The Audi e-tron Gets Slammed Despite Being a 2021 EV of the Year Contender

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Audi is one of the most famous and reputable automakers when it comes to luxury car brands. Due to that, it’s no surprise that the Audi e-tron was a contender for being the EV of the year. However, despite its many good qualities, the Audi e-tron didn’t receive a glowing review compared to other electric candidates. 

Why the Ford Mustang Mach-E ultimately won

The Audi e-tron EV SUV model | AUDI AG.

EVs are the cars of the future, and they’re all trying to do their own thing. Out of all of those EVs on the market right now, Car and Driver proclaimed that the Mustang Mach-E was the best of them all. The Mach-E won for a variety of reasons. According to Car and Driver, it didn’t get the most range, and it wasn’t the fastest, but it’s the perfect EV for the moment.

The Mach-E beat many other EVs along the way, too. One of the contenders that the Mach-E easily beat was the Audi e-tron. This was an easy contest for many reasons, but it ultimately boiled down to the similarities and differences between the two. Off the bat, both were SUVs, but it’s clear that the e-tron is lagging in many ways.

The Audi e-tron’s issues

The e-tron is an Audi, and as such, it does come with an expensive but luxurious interior. Car and Driver praised the e-tron’s interior, but of course, that luxury will come at a cost. The e-tron starts at about $67,000, which puts it easily in one of the more expensive segments for SUVs. That price tag will pay for electric motors that generate about 402 hp, but the e-tron isn’t actually that quick.

Car and Driver wrote that the e-tron’s “5.2-second run to 60 isn’t terribly impressive,” especially for its price tag. For comparison, cheaper electric SUVs on Car and Driver’s list, such as the Mach-E and the Tesla Model Y, can go from 0 to 60 mph in less than 5 seconds. Not only is the e-tron slower than its rivals, but its range is also not great.

The Audi e-tron should be able to go 222 miles on a single charge, but in Car and Driver’s 75-mph highway range test, the e-tron only got 170 miles. For comparison, the Model Y is not only cheaper than the e-tron, but it can get 291 miles. That said, Car and Driver praised the e-tron for its fast charging capabilities, which were quicker than the other EVs that it tested.

Other EVs simply got better reviews than the Audi e-tron

However, it’s pretty clear that Car and Driver ultimately didn’t like the e-tron all that much. Car and Driver wrote, “The Audi e-tron doesn’t look like a vision of the future, but maybe that’s the point.” In comparison, many other EVs that were not front-runners in this competition got better reviews from Car and Driver.

For example, Car and Driver said that the Polestar 2 “offers a practical alternative to its more audacious electric competitors.” When it comes to the numbers, it’s clear why the Polestar 2 got a better review than the e-tron. The Polestar 2 starts at about $61,000, has a 408 hp powertrain, can go from 0 to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds, and has a 233-mile range. All of these numbers are much better than the Audi e-tron’s. 

Additionally, the Polestar 2 wasn’t alone in getting a glowing review. The Volkswagen ID.4 and the Kia Niro EV, for instance, both got great reviews and also cost less than the Audi e-tron.

RELATED: You Shouldn’t Ignore the ‘Sleeper’ Kia Niro EV Despite Its Loss to the Ford Mustang Mach-E

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Used Jeep Wrangler Prices: The Cheapest and Most Expensive Model Years

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Used Jeep Wrangler Prices can be high, in part, because new Wranglers are expensive. Jeep advertises the 2021 Wrangler starting at $28,575. But locking differentials and Dana 44 axles are exclusive to the Rubicon trim–beginning at $42,720. The V8-powered Rubicon 392 commands $74,995–that’s more than a new Hellcat!

The high price of new models drives many Jeep fans to the used vehicle market. This is one reason used Jeeps hold their value so well. A recent study found the four-door Jeep Wrangler Unlimited depreciates less than any other vehicle: losing only 30.9% of its value over five years. (The average car loses 49.1% of its value in five years).

The search engine iSeeCars conducted the above study. The company’s executive analyst, Karl Brauer, explained that high used Jeep Wrangler prices reflect the vehicle’s iconic design and durability. Brauer added Jeep has “maintained their iconic design, so even older models don’t appear dated.”

Jeep Wranglers at a Dealership | Photo by Joel Lerner/Xinhua via Getty

The CarGurus website tracks used Jeep Wrangler prices by individual model year. Most Jeep Wranglers depreciate predictably, losing between $1K and $2K in value every year. However, there are two significant anomalies in used Jeep Wrangler prices.

2017: The Lowest Used Jeep Wrangler Prices

2017 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Demonstrates Maneuverability at the Chicago international auto show. The 2017 Jeep Wrangler JK has one of the lowest used Jeep Wrangler Prices.
2017 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Demonstrates Maneuverability | Photo By Raymond Boyd/Getty Images

Most used Jeep Wrangler prices fall by between $1K and $2K per year. So, for example, the current average sales price of a used 2020 Jeep Wrangler is $40,777, while the average for a 2019 model is $38,625. But there is a significant exception: the 2017 Jeep Wrangler’s average sales price is currently $32,103–that’s $3,246 less than a 2018 model.

