When we first told you about the electric Ford Lightning, we weren’t sure what the price would look like and how the cost of ownership would compare with the gas or diesel models. With the trucks now on the roads, we can finally discuss the true Ford Lightning cost you can expect.

Breakdown of Ford Lightning Cost

So, what does the Ford Lighting price look like? Let’s start by looking at the cost to buy the truck. The Ford F-150 Lightning Pro will cost you about $49,995. However, any accessories will cost more. For example, if you choose to put in charging equipment to the build, you might spend another $500. Every full charge runs about $14, so about $200 each month. Additionally, the average maintenance cost for EVs is about $77 a year.

These prices might not seem so reasonable, but it sits just about average of other EVs on the market. Even the average purchase price of a non-luxury model is about $45,000. It’s unlikely that you will choose the base model without any added features, but at least the price starts at this mark.

Of course, the F-150 EV is more expensive than the gas truck. It will run just about $10k more to start, so that’s nothing to shake a stick at. However, with the money saved on fuel, you can make this money back in no time.

What About Depreciation?

Another factor to consider is how quickly the Ford Lightning will depreciate. EVs tend to depreciate faster than regular models. In fact, you can expect about a 50% depreciation rate in the first three years of owning an EV, compared to about 35% with regular vehicles. A lot of this has to do with the lack of demand for used EVs.

So, what are your thoughts? Is the Ford Lighting cost going to be worth the expense?

Ford and GM have both been working hard to beat out Tesla in the EV game. Both companies have spent countless dollars in the race, but it was always up in the air which one would do better. As it looks now, Ford EV sales might surpass GM in 2021.

2021 Ford EV Sales

Through October 2021, Ford sales reached 21,703 of the Mustang Mach-E SUV. This is the only electric car that Ford currently offers. There likely would have been even more sales if the Ford Lightning was at dealerships right now.

2021 GM EV Sales

During the same amount of time, GM sold 24,810 Chevy Bolt vehicles. At first glance, you see that GM should far exceed the Ford EV sales, so what is the issue?

Why Ford EVs Will Surpass GM

If things continued at the rate they were going, GM would be the clear winner. However, there are problems that give Ford the advantage. Primarily, there will be no more Chevy Bolt EV or Bolt EUV sales for the rest of the year. Production ended because of issues with the vehicles. This condition allows Ford a wide open road to dominate the market.

Still, Ford won’t come close to reaching Tesla. This EV manufacturer sold 500,000 vehicles around the globe in 2020. It’s estimated that Tesla will sell about 900,000 in 2021.

Still, GM does have an advantage over Ford once it comes back on track. GM has been dealing with EVs far longer than Ford. the plug-in hybrid Volt model sold through the 2010s, while the Bolt has been in production since 2016. On the other hand, Ford has recently entered the EV segment, making it a newcomer to the game.

With that said, it’s unclear if 2022 will be GM’s year. Battery fire risk is putting production on hold, possibly through 2022 as well. In the meantime, the Mach-E continues to hold its own.

In the race to have the best electric vehicles, Toyota is introducing us to the upcoming bZ4X model. The Toyota bZ4X SUV recently debuted and it’s quite amazing, with up to a 250-mile driving range per charge. We expect this Toyota EV to go on sale mid-2022, but have some details you might want now.

Toyota bZ4X News

At first glance, you might notice that the 2022 Toyota bZ4X is similar to the RAV4, in terms of size. The new bZ4X comes standard with front-wheel drive. It is also going to be equipped with a 71.4-kWh battery pack and will create 201 horsepower. However, there’s also a 215-horsepower model with all-wheel drive and a larger 72.8-kWh battery pack.

The “bZ” designation stands for “Beyond Zero.” This will be the lineup of electric models produced by Toyota from now through 2025. For now, the automaker has planned to release seven of the Beyond Zero electric vehicles, with the bZ4X listed as the first.

While we don’t know the prices yet, we think it could be similar to the Ford Mustang Mach-E or the Volkswagen ID.4. If that’s the case, we can expect it to start around $40k.

Toyota bZ4X Features

The new Toyota bZ4X comes equipped with all of the latest safety tech you desire. Even the base models will include automatic emergency braking, detection of motorcycles, guardrails and bicycles, lane centering technology and adaptive cruise control. You can also use your smartphone as the SUV’s digital key.

