#Tesla truck price

[awesome-casuallyfamouscollector]

Enlarge screenshot pictures and look at the prices of new DODGE RAM pickups powered by fossil fuel in Latvia today on July 25, 2023! Ups! 149.900 € , and it is yours! Well, what naïve lover of the myth of the affordability of fossil fuel vehicles still thinks that electric cars are unattainably expensive??? The cost per kilometer/mile driven is huge! It's no wonder that no rational buyer will absolutely buy anything like that as daily driver...! Such a car does not even make commercial sense as a work pickup truck!? No wonder so many American families are sitting in endless unpayable debt if there are complete morons out there willing to pay such a high price for a work pickup truck!It is clear that ICE vehicle technology has reached its peak and there will only be a decline from now on...

Against the background of such ICE vehicle prices, the Tesla Model Y is even a very reasonable purchase...! Most likely, even the Tesla Cybertruck will not look too expensive! It is interesting that many car media and journalists (as well as Trump followers) in many cases avoid directly comparing the prices of modern ICE vehicles and electric cars of the corresponding class.

[ralfmaximus]

Oh hey look, Tesla just released the purchase agreement for Cybertruck and--

"Tesla may seek injunctive relief to prevent the transfer of title of the Vehicle or demand liquidated damages from you in the amount of $50,000 or the value received as consideration for the sale or transfer, whichever is greater. Tesla may also refuse to sell you any future vehicles"

WHAT

Nothing says confidence in a product like threatening your customers with a lawsuit if they don't want it anymore.

Also, "Full Self Driving" mode is $199/month extra but sacrificial child pedestrians are not included.

[lunarsilkscreen]

Value of Money

"When demand on [currency] goes up, its value goes down." - shameless self quote

I've written at length about the axiom I'm claiming to have invented. Now; I wanna go into the chain of events that lead to this axiom.

Many will decry Bernie Sander's and the Democrats, and socialists, and liberal media for using [minimum wage increase] as a key position. This is because arguably; the price of the things that those living on minimum wage might buy will increase in value.

Like food stuffs; which doesn't increase in purchase rates when consumers have more money to spend. It increases in price when it costs more to produce. However; a lot of food {nearly half in America} goes to waste (it goes bad before use). Which suggests; that farmers overproduce expecting that most of their produce goes to waste.

This ensures that ingredients are really available when you or I go to purchase them. Prices on unprocessed raw ingredients and bulk foodstuffs remain fairly stagnant. Because most prices that Farmers have to pay are to their corporate overlords, like Monsanto, or their local credit Union. (And to a lesser extent property taxes on land zoned for agriculture)

What we are seeing now isn't a price hike on the low end raw ingredients; but on processed foods, sodas, alcohol, fish, meat and dairy.

Why is this?

Well; we must first ask: why are those working minimum wage jobs asking for wage increases at all?

This has to do with the total cost of living. Electric and water prices remain a concern for your average person; and since the entire world is digital now; electricity usage rates are at an all time high.

Then the fact that the housing market is at an all time high, and prices to rent, along with discerning landlords; means that the bottleneck is at these prices (housing) overall, and to a lesser extent; prices of food that pay money to individuals who work in the supply chain after it leaves the farm.

Brand new video games after all are still 15-60$. So it's not entertainment's fault. Tesla might've increased the cost of their newest car; but that's more likely because Tesla's sales overall have dropped.

The value of money drops when demand on it increases.

What causes higher demand on currency? One could say that it's greedy people being greedy. Asking for more money because they can and that's it. They want the latest iPhone and Tesla Truck! Every year! (As opposed to when you need to buy one and can afford new)

It's not that. It's Debt. When the bank comes knocking, then the Lendees (the ones who borrowed money) need to pay it back; and before you go off on college students who are still working minimum wage because jobs can't afford to hire them; remember--This is affecting corporations like Tesla, Apple, Google, and Disney

All of who have cut back spending, and are still having trouble meeting their obligations.

(But record profits!)

Profits include money made over money spent, but not necessarily money borrowed. Because money borrowed is an operating cost. With a monthly payment to repay the loan; record profits could be made, and the company still needs to worry about paying back that loan.

Which means they (the corporations) expect sales to continue decreasing.

The National Debt (the amount of money currently in circulation, including bonds and other obligations) is *not* the same as the cumulative debt in the nation (the total amount of debt held by individuals and company's and any-entity-else the banks have lent to) which is a far more important indicator.

The National Debt goes down as tax money is collected and returned to the federal government. But the cumulative debt only goes down as people make a profit, and pay theirs back. This includes workers at minimum wage (who need to afford homes and a vehicle to get to work on time, or a bus pass if they live near a bus station that also goes to their place of work.)

Web search about the ease (or difficulty) to get a loan right now returns results like this article from CNN that talks about the decrease of loans being given out. Loan rejections are up for people with low indicator of default (failure to make payments.)

