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Mercedes-Benz has finally shared the US pricing of its upcoming EQE SUV before it hits dealerships this spring. Since the all-electric luxury SUV will be built at Mercedes’ production facility in Alabama, certain trims may qualify for federal tax credits under new terms outlined in the Inflation Reduction act. Learn how all the price tiers break down below.

Mercedes-Benz’s EQ line of all-electric vehicles continues to grow in size and popularity by delivering some of the most luxurious and best performing models on the market today. This journey to one day becoming an entirely electric brand began with its EQS sedan, which was quickly followed up by a smaller version called the EQE in the fall of 2021.

The German automaker has also added EQC and EQB models, in addition to a seven-seat EQS SUV, which began production late last year as the company’s first EV built on US soil. It will soon be joined by an SUV version of the EQE, which made its public debut (without pricing) last October.

With first deliveries right around the corner, Mercedes has shared the pricing for each of the trims levels of the EQE SUV, some of which are low enough to potentially qualify for federal tax credits in the US.

EQE SUV pricing
Credit: Mercedes-Benz USA

Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV pricing starts under $78,000

Per the release from Mercedes-Benz USA this morning, the EQE SUV will arrive in the US at a starting MSRP of $77,900 for the 350+ / 350 4MATIC trim. At that pricing, the lowest tier time of the EQE SUV falls below the $80,000 threshold for electric SUVs built in North America and could very well qualify for federal tax credits up to $7,500.

While the US Treasury Department still owes the federal government its delayed battery guidance pertaining to what EVs will qualify, Mercedes sits in a promising position considering the EQE SUV is built in Alabama and its batteries come from a facility nearby in Bibb County – not to mention we now know its qualifying pricing. Moving on, Mercedes explained how the trims break down in variation:

The 2023 EQE SUV line-up features the EQE 350+ SUV, EQE 350 4MATIC SUV and EQE 500 4MATIC SUV. Similar to the EQS SUV, all models will be offered in Premium, Exclusive and Pinnacle Trims for the US market. For the first time, the fully variable 4MATIC all-wheel drive system with torque shift in the EQE 350 4MATIC SUV is offered at the same starting price as the EQE 350+ SUV, enhancing value for customers for the highest volume model. Each trim showcases EQ-specific innovative technologies and luxurious features, along with an array of additional options for further personalization

The German automaker shared that US consumers can expect to see two new components come standard on the EQE SUVs – a heat pump to efficiently warm the EV’s interior and and intelligent powertrain management system that can disconnect and re-engage the front motor in 100 milliseconds whenever necessary, helping reduce drag and improve range (expected to tally up to 342 miles on a single charge).

The EQE SUV will also arrive as Mercedes’ first EV on the EVA2 platform to offer an optional Driver Assistance Package (available on the Exclusive and Pinnacle trims only). This ADAS can initiate lane changes without driver intervention.

Through a previously announced collaboration with Electrify America, EQE SUV customers automatically receive unlimited 30-minute charging sessions on the EA’s US network for the first two years following purchase. Now that we’ve gotten official pricing, keep an eye out for EQE SUVs hitting US dealerships in the coming months.

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Tesla sales are down in every single European country except the UK, here’s why

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Tesla sales are down in every single European country except the UK, here's why

Tesla sales were down in every European country except for the UK in the first quarter, and there’s a reason why.

That’s while electric vehicle sales are still booming in Europe.

Tesla’s sales declined for the first time in Europe last year, but the decline accelerated in 2025.

Over the last three months, we have been reporting on worrying sales results for Tesla across most European markets, especially in important markets like France and Germany.

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Now, we have the delivery numbers for Tesla in all European countries, and the automaker is down 37% on the old continent compared to 2024, which was already a down year for Tesla.

On top of it, Tesla is down in every single country except the UK.

Here are Tesla’s Q1 2025 deliveries in each European country compared to Q1 2024:

Country Q1 2024 Q1 2025 Change
Germany 13,068 4,935 -62.2%
UK 11,768 12,474 6.0%
France 11,360 6,696 -41.1%
Belgium 7,219 3,019 -58.2%
Netherlands 6,854 3,445 -49.7%
Norway 5,121 3,817 -25.5%
Other 4,420 3,301 -25.3%
Sweden 4,312 1,929 -55.3%
Italy 3,721 3,469 -6.8%
Spain 3,601 3,169 -12.0%
Denmark 3,558 1,549 -56.5%
Switzerland 3,264 1,238 -62.1%
Portugal 2,888 2,145 -25.7%
Austria 2,506 1,304 -48.0%
Poland 1,264 899 -28.9%
Finland 894 475 -46.9%

The drop in sales in Germany was the most devastating for Tesla. It went from being Tesla’s biggest European market to being a distant third.

France also saw a significant 41% decline in sales.

This is also happening while electric vehicle sales are surging, regardless of Tesla’s performance.

Tesla is feeling the pain virtually everywhere in Europe except in the UK, but that’s because Tesla is selling its vehicles for much cheaper there.

In the UK, the Model Y PCP leasing starts at £399, which is the equivalent of €462, when the same vehicle starts €570 in Germany:

Interestingly, that’s not the case for the Model 3, which starts higher in the UK than in Germany.

