Car insurance is an expense most car owners will have to deal with. Insurance premiums can add up pretty quickly. This is especially true for luxury cars like Tesla EVs, which will be insured at luxury rates. However, that’s not the case for the Tesla Model 3, which is a relatively cheaper car to insure.
The Tesla Model 3 is relatively cheap to insure
Tesla Model 3 | Tesla
The math behind car insurance is a very complicated topic. Car insurance companies factor many aspects into their equations to give you a quote. That’s where averages come in handy. According to NerdWallet, the Tesla Model 3 ended up being one of the cheapest cars to insure on average.
The Model 3 barely made NerdWallet’s list, but it still made it. The Model 3 didn’t crack the top 10, but it did end up coming in 25th. According to NerdWallet, The Model 3’s average annual insurance premium was $2,215, which comes to about $184 a month.
The cheapest car to insure was the Subaru Outback on average, which had an annual insurance premium of around $1,392, which is about $116 a month.
Still on the list of the cheapest EVs to insure
The Model 3’s numbers are better when its insurance cost is compared with its price tag. According to NerdWallet, the Model 3’s insurance costs are equal to around 5.83% of its prices, which is average. The Outback has insurance costs that are equal to 5.22% of its price. Another car on the list, the Nissan Sentra, has insurance costs that are equal to 9.03% of its price.
The Model 3’s placement is better when compared to its peers. Like NerdWallet wrote, EVs are disadvantaged since car insurance companies think EVs are more costly to insure. This is partly because of the high price tags of EVs and high potential repair costs.
The Tesla Model X will cost about $4,000 a year to insure, while the Model S will cost about $4,100. Even compared to another cheaper EV, the Chevy Bolt, the Model 3 comes out ahead. According to Finder, it’ll cost about $2,800 a year to insure a Bolt, which comes out to about $238 a month. That means that Model 3 owners will save about $600 a year on average car insurance compared to Bolt owners.
Why the Tesla Model 3 is cheaper to insure
The Model 3 is the cheapest Tesla on the market, with a starting price of just under $40,000. It’s not surprising that its insurance costs are more affordable than other Teslas. However, the Model 3 comes with some great features that may help drive down insurance costs.
Tesla’s security and safety system make it pretty difficult for a Tesla to get stolen. Tesla also offers its own car insurance for Tesla owners in California with plans to eventually expand its operations elsewhere. This can be helpful as Tesla owners who are on Tesla Insurance may save significantly more money on their car insurance than other EV owners using a regular insurance company.
https://news.usamotorjobs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Tesla-Model-3-4-1024x683-1.jpg6831024Gabrielle DeSantishttps://news.usamotorjobs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/logo-usa-motor-jobs-white.pngGabrielle DeSantis2021-07-26 23:57:002021-07-27 00:26:47Tesla Model 3 Insurance Cost Puts It on This List of the Cheapest Cars to Insure
July 2021 saw three multi-billionaires engaged in a friendly competition to reach outer space. The knighted founder of the Virgin Group was the first to achieve such lofty heights, with the CEO of Amazon following shortly thereafter. How and why did Richard Branson and Jeff Bezos beat Tesla‘s Elon Musk to space?
Rich guys race to space
Jeff Bezos and crew | Getty Images
Jeffrey Preston Bezos invented a little online bookstore called Amazon in his Seattle garage in 1994. Today, Investopedia rightly refers to him as the wealthiest man on Earth. So, what does a rich guy do for thrills once he’s invested in everything from Airbnb to Twitter and owns the Washington Post? They start a private spaceship company.
Bezos’ private space tourism company, Blue Origin, was founded at the turn of the 21st century, beating Elon Musk’s SpaceX by two years and Branson’s Virgin Galactic by four. Astronomy magazine explains that the 57-year-old entrepreneur held a deep interest in space flight since he was a little kid. Still, it wasn’t until he amassed an astronomical personal fortune that he could afford to live out such a big dream.