The banks aren't giving money as freely because they also have met their limits. And so we have this [inflation] issue. Debts can't be paid, so people raise prices in order to pay their debts on time; rising prices mean less sales, less sales mean more defaults, and the cycle continues.

Which again suggests outright; demand on currency is high. Demand on goods? Very low. Luxury Goods? Even lower.

Will increasing minimum wage help? Will forgiving debts? Will we be able to escape this black hole? Find out on the next episode of; "Somehow the entire world is in debt to itself, and it can't pay itself back."

[rjzimmerman]

Excerpt from this story from EcoWatch:

Sunrun, a solar company, and Baltimore Gas and Electric Company (BGE), the largest utility provider in Maryland, have launched a pilot program for a bidirectional power plant fueled by solar energy and EV technology.

The pilot, which involves three households, allows users to draw energy from a Ford F-150 Lightning electric truck when paired with the Ford Charge Station Pro and Home Integration System sold by Sunrun. This setup lets the household utilize energy from the EV during peak energy demand, Smart Energy International reported.

The pilot program is the first vehicle-to-home power plant in the U.S. and was funded with grants from the U.S. Department of Energy.

“This program is a significant proof of concept — no other market player has done this — and the goal is to expand these programs all around the country,” Sunrun CEO Mary Powell said in a press release. “This exciting partnership lays the foundation for the power grid of the future where electric vehicle owners can contribute to grid resiliency and utility price stability for everyone. The summer heat can be especially stressful on our power grid, which is why proving the use of stored energy in electric vehicles for capacity is so important.”

The process works by sending energy from the EV batteries to the homes, allowing the vehicle batteries to operate as energy storage. This can complement solar energy sources as well as reduce demand on Maryland’s power grids during peak times. The bidirectional power provided through the charging station can power homes for up to 10 days in the event of an outage, Sunrun said.

For the pilot program, the trucks share energy from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays from June 1 to September 30. The pilot is offering an estimated $800 to participants.

Currently, there are only a limited number of EV models that offer the bidirectional charging feature, including the Nissan Leaf, the 2024 Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6 models from Hyundai, Kia’s EV6, EV9 and Niro EV, and the Ford F-150 Lightning, Cars.com reported.

More vehicles are expected to introduce bidirectional charging in the coming years, including all GM and Tesla EV models, CNET reported.

Sunrun and BGE are planning to expand the program after monitoring the pilot and will offer incentives for F-150 Lightning owners to join, helping increase grid resilience. The program could also help contribute toward Maryland’s goal to reach net-zero emissions by 2045 and achieve 100% clean electricity by 2035.

[loislane-ana]

Tesla Cyber Truck Prices Crashing

[bluehome91]

The 2024 Tesla Cybertruck looks like it was dropped off by an alien race, but it's said to have the capabilities to challenge top-selling pickup trucks. With a sharp-edged stainless-steel body that's also claimed to be bulletproof, Tesla's electric truck looks seriously tough. Two all-wheel-drive configurations are in the mix for 2024: a 600-hp Dual Motor model and a Beast model with three electric motors making a combined 834 horsepower. A single-motor rear-wheel-drive Cybertruck is set to join the party sometime in 2025. Tesla claims the Cybertruck can tow up to 11,000 pounds and has an estimated driving range of up to 340 miles. Hooked up to a Tesla Supercharger, the EV truck can supposedly add between 128 and 136 miles of range in 15 minutes.

The price of the 2024 Tesla Cybertruck starts at $81,895 and goes up to $101,985 depending on the trim and options.

[trivialbob]

This afternoon I stopped by Trader Joe’s. Used to be, I went there about twice a year. I just like a grocery store that’s closer to my house more. But I’ve been eating a lot of salads for lunch lately, and I really like the prices and selection of TJ’s salad ingredients. The broccoli/cauliflower mix bag is terrific. Cherry tomatoes are $2/pint cheaper than the store by my house. I love a bargain.

The parking lot is a mess. If I drive my truck I park at a nearby mall and walk over to TJ’s. Today though I had Sheila’s Subaru and could park with the Teslas and other Subarus. There were literally five Subarus lined up next to my chosen parking spot. And two Teslas next to us.

People watching is decent. While I waited to get a container of blueberries I watched a Portlandia character sporting a greasy ponytail and wearing double N95s carefully examine two containers of strawberries as if they cost $750.00 each. Eventually I had to step in front of him to get my berries. There’s a chance he is still there, trying to decide.

When I checked out, the cashier of course was super friendly. Another employee, a younger woman who looked much like a Tumblr I follow, bagged my items. TJs doubles up on the paper bags. I don’t need that, so I asked her to use one bag.

“Whoa, are you sure? That juice and the milk are heavy items.” She was smiling.