The low 2017 prices may be due to the 2018 Jeep Wrangler redesign. The new 2018 Jeep Wrangler is called the JL, and many critics felt it improved over the outgoing JK. Autotrader recognized that Jeep engineers fine-tuned many of the things that make a Wrangler special with doors that are easier to remove, a windshield that’s simpler to fold down, and a hassle-free convertible top. Car and Driver dubbed the JL a “carefully considered improvement…of the family jewel.”

At the same time, critics agree that the JL only made incremental advances over the JK. This is because the Wrangler–with 80 years of lineage going back to World War Two–is a tried-and-true formula with little room for evolution. As a result, while many used SUV buyers opt for the redesigned Jeep JL, the final year of the classic JK boasts one of the lowest used Jeep Wrangler prices. And the 2017 Jeep Wrangler is one of Autotrader’s best used cars.

2006: The Highest Jeep Wrangler Prices

A red 2006 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon on display at the Norther American International Auto Show in Detroit. The 2006 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon has one of the highest used Jeep Wrangler prices.
2006 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon on Display | Photo by JEFF HAYNES/AFP via Getty Images

Used Jeep Wrangler prices continue to drop by $1K-$2K for each model year until 2006. The 2007 Wrangler currently fetches an average price of $15,732 while used 2006 Wranglers command a higher average value: $16,951.

There are several reasons that 2006 Wranglers may be worth more than 2007 Wranglers. One reason is that the 2007 Jeep Wrangler was the first year of the JK generation and 2007 Wranglers suffered from several issues that later JKs did not. For example, recalls, steering problems, and engine issues plagued the 2007 Wrangler. 

By comparison, everyone loves the 2006 Wrangler. Owner reviews for this final year of the Jeep Wrangler “TJ” swoon, Edmunds and Cars.com awarded the 2006 Wrangler 4.4/5 and 4.5/5 stars, respectively, and thousands of 2006 Wranglers are still on the road–hundreds for sale at any time. Finally, 2006 was the final year of the beloved inline six-cylinder 3.0L engine. By contrast, the Pentastar V6–an engine shared across many Chrysler products–powers the Wrangler JK. 2005 and later Wranglers with automatic transmissions–JK and TJ alike–sometimes suffered slippage issues. But many Wranglers buyers during these years opted for manual transmissions. As a result, current 2006 used Jeep Wrangler prices reflect everything that die-hard fans love about this classic 4×4.

Currently, 2006 and earlier Jeep Wrangler Rubicons with less than 70,000 miles are worth $15,000 to $25,000. But savvy Jeep buyers can find deals among available 1997-2006 Jeep Wrangler TJs.

RELATED: The Best Jeep Wrangler Years For A Used Model

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This $999 Ariel Rider E-Bike Offers a Tremendous Value

by Gabrielle DeSantis

If your daily commute doesn’t necessitate having a car, then buying an electric bike (e-bike) could be your best bet. E-bikes are typically the same size as normal bikes, but they have an electric motor attached to them for a powered assist when pedaling in addition to electric-only propulsion. They’re great for commuting around town, but they’re typically very expensive. However, the Ariel Rider Rideal offers everything that you want in an e-bike, but for only $999.

The Ariel Rider Rideal is a simple, no-frills e-bike

Ariel Rider Rideal | Ariel Rider

If you think that the Ariel Rider Rideal’s $999 price tag sounds high, consider that most other e-bikes that it compares with cost the same amount, if not more. In fact, many of the other e-bikes in the Ariel Rider arsenal eclipse the $2,000 mark, so we can consider the Rideal a great value.

Ariel Rider is known for making fast, fun e-bikes and mopeds, but the Rideal was meant for entry-level riders that want a no-frills experience that won’t break the bank. Think of it as a Honda Fit for e-bikes, and that’s not a bad thing. For the price of entry, you’ll get a potent 750-watt, high-torque motor that’s paired to a 48-volt lithium-ion battery. Altogether that combination has a 30 to 60-mile range depending on how much you use the motor or operate with pedal-assist.

Either way, that’s a pretty good amount of range and power for an e-bike. So it’s safe to say that you’ll get what you pay for with the Rideal but in a good way.

“It ain’t fancy, but it works quite nicely”

In addition to the Rideal’s potent electric motor and long-range, this affordable e-bike has a top speed of 20 mph. “That helps it get better range than you might expect, Micah Toll from Electrek, reports. “The rest of the bike’s electrical components are pretty good. Decent, ‘get the job done’ kind of stuff.”