Electrek’s Take

The reason for that is unclear to me. I’d love to hear theories in the comment section.

Could it be that Tesla planned to produce too many right-hand-drive vehicles and had to lower prices to ensure that it could deliver them?

It’s unclear, but I think the theory has some traction since I just learned that Tesla is also already discounting the new Model Y in Hong Kong – another right-hand-drive market.

Either way, I think it’s clear at this point that Tesla is having significant brand issues in Europe, in addition to increased competition.

Yes, Model Y had some supply issues due to the design changeover, but Model 3 sales are also down 11% compared to Q1 2024, when Tesla was still ramping up production of the Model 3 design refresh.

Tesla shareholders need to wake up. This is a self-inflicted wound that can be remedied by removing Elon Musk.

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Kia’s first electric sedan is almost here, but plenty more EVs are on the way

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Kia's first electric sedan is almost here, but plenty more EVs are on the way

That Kia EV sedan we’ve been waiting for is almost here. Kia also confirmed it will launch a midsize pickup in North America. Next week, three new Kia vehicles, including the EV4, its first electric sedan, will debut at the New York International Auto Show. Here’s what to expect.

Kia’s first electric sedan will debut at the NY Auto Show

Back in 2023, the EV4 stole the show as a concept during Kia’s first EV Day. Earlier this year, Kia unveiled the production model, debuting as the brand’s first electric sedan and hatchback.

The electric sedan is among the most highly anticipated EV launches of 2025. Kia’s EV4 will arrive this year as part of its low-cost EV lineup, and it could be a true challenger to the Tesla Model 3.

After opening orders in Korea last month, Kia said the EV4 will “set a new standard for electric sedans,” starting at just 41.92 million won, or about $28,000. It has two battery options, 58.3 kWh or 81.4 kWh, providing a range of 237 miles (382 km) and 331 miles (533 km) in Korea.

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With its North American debut now officially set for next week, Kia teased the new EV, claiming it will be one of three new vehicles.

The new vehicles include a sedan, an SUV, and “something in between.” Two will be fully electric, while the other offers a “sporty and versatile approach in the compact car segment.”

Kia's-first-electric-sedan-US
Kia EV4 electric sedan teaser for North America (Source: Kia)

More EVs are on the way, including an electric pickup

During its CEO Investor Day on Wednesday, Kia confirmed plans to launch a new midsize EV pickup for North America. In the long-term, the company aims to eventually sell 90,000 units for about 7% of the market share.

Kia’s electric pickup will be based on a new EV platform built for city and outdoor use. According to Kia, it will offer “best-in-class interior and cargo space, a robust towing system, off-road capabilities, and advanced infotainment and safety features.”

Kia-EV-pickup-US
Kia Tasman pickup truck (Source: Kia)

Following the EV6 and EV9, Kia is expanding its electric car lineup with the new EV3, EV4, and EV5, which will roll out this year. Kia is also launching its first electric van, the PV5, to kick off its new PBV business.

By 2030, the company plans to sell 2.33 million electrified vehicles, accounting for 56% of global sales. This includes 1.26 million EVs and 1.07 million hybrids.

Kia's-first-electric-sedan-US
Kia unveils EV4 sedan and hatchback, PV5 electric van, and EV2 Concept at 2025 Kia EV Day (Source: Kia)

As it expands its lineup, Kia expects electrified models to account for 70% of sales in North America, 85% in Europe, and 73% in Korea by the end of the decade.

Kia boasted that it will “lead the mass adoption of EVs by expanding its EV lineup with the addition of another volume model, the EV2,” which is expected to launch in early 2026.

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U.S. crude oil falls 3%, trades below $58 per barrel as China imposes retaliatory tariffs

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U.S. crude oil falls 3%, trades below  per barrel as China imposes retaliatory tariffs

An oil pumpjack is seen in a field on April 08, 2025 in Nolan, Texas. 

Brandon Bell | Getty Images

U.S. crude oil futures fell about 3% on Wednesday, as China announced retaliatory tariffs on the U.S. after President Donald Trump’s sweeping levies took effect.

The U.S. benchmark dropped $1.83, or 3.07%, to $57.75 per barrel by 9:41 a.m. ET. Global benchmark Brent tumbled $1.93, or 3.07%, to $60.89.

The oil sell-off took a leg lower earlier in the session after Beijing announced tariffs of 84% on U.S. goods in response to Trump’s levies. U.S. crude fell more than 7% to an intraday low of $55.12, while Brent tumbled to $58.40 at its lowest point during the session.

China’s tariffs take effect on April 10.

Traders are worried the world is descending into a full-blown trade war that will trigger a recession, hitting crude oil demand. OPEC+, meanwhile, has agreed to accelerate output in May, which will bring more oil to a market that was already facing a surplus.

The collision of recession fears and growing oil supply is a “toxic cocktail,” Helima Croft, global head of commodity strategy at RBC Capital Markets, told CNBC on Tuesday.

The U.S. and Iran are scheduled to hold talks in Oman on Saturday to discuss the Islamic Republic’s nuclear program. Successful negotiations could result in more Iranian oil entering the global market.

Catch up on the latest energy news:

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