Yeah, I’m sure. I don’t trust those glued-on handles, so I will carry the bag by supporting the bottom. Because I had the Subaru I didn’t have to walk far to get to my vehicle.

“Are you really sure?” She asked again, very nicely.

Yep. Totally sure. She smiled and honored my request. After I paid and headed for the exit I checked to see if she was watching me through the front door, waiting for the bag to tear and prove her right.

The bag didn’t tear. Nor was she watching. Had she been, I would have stuck out my tongue at her :-p

[max--phillips]

Alright, kids, my unhinged data gathering about EVs has culminated in a google sheet that is now, to the best of my knowledge, complete. I have looked at every active car manufacturer in the US, their EVs (if they have any), their plug-in hybrids (if they have any) (also, referred to as PHEVs), their base price, their max price (meaning, I went in to their build function and added all the shit to it I possibly could), their minimum range, maximum available range, and the type of vehicle. For PHEVs, this included electric-only range, total range, and MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent).

You can visit the Google sheet where this information lives here. Edit from June of 2024: the Google sheet is currently unavailable, sorry!

First of all: Why the hell did I do this?

Great question. I got passed on the road about a month ago by a pack of Lucid Air test drive vehicles. It was a rare instance of me not recognizing a vehicle--I literally work with them every day to make a living, and I consider myself to be pretty acquainted with the available auto manufacturers in the US. So, I looked them up, and it's a new EV brand, which might be a good thing vis a vis bringing more players to the market and all that jazz... but their base MSRP is fucking $87,000. I got so mad about the fact that manufacturers just keep bringing luxury EVs to the market and not like, consumer-level, reasonably priced EVs that I decided to compile this list of information to... well. To be fair I don't know what I was hoping to accomplish with this. At most, prove a point, I guess?

With that out of the way... what did we learn from this?

No more electric SUV options. Society has progressed past the need for more electric SUV options.

I compiled information on a grand total of 40 current EV models, 43 future EV models, 35 current PHEV models, and uh... 2 future PHEV models. Of those, 34 current EVs, 26 future EVs, 23 current PHEVs, and 1 of the future PHEVs were SUVs. That's 70%. Meanwhile, we have (in all four categories) 1 lone cargo van/work vehicle, 10 coupes, 8 pickup trucks, 1 hatchback, 1 minivan, 29 sedans, 3 wagons, and 1 microbus (VW ID. Buzz my beloved). And listen, don't get me wrong: SUVs are great. They're versatile (the U in SUV is for 'utility' after all!) and they're filling the niche that minivans once did, but damn, 70% of the market? Come ON guys. We're more interesting than that, I hope.

Are you not rich? Want an EV? Too bad.

The average base MSRP for an EV in the US right now is $65,556. Are you kidding me? The average base MSRP for the future EVs I found information on is $86,377. The PHEVs include some performance/ultra-luxury brands because of the fact electric motors provide a lot of torque and are desirable in some performance vehicles, so even taking those out, the average base MSRP of a PHEV is $63,442.

The superlatives

Current EVs

First, the good superlatives:

Lowest base MSRP & max price both go to the Chevy Bolt EV, ranging from $26,500 to $34,000. (sedan, range around 259 miles)

Highest range (unfortunately) goes to the Lucid Air, the vehicle that started me on this whole thing. The minimum range is 410 miles, which is the highest minimum range available. The maximum range is 516 miles, blowing the Tesla Model S extended range out of the water by 111 miles. (sedan, price ranges from $87,400 to $249,000).

Now, the bad superlatives

Highest base MSRP goes to the Audi RS e-tron GT, at a whopping $143,900. This beats our highest maximum price model's base MSRP by $2,700. (sedan, range around 232)

Highest maximum price goes to the Porsche Taycan Sport Turismo and Cross Turismo at $304,000. Fun fact: $30,000 of that maximum price is for custom paint. (wagon, range from 222-235 miles)

Lowest range goes to the Mazda MX-30 with a measly 100 miles of range. The next lowest range, the Ford E-Transit, a cargo van, gets 108! This vehicle is currently only available in California. (SUV, price ranges from $34,110 to $43,000)

Current PHEVs

Good superlatives

Highest electric only range goes to Land Rover, both the Range Rover and the Range Rover Sport, with 51 miles. (SUV, MPGe for both is 42, total range for both is 480, price for the Range Rover Sport ranges from $118,200 to $159,000, and price for the Range Rover Sport ranges from $142,575 tp $170,000).