Named for the moon that orbits Pluto, Charon was the first test vehicle launched by Bezos’ nascent space tourism company. Powered by four Rolls Royce Viper Mk.301 jet engines, the low-altitude vehicle attained an elevation of 316 feet on March 5, 2005, and now resides in Seattle’s Museum of Flight.
UK Today News reports, Blue Origin’s first successful peroxide-powered suborbital craft was named in honor of rocket pioneer Robert Goddard and was the first test vehicle developed in anticipation of Bezos’ New Shepard program.
Before shuttling Bezos and the crew to the edge of the atmosphere and back, Various iterations of New Shepard launched and landed more than a dozen times without anyone on board.
On July 20, the first crewed New Shepard mission carried Bezos, his brother, Mark, a Dutch high school graduate named Oliver Daemen, and NASA veteran, Mary Wallace “Wally” Funk, a remarkable 82 years old at the time of the flight.
Big day ahead. Great to start the morning with a friend. Feeling good, feeling excited, feeling ready.
The crew capsule detached, allowing the space riders to soar to a peak altitude of 66.5 miles above the Earth after attaining a maximum ascent velocity of 2,223 mph. The entire mission was clocked at 10 minutes and 10 seconds by Barron. The journey wasn’t quite long enough for Funk, who landed and said, “It was only about five minutes!”
As amazing as it was, Bezos’ high-flying trip was not the first private space flight enjoyed by a wealthy entrepreneur. Sir Richard Branson’s rocket ride to space also began with a childhood dream. Dubbed SpaceShipTwo, the supersonic, suborbital craft, zoomed him, two pilots, and three Virgin Galactic mission specialists into space on July 12, 2021. Spaceflight Insider states that it took nearly two decades to develop.
On July 11, Richard Branson, two pilots, and three Virgin employees hurtled to the edge of space aboard Virgin Galactic’s SpaceShipTwo. While thoroughly enjoying a few minutes of weightlessness, Branson exclaimed:
“To all you kids out there—I was once a child with a dream, looking up to the stars. Now I’m an adult in a spaceship. If we can do this, just imagine what you can do!”
He’s no kid, but Elon Musk took Branson’s invitation to heart
Tesla founder Elon Musk’s SpaceX focuses primarily on delivering satellites into orbit as it plans payloads to Mars, the International Space Station, and other celestial destinations. Virgin Galactic is all about taking people for the ride of their lives.
According to EarthSky, Musk has already plunked down a $10,000 deposit for a future spaceflight aboard a Virgin Galactic craft. When he’ll take off is anyone’s guess, but we’ll wish him a hearty “Bon voyage!’ when he does.
Ford is in a little hot water with GM and Cruise. The brand has filed a patent for new driver assistance software by the name of BlueCruise. Surely, Ford is cracking jokes with that name, likely while wearing a green sweater and petting a blue dog. Evidently, GM and its subsidiary Cruise aren’t fond of the joking and have filed a lawsuit against Ford for use of the BlueCruise name.
BlueCruise is the latest in driver assist technology
Cruise’s driver assistance hardware | Cruise
Automakers are in constant competition over having the latest in technology in their vehicles. That’s exactly how autonomous driving company Cruise became embroiled in all this. GM acquired Cruise back in 2016 to help the brand develop its own hands-free driving software to rival the likes of Tesla. Cruise has been pushing the tech since before their acquisition by GM, and it can be said that Crusie has contributed directly to the development of GM’s own hands-free driving software, Super Cruise.
By now I’m sure you’re seeing the similarities in the names here, but we’ll get into that later. For now, it’s important to understand something first. In light of the competitive market space surrounding driver assistance software at the moment, it’s plain to see why Ford rushed into the marketplace with this software. Different brands are fighting to catch up in the autonomous arms race, and Ford is the latest in the ring with BlueCruise.
GM says Ford infringed on their trademark
GM’s logo | Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
Now, about that lawsuit. According to a Reuter’s article, GM and Cruise say that Ford has infringed on the brand’s Super Cruise trademark. It’s important to note that GM only takes issue with the name. It’s clear the brand thinks that Ford has not done any wrong in developing its own autonomous driving software. Per the statement, GM says that they were “vigorously defend our brands and protect the equity our products and technology have earned over several years in the market.”