That being said, the Rideal is equipped with a small LED display on the handlebars that shows you the battery life and power. There’s also a small headlight on the front of the bike and a tail light outback. Additionally, the Rideal is equipped with a six-speed Shimano drivetrain to make shifting gears an easy experience and when it’s time to stop, the Tektro Aries mechanical disc brakes are up to the task.

All in all, the Rideal has a simple setup and a basic layout that should appeal to all riders. Electrek said it best when proclaiming that the Ariel Rider Rideal “ain’t fancy, but it works quite nicely.”

The Rideal is offered in two different sizes

The Ariel Rider Rideal is meant for riders of most shapes and sizes. It comes in two different styles: a high-step model for riders between 5’10” and 6’5” and a mid-step model for riders between 5’2” and 6’2”.

Going back to the Rideal’s surprising amount of power, the editors at E-Bike Escape noted that this e-bike puts out more power than rivals like the Rad Power Bikes RadMission, which has a 500-watt motor and is priced the same.

Ultimately, you’re getting the best value with the Rideal considering its battery life and motor alone, the rest is icing on the cake. We bet that $999 price doesn’t sound too bad now, does it?

RELATED: The First Electric Jeep Only Has a 40-Mile Range

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J.D. Power Ranks Electric Vehicle Public Charging Operators

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Electric vehicle public chargers are going to be a huge part of everyone’s future. Gas stations will become relics of the past, and more electric vehicle charging stations will pop up across the United States of America. Thanks to the U.S. Senate’s new infrastructure bill, billions of dollars will be invested in EV charging infrastructure. Who are the best EV public charging operators today?

The best EV public charging operator

Tesla charging station | Getty Images

J.D. Power used a criteria to rank EV public charging operators that included charging cost, speed, ease of payment, and several other important factors. It also graded different tiers of charging stations, including Level 2 chargers (the most common) and DC Fast Chargers. Unsurprisingly, Tesla beat out other operators like Volta and ChargePoint in both categories for the top spot. Electric vehicle public charging stations have many issues but are making major improvements.

According to InsideEVs, J.D. Power scored each public charging operator out of 1,000 points. Tesla’s Level 2 charging stations received a 689/1000 or a 68.9%. This was the highest score for Level 2 charging station operators. Tesla’s DC Fast Charging stations received a 733/1000 or 73.3%, the highest score of DC Fast Charging station operators.

J.D. Power has deemed that Tesla has the best charging stations all-around. When it comes to convenience, access and location, price, and ease of payment, Tesla has developed the best EV charging infrastructure. This is no surprise because the electric car and clean energy company has been in the automotive industry for almost two decades while many other charging station operators are new to the business. Tesla also has more at stake because it is one of the few charging station operators that also produces and sells electric vehicles.

Tesla charging stations aren’t perfect. The company does have the best EV charging network when compared closely to the competition, though. The Tesla Model 3 is currently America’s most popular electric car. It can be fully charged in under 25 minutes for under $13 at a Tesla DC Fast Charging station. Not only are Tesla charging stations more efficient than others, but Tesla also is responsible for one of the largest global electric vehicle charging networks. The company has also announced that it plans to make its chargers accessible to other brands.

Notable public charging operators

A white electric car plugged into Evolt charge point in Cambridge, England, UK.
Electric car plugged into Evolt charge point | Andrew Michael/Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

Competition for public electric vehicle charging station operators is a great thing. These networks need to rapidly improve and expand to meet the new demand for EV chargers. Tesla may be dominating the EV sales and charging game, but it is far from the only public charging operator.

When it comes to EV public charging station operators, the more, the merrier. Charging stations are essentially the new gas stations. It’s easy to get gas in most places in America because companies like BP, Mobil, Sunoco, Shell, and many more have established a huge network of stations. Similarly, EV public charging operators need to establish huge and competitive networks so EV drivers can charge their vehicles more easily.

Volta was the second highest-ranked EV charging station operator for Level 2 charging stations. The company claims to be responsible for over 99 million electric miles driven. Coming second to Tesla in Level 2 charging station overall experience quality is amazing. Level 2 chargers are currently the most common public chargers in America because they provide mid-level voltage and charging time. The company Segment Average came second to Tesla in DC Fast Charging public EV charging operators.

What do these rankings mean for the future?

A white Nissan Leaf EV plugged into an electric charging station in a parking garage
A Nissan Leaf plugged into an electric charging station | Drew Angerer/Getty Images

Imagine being able to see which gasoline companies were providing the best value and experience when the biggest providers were in their infancy. These rankings from J.D. Power indicate the future of EV public charging operators. There may be some latecomers that disrupt rankings in the years to come, but companies like Tesla, Volta, and Segment Average are likely to dominate the market over time.

Electric vehicle public charging station operators will play a vital role in the future. Electric vehicle public charging stations may not be very common today, but by the next decade, they could become a regular fixture in most major cities. Can other EV public charging station operators surpass Tesla, or is the company bound to fuel the electric future?

RELATED: How Much Does It Cost to Charge an Electric Vehicle at a Charging Station?

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