Highest total range, best MPGe, AND lowest base MSRP goes to the Toyota Prius Prime, with 640 miles of total range and a whopping 133 MPGe. Its base MSRP is $32,350. (sedan, electric only range is 44 miles, maximum price is $50,000)

Lowest maximum price goes to the Kia Niro, which will only let you spend $44,000 on it. (SUV, base MSRP $33,840, electric only range 33 miles, total range 560, MPGe 108)

Bad superlatives (a lot of ties for this one, folks)

Worst total range: a tie between the BMW XM and the MINI Countryman, both at 300 miles. (BMW XM: SUV, 30 miles electric only range, 46 MPGe, costs between $159,00 and $186,000. MINI Countryman: Sedan, 17 miles electric only range, 73 MPGe, costs around $41,000)

Worst electric only range is a tie between the Ferrari 296 and Ferrari SF90, both at 15 miles. I have thoughts (derogatory) about these models, but I'll save them. (both coupes; both 330 miles total range; 296 gets 47 MPGe, SF90 gets 51 MPGe. Base MSRP for the 296 is $237,500. I'll get to the SF90 in a moment,)

Worst MPGe goes to the McLaren Artura at 39 MPGe. (Coupe, 330 total range, 19 miles electric only range, base MSRP $237,500)

The highest listed maximum price goes to the Porsche Panamera E-Hybrid, at $295,815. (Sedan, 19 miles electric-only range, 480 miles total range, 52 MPGe, base MSRP is $109,000.)

The highest base MSRP goes, once again, to the Ferrari SF90 at $524,815. Just reading that number hurts me.

Finally, a five-way tie for the most likely to have the highest actual maximum price, because they're cowards and don't put their pricing on their websites. These are the Ferrari SF90, the Ferrari 296, the Bentley Flying Spur, the Bentley Bentayga, and the McLaren Artura. (Bentley Flying Spur: Sedan, 26 miles electric-only range, 500 miles total range, 46 MPGe, base MSRP $217,525. Bentayga: SUV, 29 miles electric only range, 448 total range, 45 MPGe, base MSRP $200,025).

I'm not going to do any superlatives for future vehicles because I don't want to jump the gun on any judgements. Plus, with some of them the MSRPs are just like... educated guesses. Anyway, I have the whole google sheet here if you wanna poke around.

What conclusions can we draw from this?

I appreciate that the US wants to regulate new car sales sooner rather than later to encourage new EV sales in an attempt to be more environmentally friendly. However, until the average price for a new EV comes down significantly, more and more people are going to be in the used car market whether they want to be or not. Beyond that, we simply do not have the infrastructure for this. There are gas stations on damn near every corner, but the closest charging station to me is 2 miles away, and even that's a Tesla Supercharger, so it's only useful if you have a Tesla. The closest non-Tesla charger is 4 miles away. Sure, you can plug it in at home, but in order for that to be done at more than a snail's pace, you need to have it specially installed which is an additional cost that people may not be able to afford.

Additionally, it's interesting to me that being environmentally friendly is still such a huge privilege that's seemingly marketed towards wealthy people, yet huge corporations and the ultrawealthy people actually polluting our planet continue to offload the blame onto poor people for using single use plastics. It's a bizarre paradox.

In conclusion, car manufacturers need to get their shit together so more people can buy EVs at a price that isn't insane. Thank you goodbye

[rawr-monsters]

I just realized what's fucking pissed me off about truck design and how it has changed over the course of the last 20-something years. They fucking gentrified the goddamn trucks. They're bigger and more comfy and more expensive and now A goddamn working vehicle, whose purpose should be fucking hauling shit, costs like $70,000, a price so large that 10 years ago, people thought no one would ever buy a Tesla for that price.

[peter-author]

More Profit From Almost Nothing

Manufacturing is a simple formula. You take a small amount of material, mold or shape it into something unique and sell it for many hundreds of times more money than the material cost you. A Rolex has maybe $40 worth of raw materials. Carefully designed and constructed, it is worth thousands when complete, many times that when fashionable. So too with cars.

The problem with the car industry is that they are convinced that the formula works so well that they want to make more money but there are only so many customers. Everyone either has or uses a car. Out of the 350,000,000 Americans of all ages – babies and non-drivers -- there already are 278,063,737 personal and commercial vehicles. So the problem facing car manufacturers trying to make more and more profit is that either they have to try and sell two cars to every driver or they have to make the cars much more expensive, thereby making more profit.

The manufacturers chose the latter solution.

How do you make the car more expensive and thereby profitable? Remember the formula: take 10¢ of steel, shape it and sell it for $1.00. Now, there are exceptions to this rule. First you can create a mystique about Bentley, Mercedes, BMW and the like and get an extra 10% for “beat-the-Jones” show-off value. But 10% is not enough to satisfy Wall Street investors. Or you can make very limited numbers of a model to create extra demand like Ferrari and Porsche. Or you can stick to the manufacturing profit model and simply add more and more steel and other components.