While that may just sound like a lot of saber-rattling, GM is clearly serious about the infringement. They believe that the name is too similar to Super Cruise, and intend to do something about it. Conversely, Ford says that the lawsuit is “meritless and frivolous.” Clearly, this shows the brand’s intention to stand its ground over the BlueCruise name. As things sit right now, GM is seeking damages over the infringement of their trademark.
Market space for autonomous vehicles is shrinking
A Crusie driverless taxi | Andrej Sokolow via Getty Images
Honestly, this was bound to happen sooner rather than later. Brands are competing fiercely for a slice of that post-pandemic economy right now, and autonomous software is rapidly becoming a huge selling point for consumers. Year after year, consumers expect better automobiles, and autonomous software is the most recent development of that trend. For now, it remains to be seen who will back down. In all likelihood, money will change hands and Ford will be allowed to continue using the BlueCruise name. Let’s just hope you don’t have to use a red notepad to make BlueCruise work.
https://news.usamotorjobs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Integrated-AV-System-1024x424-1.png4241024Gabrielle DeSantishttps://news.usamotorjobs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/logo-usa-motor-jobs-white.pngGabrielle DeSantis2021-07-26 22:29:002021-07-26 22:56:26BlueCruise: GM & Cruise Tell Ford to Quit Making Fun or Else
Trucks these days range in price. From cheap new trucks like the Ford Ranger to more expensive trucks like the Ram 1500, there’s really no beating around the bush. When buying a new pickup truck, you can expect to see a full range of price tags. But when it comes to finding out how much the best new trucks of 2021 cost? Let’s find out.
What is the average cost of a new truck?
2021 Ford F-150 | Nic Antaya/Getty Images
First things first, let’s talk about the average cost of a new truck. According to Kelley Blue Book (KBB) analysts, new car prices increased 6.4% from June 2020. As you may have gathered, the average cost of a new truck has also increased. In fact, new trucks like the Ram 1500 saw double-digit price increases compared to June 2020, KBB reports.
As for the average cost of a new truck? In June 2020, the average price of a new truck was $38,361. These days, however, KBB’s data shows that the average cost of a new truck is approximately $41,105. That marks a 7.20% increase in the average cost of a new truck in just a year.
What are the best pickup trucks of 2021?
With the average cost of a new truck out of the way, let’s talk about the best pickup trucks of 2021. After all, no one wants to find themselves behind the wheel of a dud. Fortunately, several models have found themselves among the best pickup trucks of 2021.
Take, for example, the 2021 Honda Ridgeline. Both Edmunds and U.S. News & World Report selected this year’s model as one of the best trucks of 2021, and for good reasons too. Sure, the 2021 Honda Ridgeline can’t tow as much as its competitors, but it does boast a comfortable ride and a premium interior.
These new trucks earned some praise too
The 2021 Honda Ridgeline isn’t the only new truck that’s been highlighted as one of the best pickup trucks of 2021 either. The 2021 Ford F-150 is a top-rated truck that consistently finds itself among the best trucks. As a matter of fact, KBB recently selected this year’s new model as the best pickup truck of 2021.
As for other new pickup trucks on the market today? They’ve earned themselves plenty of praise too. The 2021 Ram 1500, for instance, found itself on Car and Driver’s 2021 10Best list. The publication also gave it an Editors’ Choice award. MotorTrend has also included models like the Toyota Tundra, Chevy Silverado, and the GMC Sierra among its picks for the best pickup trucks of 2021.
The 2021 Ford Ranger is one of the cheapest new trucks of 2021
2021 Ford Ranger | Ford
Price: $25,070 – $33,160 Maximum towing: 7,500-pounds
The 2021 Ford Ranger is among the cheapest new trucks of 2021 and is a new truck under $30,000. In fact, base models start at $25,070. Meanwhile, the most expensive Ford Ranger rings in at $33,160. The Ford Ranger isn’t just cheap either. This year’s new Ford Ranger ranks among the best new compact trucks of 2021, according to U.S. News & World Report.