What’s interesting about the bZ4X SUV is the energy saving features that help extend its range. With the efficient climate control system that relies on a heat pump, there’s less power wasted. Plus, the Toyota EV has radiant heaters along the footwells to reduce the use of cabin heat.

We can’t wait to learn more about the upcoming bZ4X and will be sure to pass along any new information. The big question is, will the automaker be able to use this technology to create an electric Toyota Tundra?

If you don’t want to spend a lot of money on a new electric vehicle, you might be interested in looking at two options from South Korean automakers. The release of two electric crossovers has caused some confusion over which model to purchase. To help you decide, we look closer at the 2022 Hyundai Kona Vs Kia Niro EVs based on several factors.

Price

If money were no concern, you would buy a 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS. Yet, most of us have a stricter budget. Thankfully, both the Hyundai and Kia model start just below $40,000, so price isn’t going to be your main factor. You can also get a federal EV tax credit of up to $7,500, making it even more affordable.

Electric Range

Between the 2022 Hyundai Kona Vs Kia Niro, you will notice a small difference in the driving range. The Niro EV is rated for 239 miles on a single charge, which is reasonable. However, the smaller Hyundai Kona can travel up to 258 miles. While a 20-mile difference might not seem like a lot, it can add up quickly.

Power

You can’t expect either EV model to beat a sports car to the line. However, they aren’t overly sluggish either. The new Kona will hit 60 mph in 7.1 seconds, but the Niro can do it in 6.9 seconds.

Interior

The Kia Niro is larger than the Kona, but not by much. You gain slightly more rear legroom in the Kia model than the Kona. Plus, the Niro has a little more trunk space, which is important if you carry a lot of cargo. Other than that, the interior design and features closely resemble one another. A handful of enthusiasts have felt that the Kia EV was slightly more premium than what Hyundai offers.

Final Verdict: 2022 Hyundai Kona Vs Kia Niro EVs

If you want the maximum driving range and don’t care about losing a little room, the Kona is a better option. However, if you are just driving in the city and you prefer a little more space, you will want the Kia Niro instead. In reality, you can’t go wrong with either model.

Have you been dreaming about having an electric Mustang, but can’t stand the thought of a Mach-E? If so, Ford might have a solution for you. Ford Performance recently announced an electric crate motor that can fit in a variety of cars. The Ford DIY electric car kit will be revealed during the SEMA show in Las Vegas this November.

Ford DIY Electric Car Kit Coming Soon

The company has named the new electric kit the Eluminator. It’s name is familiar to those who know the Aluminator crate V8 engines. It’s also meant to be swapped out easily with one of the Ford motors for connection to a standard transmission. At this time, there aren’t a lot of technical details.

We do have one tweet to share from the automaker.

A tease for you: An electric crate motor for your restomod or project.

We call it the Eluminator. Available this fall – watch out for more at @SEMASHOW pic.twitter.com/tl4FfskM6X

— Ford Performance (@FordPerformance) August 19, 2021

We also know that it will measure 570 mm long. Aside from that, Ford is keeping everyone in the dark until the SEMA show, which happens November 2-5 this year. At first glance, it looks strikingly similar to GM’s Electric Connect and Cruise concept that was discussed last year.

Lots of New Stuff From Ford

Ford Motor Company isn’t messing around when it comes to releasing new things that drivers want. In just the past few weeks, the company’s media has blown up with new things to watch for. We can’t help but be excited about the new color for the 2022 Bronco and the Explorer ST-Line model. Additionally, Ford has announced special appearance packages for the Mustang.

However, it’s difficult to determine how well the electric crate engines are going to be received. Is this something that you think you would be interested in or do you think it will be a big flop? Until we are told more about the specifications, it might be tough to judge. However, we look forward to finding out more at this year’s SEMA show.

We’ve been telling you about the Tesla Cybertruck now for several years, but it just doesn’t seem to ever make it to production. So, what is going on? With the delayed Tesla Cybertruck production, it’s vital that we take a look at some wise words from Elon Musk.

Prototypes are easy, production is hard

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) May 3, 2021

What is Going on with the Delayed Tesla Cybertruck?