It all started to get out of hand with Ralph Nader who declared the ’69 Corsair “unsafe at any speed.” The Corsair was the only US manufactured rear engine car. Kill the Corsair and you effectively killed the other “unsafe” car, the VW Beetle. The Corsair weighed 2,414 lbs. The VW Beetle weighed only 1,742 lbs. and out-performed and was more reliable. But that Nader label of “unsafe” effectively killed the US market for the rear-engined Beetle. VW’s answer was to put the motor back in front, add almost another ton of steel, and relaunch the Beetle. More steel equaled a higher price and more profit.

Meanwhile, Chevy and Ford sedans in the mid-‘60s weighed 2,600 lbs. By 2022 they had ballooned up to 3,500 lbs. More material, more profit. VW Jetta’s are 50% heavier than when launched. Camry weighed 2,161 lbs. when launched in 1982, now weigh in at 3,310 lbs. In the SUV market, 2023 weights are getting up close to 6,000 lbs. or 3 tons for Tahoes and Expeditions.

And then along came electric cars.

Instead of going back to lighter, less bulky chassis, they simply stuck the new motor(s) and all those batteries in conventional platforms, adding another 300 lbs. even though they had removed the engine and gearbox – hardly lightweight components – and had reduced the overall size of the car by 20%. And Tesla? The lightest is 4,048 lbs. with the Model X at 5,390 lbs. And the prices for these increases in weight? Pretty much in lock step. More metal and plastic costs you more.

Now here’s the question we all need to ask ourselves: given today’s technology providing reliability mechanically (which is also lighter than old cast-iron engines), wouldn’t it be nice to have a reasonably heavy car instead of a gas guzzling heavyweight or an electric car that can only go 200 miles? Put today’s engine into a 1968 Volvo weighing 2,500 lbs. and you’d get 50 mpg and all the safety needed. Put an electric drivetrain in an original VW Beetle and you’d get 400-mile range with half the batteries of a Tesla. Or do as Ford is doing, stripping out all the unessentials, and launching the Maverick small truck with a base price of $22,000. Now that’s a business model to suit today’s consumer.

[kenyatta]

On the eve of the long-promised electric-vehicle revolution, the myth is due for an update. Americans who take the plunge and buy their first EV will find a lot to love, just as I have. (I purchased a Tesla Model 3 in summer 2019.) They may also find that electric-vehicle ownership upends notions about driving, cost, and freedom, including how much car your money can buy. No one spends an extra $5,000 to get a bigger gas tank in a Honda Civic, but with an EV, economic status is suddenly more connected to how much of the world you get to see—and how stressed out or annoyed you’ll feel along the way. A new Ford F-150 Lightning—the electrified version of America’s long-time best-selling vehicle, and one of the most important vehicles for persuading the majority of the country to ditch gasoline—starts at $55,000 in its most basic form. (Yes, EVs remain expensive. But consider that the average price of any vehicle snuck up to $47,000 by the end of last year, and Americans are already paying luxury prices on formerly utilitarian pickup trucks.) Choosing the F-150’s extended-range battery, which stretches the distance on a charge from 230 miles to 320, raises the cost to at least $80,000. The trend holds true with all-electric brands such as Tesla, Rivian, and Lucid, and for many electric offerings from legacy automakers. The bigger battery option can add a four- or five-figure bump to an already accelerating sticker price.

Electric Vehicles Are a Status Symbol Now - The Atlantic

[awesome-casuallyfamouscollector]

Deese: Risk of US Automakers Falling Behind on EVs

Brian Deese, MIT Innovation Fellow and Former National Economic Council Director says that the demise of the vehicles are "greatly exaggerated," but cautions that legacy US automakers risk falling behind on the technology needed to compete on EVs.

P.S. A bit of a misleading title, because in fact, America's "leading" legacy automakers have been hopelessly behind in the field of electric car technology for a long time ago, already in 2017/2018, (That was the last time the old companies had any hope of saving themselves! Now you've completely missed everything!!!) and the old companies with their current strategy do NOT and WILL NOT have any chance to overcome this backwardness...

The specificity of the structure of the American car market is that almost no one outside of America needs huge pickup trucks and SUVs. For the rest of the car world already, the big three American car manufacturing companies are almost completely unimportant...

Ford ICE vehicle sales are already slowly "dying" in Europe and elsewhere. GM has fled the European market because it was unable to produce competitive ICE vehicles. In the field of electric cars, the fate of Eastman Kodak awaits the old American legacy automakers...!

Customs barriers will not save you because you do NOT have a competitive product - a good electric car at a reasonable price... Tesla - the only American car company worth paying attention to...!!!

[lunarsilkscreen]

Raising Prices

So I've fallen upon a claim that states: "Customers purchasing more of a product, means that product can sell for a cheaper price". This has to do with bulk purchasing, and easier money flow within the business entity.

This is one of the reasons behind "Trickle Down economics." It enables them to sell more for less. Though, whether or not they opt to take advantage of that is shady business.

What this means is that high demand forces supply chains to provide more supply, which increases demand on productivity and material acquisition.