The publication lauded the 2021 Ford Ranger for its “high towing and hauling capacities” and its “potent engine and composed handling.” U.S. News added that the truck’s interior is very comfortable and is stock full of user-friendly features.
The 2021 Toyota Tacoma is one of the best affordable trucks
Price: $26,400 – $44,325 Maximum towing: 6,800-pounds
While the Toyota Tacoma isn’t the cheapest new truck of 2021, it’s still pretty affordable. Opt for a base model, and this Toyota truck will have you spending roughly $26,400. You can expect to pay a minimum of $44,325 on a fully-loaded Toyota Tacoma.
The new Toyota Tacoma has more going for it than an affordable price tag too. This year’s model is one of the last new trucks with a manual transmission. It can also tow up to 6,800-pounds when properly equipped. And according to Kelley Blue Book? The 2021 Toyota Tacoma is the Best Buy of the Year among midsize pickup trucks.
The 2021 Ford F-150 is a bestselling truck for a reason
2021 Ford F-150 | Ford
Price: $29,290 – $64,145 Maximum towing: 14,000-pounds
The Ford F-150 has been a favorite among its segment for years. That’s true of the 2021 Ford F-150 too. Though, it’s no surprise as to why. The new F-150 can tow a maximum of 14,000-pounds. It’s also available with a fuel-efficient hybrid powertrain that delivers an EPA-estimated rating of 25 mpg on 4×2 models. Even better? Kelley Blue Book highlighted this year’s model as its Pickup Truck Best Buy of 2021 — Full-Size.
As for how much it will cost you? Base model Ford F-150s start at $29,290. However, at its most expensive, this top-rated pickup truck will have you spending at least $64,145. The good news is that the F-150 offers several more affordable trim options.
The 2021 Ram 1500’s price is just over $30,000
Price: $32,795 – $57,150 Maximum towing: 12,750-pounds
There’s no denying that the 2021 Ram 1500 is among the best trucks of 2021. After all, it was included in Car and Driver’s 2021 10Best list. The publication gave it an Editors’ Choice award too. U.S. News & World Report also ranks it as the best full-size pickup truck of 2021.
As for the Ram 1500’s price? This year’s model starts at $32,795 and, at its most expensive, will have you spending at least $57,150. The Ram 1500 does offer a slew of premium features to make up for its high price. Choose from luxury amenities like an available head-up display, a digital rearview mirror, and a 12-inch touchscreen display with navigation.
The 2021 Honda Ridgeline is one of the best new trucks, but it is pricey
Price: $36,490 – $43,920. Maximum towing: 5,000-pounds
The 2021 Honda Ridgeline consistently finds itself among the best new trucks of 2021. Both Edmunds and U.S. News & World Report have given it exceptionally high marks. Consumer Reports also ranks it as the best compact pickup truck of 2021. The organization also gave it a four out of five predicted reliability rating, along with a five out of five predicted owner satisfaction rating.
There are only two downsides to the new Honda Ridgeline. First, this year’s model is rated to tow a maximum of 5,000-pounds, which is significantly lower than many of its competitors. The 2021 Honda Ridgeline’s price is on the higher end too. In fact, base models start at $36,490. Meanwhile, the most expensive model costs upwards of $43,920.
Is buying a new truck worth it?
There’s no beating around the bush. Buying a new truck makes for an expensive purchase. But is it worth it? If you’re shopping for the best trucks of 2021, it just might be. To find out, we suggest taking a look at your budget and getting behind the wheel for a few test drives.
https://news.usamotorjobs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/2021-Ford-F-150-King-Ranch-1024x683-1.jpg6831024Gabrielle DeSantishttps://news.usamotorjobs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/logo-usa-motor-jobs-white.pngGabrielle DeSantis2021-07-26 21:55:002021-07-26 22:28:49How Much Do the Best New Trucks of 2021 Cost?
