesla vehicles show the discounted price prominently when the new-vehicle $7,500 federal EV tax credit is applied. A query to Tesla on its used Model 3 inventory website yielded this: "For all qualifying used electric vehicle deliveries, eligible customers may receive a tax credit of up to $4,000, or up to 30% of the purchase price, whichever value is less" – which reflects official IRS statements. As Tesla's worldwide sales approaches the 7.5 million mark, used inventory of the Model 3 – first delivered in 2017 – is beginning to age, pushing more older models below $25,000. CarGurus shows the average asking price for a used Model 3 dropping about $3,000 in the last 12 months.
Miami Herald
27-04-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
In Marin County, there's trouble in Teslaville
MILL VALLEY, Calif. — In the parking lots of Mill Valley, California, mysterious index cards have surfaced on the windshields of Tesla Model Xs and Model 3s. 'Stop Elon,' they urge in teal script. 'Dump your Tesla.' A few years ago, buying a Tesla in Mill Valley meant that you had money but were not overly showy. It meant you were a progressive environmentalist who had style. It meant you belonged. Ten miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge, tucked into the lush, green hills of Marin County, Mill Valley is an idyllic place to live -- for those who are wealthy and liberal. And for years, Teslas were 'the Ferrari for the Patagonia-wearing crowd,' said Nathan Ballard, a political consultant who lives in Mill Valley and owns a black Tesla Model S. But the sleek electric cars have come to mean something else entirely for Mill Valley residents since the presidential election. Activists elsewhere have set fire to Tesla charging stations, scrawled swastikas into Tesla vehicles and sprayed graffiti on dealerships. The battle raging in Mill Valley is something quieter: an internal war within the minds and hearts of Tesla owners, their environmental ethos clashing with their rage toward Elon Musk, Tesla's CEO. California drivers own far more electric vehicles per capita than residents in any other state. And Marin County has more Teslas than anywhere but Silicon Valley, according to data from the state's energy commission. But Marin County is far more liberal than Silicon Valley. In last year's presidential election, 81% of voters in Marin supported Kamala Harris, compared with just 17% for Donald Trump. In Mill Valley, a rather unexceptional house can cost $2 million, and life is good for those who can afford it. The Mediterranean climate keeps the weather reliably pleasant. Simple pleasures include surfing at Stinson Beach, mountain biking down the trails of Mount Tamalpais or eating a Happy Hippie arugula salad under the redwoods at The Depot Cafe and Bookstore. Despite its wealth, Mill Valley retains a splash of its tie-dyed roots. Bob Weir, the former guitarist for the Grateful Dead, still co-owns a concert venue here called Sweetwater Music Hall, which features blues sessions and an upcoming Bob Marley tribute. But the country's strife has disturbed the vibe even in blissed-out Mill Valley. The town is full of Tesla owners and Tesla haters -- and they are often one and the same person. 'We are the PC liberals, you know?' said Vikki Goldman, who resents her Tesla but does not want to pay to break her lease. 'What are we going to do?' Residents haven't been afraid to express strong opinions. Some who despise Musk regularly protest on the freeway overpass between Mill Valley and the closest Tesla dealership. Seniors for Peace has added Tesla to its list of grievances during the group's Friday protests outside an assisted-living center. And lately, those index cards have cropped up, including one on Goldman's charcoal Tesla Model Y. She found it surprising, considering she had already put a sticker with the word 'Elon' crossed out in red on her car. It was an indication of how she felt and, she figured, a way to inoculate herself from scorn. Plus, she said, it helps her find her Tesla in a sea of other charcoal Teslas in parking lots. Last fall, Goldman hosted a local event to raise money for Harris in her backyard. Musicians played to an audience of loyal Democrats, along with several ducks. Goldman is the author of 'What To Do When You're Dating a Jew,' which includes everything from matzo ball recipes to the meanings of Yiddish terms. She considers Musk 'a Nazi,' she said, for his support for Germany's far-right party and for his stiff-arm salutes during one of Trump's inaugural parties. (Musk has disputed his arm gesture was a Nazi salute, calling the accusation 'dirty tricks.') 