Those end points of productivity and material acquisition are some of the worrisome key points we as employees think about, because it often results in an attack on wages first, instead of, utilizing technological advancement and ethical material prospecting.

This may tie in with another concept that says "as the supply of a product dries up, the cost of the remaining supply goes up in price." This happens for multiple reasons, at the end of the day it's to increase the operating budget for as long as possible.

Which is supposed to come with increases on expansion of productivity and material acquisition... Supposedly. Business people could probably tell you that's not always how it works.

What happens, is that sometimes entities decide to increase price in order to increase profit. Despite material and production costs remaining the same. They do this in an effort to expand and grow the business.

What ends up happening many times [citation needed] is that the increase in price, drives less people to purchase them. And they expect that the current customers will continue to purchase the product without going to a cheaper competitor.

Their reasoning is that they are selling the "normal" or "luxury" product, and their competitors are "inferior" products. Per the economic definition, though I'd wager some don't actually *mean* the economic definition.

In some cases this works out. Especially if a product can be resold for at least half of its purchase value at a later date. Retention of value is part of the reason to buy goods after all.

And there's thrift stores and goodwills all over that can make profit on used goods. But that's where it gets tricky; in this day and age, used goods are what we consider "inferior goods". And new goods are our "Normal Goods".

There is no "Luxury" brand, because our current definition of "Luxury" includes things out of reach for a normal person. Like a Yacht, or a house, or a Luxury Vehicle.

Which isn't quite true, because vehicles either drop in price like any other used good, or they are verblan goods. Which only retain their value *because* of the initial sale price, and manufacturing name.

No your Tesla truck will not be a collectors item until 20 years from now. There's really people on the waiting list expecting to resell their Tesla truck at 10x the purchase cost.

I bet a handful of people might even spend that much.

Which is actually a problem for Tesla, because they need feedback on the operation of the Truck in order to improve the quality in the future, but if people don't use them, they can't get that feedback.

And as we've already discussed, Used goods are Inferior, and so using a thing that you buy makes it worthless. So people buying goods as an investment won't use them, because that'd make them worth less.

It reminds of people collecting comic books, that don't realize the only reason golden age comics are so valuable, is because most of them were destroyed due to the war effort requiring the production of paper and cardboard.

Where the f* was I? because I went on such a tangent.

So they raise the prices thinking they're *luxury goods* which might initially look good on paper; less purchases, same profit. But what often happens is it kickstarts a cycle where less and less purchases happen. If you're calling yourself a "luxury product" eventually, people are going to start treating you like one, as they purchase alternatives instead.

Because of that key factor that consumers will purchase less of a luxury product, because of the budget requiring other luxury products.

Like Homes, and vehicles. Necessary Luxuries as opposed to Inferior Luxuries.

[rjzimmerman]

Excerpt from this story from the New York Times:

Alex Lawrence, a dealer in Salt Lake City who specializes in used electric cars, has seen a change over the last year in the kinds of customers who are coming into his showroom. They used to be well-heeled professionals who could drop $70,000 on a Rivian luxury pickup truck.

Recently, Mr. Lawrence said, customers have been snapping up used Teslas for a little over $20,000, after applying a $4,000 federal tax credit.

“We’re seeing younger people,” Mr. Lawrence said. “We are seeing more blue-collar and entry-level white-collar people. The purchase price of the car has suddenly become in reach.”

Regarded by conservative politicians and other critics as playthings of the liberal elite, electric vehicles are fast becoming more accessible. Prices are falling because of increased competition, lower raw-material costs and more efficient manufacturing. Federal tax credits of up to $7,500 for new electric cars, often augmented by thousands of dollars in state incentives, push prices even lower.

At the same time, technology is improving quickly and making electric vehicles more practical. Cars that can travel more than 300 miles on a fully charged battery are becoming common, and charging times are dropping below 30 minutes. The number of fast chargers, which can top up a battery in less than half an hour, grew 36 percent from April 2023 to April 2024.

Carmakers including Tesla, Ford, General Motors and Stellantis, the owner of Jeep, have announced plans for electric vehicles that would sell new for as little as $25,000.

“The E.V. market has hit an inflection point,” said Randy Parker, chief executive of Hyundai Motor America, which will begin producing electric vehicles at a factory in Georgia by the end of the year. “The early adopters have come. They’ve got their cars. Now you’re starting to see us transition to a mass market.”

[largeformatprintings]

How Much It Does It Cost to Wrap a Car in Los Angeles?

A beautifully designed printed car wrap can be a great way to graphically represent your brand, acting as a “moving billboard” around Los Angeles. Car wraps can work well for business branding or even generating sales,  especially for businesses like food trucks. Some consumers also wrap their cars to express their unique personalities, allowing them to make a personal statement while on the road. The cost to wrap a car can differ depending on specific features so let’s have a look at how much a car wrap costs in Los Angeles..