According to the Tesla website, deliveries of the electric pickup truck moved back to 2022. According to the reservation site, there is a new message that states, “You will be able to complete your configuration as production nears in 2022.” This message appears with all three Cybertruck versions, even though the Dual Motor AWD and Tri Motor AWD models originally had a 2021 delivery date.

Musk continues to claim that the Cybertruck design will be one of the best ever. However, the new architecture used seems to be causing trouble. When new vehicles make it to market, the process can be long and tedious. Additionally, the first production model often isn’t the best, so some customers might choose to wait a few years for perfection.

With the Ford Lightning and Electric Silverado hitting the market, Tesla might also be left in the dust. These production delays could cause drivers to switch brands for something more available.

What to Expect

Tesla’s Cybertruck comes out of Austin, Texas at the company’s new facility, currently under construction. The Model Y is being produced alongside the electric truck. Tesla plans to use new methods of production to replace multiple parts with single-piece castings. These components receive power from next-gen battery technology, also in development.

The big question remains – will the Cybertruck ever make it to the roads? The Tesla Semi is another model that was recently pushed back due to a lack of supply for the battery packs. We will have to watch and see.

In the world of electric vehicles, the competition is becoming more fierce. It wasn’t that long ago that we first introduced you to the Lucid Air during our 2021 new cars roundup. Now, with the release of the Lucid model just around the corner, it seems only fitting that we would take a more in-depth look.

What is the Lucid Air?

This new EV aims to be better than anything Tesla can provide. It offers up to 1080 horsepower, plus a maximum of 517-mile driving range. It will be the first model from Lucid Motors, a startup company. The model has an aerodynamic shape that doesn’t just look good, but is also functional. Plus, the cabin is upscale and spacious, topped off with a glass-like canopy.

The new Air combines practical travel with state-of-the-art technology for an all-around ideal journey. If you are on the go, you will love that it can recharge 300 miles in just 20 minutes while using a fast-charging station. This is sure to impress some Tesla owners.

Is Lucid a Good Carmaker?

If you haven’t heard of Lucid Motors yet, there’s no reason for apprehension. In fact, the EV automaker has been supplying batteries to Formula E race cars, so it’s been around the automotive world. This upstate company now looks to take down other alternatives, even competing against the Porsche Taycan and the Tesla Model S.

How it actually performs in the real world is something we have to wait and see. However, anything that disrupts that status norm is a good thing. With more companies switching to EVs, it’s nice to have options. The competition only forces other automakers to do better and offer customers additional features.

We would love to hear your thoughts on the new Lucid vehicle and its capability. Is this something you would drive?

If you previously wanted the top luxury amenities, you went right to the Mercedes-Benz S-Class models. However, they might not be the case soon. The new 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS is determined to outdo the S-Class with the latest features. Here are three additions we love about the new EV.

Power Nap Program

We are on-board with anything that relates to napping, but the Power Nap Program is simply unbelievable. Sure, the EQS includes a Power Nap feature that goes beyond simply having a beautiful panoramic sunroof and massaging seats. When you engage the system, the sunroof shade closes automatically, calming music starts to play and the air ionization system activates. When you are ready to get up, the seats massage you back to reality, your seat raises and the sunshade opens. It’s the perfect thing to do while you wait for the EQS to charge during a road trip.

Complete Profile Customization

Lots of vehicles have memory settings for the driver and passenger seats, but the EQS goes a step further. Settings are saved for the radio presets, ambient lighting, interior temperature, audio balance and seat position for complete customization. The car identifies you with biometric scanning or a PIN to apply the desired parameters. Plus, the same settings can be applied when you drive another compatible Mercedes with the MBUX system. This changes how you will deal with a loaner while your vehicle is in the shop for service.

2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS Hyperscreen Beauty

Mercedes released the new Hyperscreen with the EQS and it is a game-changer. This screen takes place of the S-Class’s 12.8-inch and adds three OLED displays with a curved glass panel. Not only is it breathtaking, but the central screen keeps you connected at all times. There’s nothing quite like it in any modern vehicle.

As far as electric vehicles are concerned, it’s hard to see anything competing with the new EQS. Let us know what you think and tell us what features you are most excited about.