'We could have just as easily gotten a Hyundai,' Goldman said. 'I feel like a jerk.' Others share the sentiment. Terry Ross, a retired lawyer, has lived in Mill Valley for 54 years and said he loves that it has retained its character. He bought his red Model 3 in 2022 for about $64,000, but said that he put his car up for sale after he saw Musk give that salute. Six days later, a used car company hauled it away. He received $28,000. 'Bottom line,' Ross said, 'I had to get rid of that thing as soon as I could.' Tesla, the White House and Musk did not respond to requests for comment. Carter Zinn, a Mill Valley-based lawyer, leased his Tesla two years ago and recently thought about driving it to the dealership and setting it on fire because he found Musk's politics so loathsome. But after thinking more about it, he decided that Musk had done more good than harm. Zinn said he admired Tesla's innovation with electric vehicles and battery storage for solar energy. Plus, he said, the cars are just plain fast and fun to drive. 'You can make a legitimate argument that he has done more to save the world than anyone else on the planet right now,' Zinn said, adding, 'They're a tremendous product, and they're a great value.' John Turnacliff, a Mill Valley resident who heads the Marin County Republican Central Committee, finds it all amusing. Especially the fact that anti-Musk bumper stickers have become the latest local trend. 'I do smile when I see those,' said Turnacliff, who drives a Mercedes with a Trump bumper sticker. 'They don't want to sell the cars, but they want to make some kind of statement.' The index cards recently caused a public stir when one Tesla owner expressed frustration on social media at receiving one of the shaming notes. He said he had photos of the postcard vigilante that had been taken by his Tesla's camera but did not post them. Goldman was likewise stumped by the card on her windshield. Her husband, however, solved the mystery. He spotted a woman carrying a thick handful of notecards: their neighbor and good friend, Debbie Coller. Coller, 75, quickly confessed to being the index card marauder of Mill Valley. She has lost count of how many she has deposited, but she is on her third Sharpie. 'Teal, purple and now blue,' she noted. Coller, a Democrat who was once a Green Party member, said she admired Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont. She protested the Vietnam War in college and has participated in several demonstrations against Trump. She retired from the natural foods business and lives with her husband, a guitarist in five local bluegrass bands. She said she was inspired by Sheryl Crow, the famed singer who sold her Tesla and donated the proceeds to NPR. 'I've got to do something, and this is what I can do,' Coller explained. She is concerned, she said, that Musk's federal cuts would jeopardize the Social Security checks and Medicare coverage that she and her husband rely upon. Musk has said he was focused on finding fraud in entitlement programs and called Social Security 'the biggest Ponzi scheme of all time,' though Trump has denied he would cut benefits. On a recent afternoon, Coller took a stack of her cards to a nearby shopping mall. There, she found plenty of Teslas to target, sometimes parked side by side. She moved sneakily, as if worried about being caught. Coller, who drives a Prius, said she thinks Tesla owners should sell their cars and donate the funds to charities, abandon them at Tesla dealerships or at least put anti-Musk stickers on their bumpers. But many Tesla owners in Mill Valley are averse to taking a financial hit. Local used car sites show a flood of Teslas for sale in Marin County well below $35,000. The automaker this past week said that its profit fell 71% in the first three months of the year, and the company referred to the potential impact of 'changing political sentiment' on demand. Heather Barberie, who bought a white Tesla Model X in 2020, said she is currently unemployed as an actor and cannot afford to sell. 'If I had the finances that we could just take our Tesla out to the desert and blow it up and have a little bonfire around it, sure,' she said. 'But we need our car, and we're not able to replace it right now.' Instead, she came up with an interim solution. She unscrewed the 'T' logo from the front, hoping that it made the vehicle a little less conspicuous. She now keeps the metal symbol in her junk drawer. This article originally appeared in The New York Times. Copyright 2025