What is a Car Wrap?

A car wrap is like a very large vinyl sticker that entirely covers a vehicle. It is a versatile and effective way to market business brands in that the graphics can be printed with any color or design to match your brand’s specific needs. A professionally applied car wrap also acts as a big cover for your vehicle, protecting the original paint from scratches and UV damage. 

How Much Is a Wrap for A Car in Los Angeles? 

The cost to wrap a car in Los Angeles will vary depending on several factors such as vehicle size and labor needed. Costs may run from $1,500 to $5,000 for a full car wrap service.

To make sure you get the best wrap and make an impactful statement on Los Angeles roads, choose a qualified company with all in-house staff. CR&A Custom has a team of experts in car wraps who will guide you in getting started and making the best decision about your vehicle wrap. You will also be guided on how to minimize the cost before the work starts. 

Why Does the Cost to Wrap a Car Vary in LA?

Car wrap prices in Los Angeles vary drastically depending on the size of the car, the amount of labor needed, and the complexity of the design. For instance, it is more difficult to remove the rear and front bumper covers of certain cars. Any vehicle with sharply creased panels or a curvaceous body will require more work to get a warp than a smooth, flat one. 

A two-door sports coupe will cost less to wrap compared to a similar four-door sedan. On average, a small two-door car, such as Fiat 500 may cost anywhere between $2,000 and $3,000 to wrap. To get the same appearance for a larger coupe such as the Mercedes Benz S550 coupe or the Tesla Model S, you would include $3,000 - $4,000. 

Special treatments to your car, such as color flip vinyl or chrome will drive the price high, starting from $500 extra. Usually, the most exotic car wrap jobs can be as high as 12,000, also depending on the size of the car, the materials used, and the difficulty of the job. If you would like the interior of your car wrapped such as inside the doorjambs, it would take an additional day or two, which adds a further amount to the cost. 

Another often overlooked factor that affects the cost of wrapping a car is the customer’s location. Where you live affects the amount of care your wrapped car needs. If you live in areas with the scorching sun, the high temperature may break down the wrap over time. To keep it protected, you may need to park your wrapped car under the cover of the garage or consider purchasing a car cover.

In extremely cold weather, you may face another different kind of challenge with your car. The salt used on roads in snowy areas can be harsh on vinyl, making your wrap wear out faster. However, if you live in an environment with friendly weather most time of the year and the wrap is carefully applied by a professional, it can last four to five years, giving your car a constant statement look. 

Where Can I Get Car Wrap in Los Angeles? 

Car wrap services are offered in several places in Los Angeles. However, finding the best service provider requires more than just the cost to wrap a car. Cracustom focuses on providing you with quality wraps that will run and be professionally installed to look great on your vehicles. We use quality materials coupled with top-notch techniques that make our wrapping vehicle in LA service one of the best. 

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New and Upcoming Cars in the United States: What to Expect in 2024

The automotive world is always evolving, and 2024 is shaping up to be an exciting year for car enthusiasts in the United States. With a slew of new and updated models hitting the market, car buyers will have plenty of options, from cutting-edge electric vehicles (EVs) to luxury sedans and rugged SUVs. In this article, we'll dive into some of the most anticipated new and upcoming cars, focusing on car reviews, car prices, and key features like car interior, car engine, car top speed, and car release dates. If you’re in the market for a new vehicle or simply love staying up-to-date, this guide has you covered.

1. Tesla Model 3 Refresh (Highland Project)Tesla continues to dominate the EV market, and the 2024 Tesla Model 3 is one of the most highly anticipated car releases in the United States. Known for its sleek design, impressive range, and powerful acceleration, the updated Model 3 promises to push boundaries even further.

Key Highlights:

Car Engine: The electric motor remains a highlight, with a projected range of 300-358 miles depending on the variant.

Car Interior: Tesla's minimalist approach continues, but expect improvements in materials, noise insulation, and a redesigned dashboard.

Car Top Speed: The top speed is estimated at 145 mph, with a 0-60 mph time of just 3.1 seconds in the Performance variant.

Car Release Date: Expected in Q1 2024.

Car Price: Starting at $40,000, with potential car discounts for those eligible for EV tax credits.

Tesla’s car reviews for the Model 3 have always highlighted its cutting-edge technology and performance, and the 2024 version looks to improve on an already winning formula.

2. 2024 Ford Mustang (S650)The Ford Mustang has been an American icon for decades, and the 2024 model introduces the seventh generation of this muscle car. With updates to both the design and performance, the 2024 Mustang is a blend of nostalgia and modern innovation.

Key Highlights:

Car Engine: Available with a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder or a 5.0-liter V8, the latter producing over 480 horsepower.

Car Interior: A driver-centric cockpit with an all-digital display, leather seats, and improved connectivity features.

Car Top Speed: The V8-powered variant is expected to reach 180 mph.

Car Release Date: Slated for early 2024.

Car Price: Starting at $30,000 for the EcoBoost variant and $50,000 for the V8.

With an impressive track record in car reviews, the Mustang’s appeal lies in its blend of performance, style, and affordability. Expect car discounts during promotions or clearance events from Ford dealerships.

3. Chevrolet Silverado EVThe Chevrolet Silverado EV is poised to take the electric truck market by storm, rivaling the likes of the Ford F-150 Lightning and Rivian R1T. The Silverado EV promises the performance and reliability of its gas-powered sibling, but with zero emissions.

Key Highlights:

Car Engine: Dual-motor setup providing up to 664 horsepower and 780 lb-ft of torque.

Car Interior: Spacious cabin with modern tech, including a large infotainment screen and premium materials.

Car Top Speed: Estimated at 125 mph, with a towing capacity of up to 10,000 pounds.

Car Release Date: Mid-2024.

Car Price: Starting around $40,000, with potential for car discounts via government incentives.

Early car reviews for the Silverado EV have praised its versatility and power, making it an exciting option for truck lovers who want to go green.

4. BMW i5BMW is expanding its electric lineup with the BMW i5, a fully electric version of its popular 5 Series sedan. The i5 aims to offer the perfect blend of luxury, performance, and sustainability.

Key Highlights:

Car Engine: Electric motor delivering up to 590 horsepower, with a projected range of 300 miles.

Car Interior: Classic BMW luxury, with leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, and advanced driver assistance features.

Car Top Speed: Expected to be around 155 mph, with a 0-60 time under 4 seconds.

Car Release Date: Q2 2024.

Car Price: Starting at $70,000.

BMW has consistently received strong car reviews for its electric models, and the i5 is no exception, with early testers praising its blend of comfort and performance. Keep an eye out for car discounts during launch promotions.

5. Honda PrologueThe Honda Prologue is Honda's first all-electric SUV, developed in collaboration with General Motors. It’s expected to be a significant player in the growing EV SUV market, offering practicality and Honda's signature reliability.

Key Highlights:

Car Engine: Ultium-based electric drivetrain, providing an estimated 300-mile range.

Car Interior: Roomy cabin with high-quality materials, a large infotainment display, and multiple USB-C ports for connectivity.

Car Top Speed: Likely to be capped at 112 mph, with a 0-60 mph time of around 6.5 seconds.

Car Release Date: Expected in the second half of 2024.

Car Price: Starting at $45,000.

With Honda’s reputation for durability and practicality, early car reviews for the Prologue are optimistic, and it could be a game-changer in the affordable EV SUV space. Watch for potential car discounts and financing offers at launch.

6. Toyota Grand HighlanderFor those who need more space, the Toyota Grand Highlander offers an expanded version of the beloved Highlander SUV, with added room for families and enhanced performance options.

Key Highlights:

Car Engine: Expected to offer both a hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrain with up to 362 horsepower.

Car Interior: Spacious three-row seating, premium materials, and a user-friendly infotainment system.

Car Top Speed: Estimated top speed of 115 mph, ideal for family road trips.

Car Release Date: Early 2024.

Car Price: Starting around $50,000 for the base hybrid model.

The Grand Highlander has garnered attention in early car reviews for its mix of utility and fuel efficiency. Toyota dealerships are likely to offer car discounts or incentives on this model at launch.

7. Lucid Air PureLuxury EV maker Lucid Motors is releasing the Lucid Air Pure, a more affordable version of its highly acclaimed Air sedan. Known for pushing the boundaries of EV technology, Lucid offers range and performance that few competitors can match.

Key Highlights:

Car Engine: Single or dual-motor setup, delivering up to 480 horsepower and a range of 400 miles.

Car Interior: Sleek, minimalist design with high-end materials, a spacious cabin, and a large touchscreen interface.

Car Top Speed: 155 mph, with a 0-60 time under 4 seconds.

Car Release Date: Early 2024.

Car Price: Starting at $77,400, with various financing options available.

Lucid’s strong reputation in car reviews for luxury and innovation continues with the Air Pure, which offers high-end performance at a slightly lower price point. Be sure to watch for car discounts as Lucid Motors expands its footprint.ConclusionThe automotive landscape in the United States is set to see some exciting new arrivals in 2024. Whether you’re looking for cutting-edge electric vehicles like the Tesla Model 3 or the Chevrolet Silverado EV, or high-performance favorites like the Ford Mustang, there’s something for everyone. Car buyers should keep an eye on car release dates, potential car discounts, and car reviews to ensure they’re getting the best deal possible. Whether you’re drawn to luxury interiors, powerful engines, or eco-friendly options, 2024 promises to deliver a new wave of innovation on the road.