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While some automakers are still introducing 2024 EVs, Audi is pushing out a mid-model refresh of the Q4 50 e-tron, called the Q4 55 e-tron. The Audi refresh includes several notable improvements on the performance and handling side, as well as faster charging.

The Q4 e-tron is an all-electric crossover SUV from Audi as it looks to electrify its entire portfolio of existing combustion models paired with new bespoke EVs. The Q4 e-tron hit the market in 2021 EV and is now being sold in its third model year.

Since then, the Audi Q4 e-tron has been sold in four variants, ranging in price and performance based on numeric nomenclature, which the German automaker loves to use to complicate things. Those models originally included the Q4 35 and Q4 40 e-tron, plus the Q4 45 e-tron quattro and top tier Q4 50 quattro.

Today, Audi announced it had developed a refreshed version of the Q4 50 e-tron and didn’t want to wait until 2025 models to share it with the world. Meet the mid-model update, now called the Q4 55 e-tron quattro.

  • 2024 Audi Q4 e-tron
  • 2024 Audi Q4 e-tron

Audi refreshes 2024 Q4 e-tron mid-model year

Audi USA outlined its comprehensive updates to the 2024 Q4 e-tron 55 quattro in a press release today, so let’s dig in. This isn’t just a mid-year cosmetic facelift to the Q4 e-tron but instead includes notable performance improvements.

For one, Audi engineers optimized the battery cell chemistry in the Q4 e-tron 55’s 77 kWh pack, enabling charge rates up to 170 kW, up from 150 kW on the Q4 e-tron 50. Audi states the refreshed SUV can now recharge from 10-80% in 28 minutes on a DC fast charger. The team also added a new post-conditioning feature that utilizes the EV’s thermal management system to cool the battery if it gets too hot after driving or charging.

The improved battery chemistry also enables a more extended range – 258 miles. That’s 22 miles more EPA range than the 2024 Audi Q4 e-tron 50 EV. Additionally, a revamped rear motor provides the electric SUV with 40 more total horsepower (335 hp) compared to its previous iteration and shaves nearly an entire second off its 0-60 mph sprint (now 5.0 seconds vs. 5.8 seconds previously).

Lastly, Audi shared it has tuned the 2024 Q4 e-tron 55’s suspension for improved balance and dynamic driving:

The steering characteristics and suspension tuning have been specially adapted for the occasion – the result is harmonious damping, improved steering response, and tighter load control. The new suspension and steering tuning provide a more balanced, direct driving experience for which Audi is known. The Audi Q4 55 e-tron responds more immediately to steering changes for greater sportiness and agility.

Other updates include a new 21″ wheel upgrade package complete with 235/45 R21 front and 255/40 R21 rear all-season tires. Today’s mid-model refreshes apply to both the 2024 Audi Q4 55 e-tron and the Q4 Sportback 55 e-tron, starting at MSRPs of $55,200 and $58,200 respectively. The refreshed are expected to hit Audi showrooms in the US in April 2024.

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Tesla Model 3 Performance is 3 days old and already got a $1k price hike

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Tesla Model 3 Performance is 3 days old and already got a k price hike

Tesla just released the Model 3 Performance on Tuesday, and already Tesla has hiked the price by $1,000.

The Model 3 Performance came out the morning of Tesla’s quarterly earnings report earlier this week, with lots of updates.

Tesla updated the car’s bodywork, seats, steering, brakes, damping, track mode software, and of course the rear drive unit, giving the car 510hp and a 0-60 time of 2.9 seconds.

And, given the fact that it qualifies for the US Federal EV Tax credit, it’s actually cheaper than the lower-spec Long Range Model 3 (which starts at $47,740) after taking the credit into account.

The Model 3 Performance has also garnered rave reviews both from online observers who note its impressive specs and value proposition compared to competing vehicles, and from the few car reviewers who Tesla deigned to allow to review the vehicle ahead of its release.

Perhaps due to the confluence of these factors, Tesla has now decided that its raved-about vehicle might be worth more than it originally decided to sell it for, and has thus raised the price by $1,000.

Now, the Model 3 Performance starts at $53,990, rather than $52,990.

This still makes the performance model ~$1k cheaper to purchase than the Long Range version, assuming you qualify for the tax credit. However, since the tax credit is attainable even on non-qualifying cars via a lease, the lease rates for the RWD ($299/mo) and Long Range AWD ($439/mo) are still significantly cheaper than the Performance AWD model ($566/mo).

Perhaps to balance this price increase, Tesla also reduced the price of some paint and interior options. Now, the solid black exterior paint color is $1,000, down from $1,500, and the black and white interior now costs $1k, rather than $1,500. Other paint options remain the same price as before.

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Hyundai’s new Kona Electric is even cheaper to lease than the gas-powered model at $169/mo

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Hyundai's new Kona Electric is even cheaper to lease than the gas-powered model at 9/mo

The newly designed Hyundai Kona Electric is better in every way, with more range, faster charging, and a bold new style. Hyundai’s new 2024 Kona Electric is even cheaper to lease than the gas-powered model, starting at $169 per month.

Hyundai Kona Electric cheaper to lease than gas model

Hyundai revealed the 2024 Kona Electric at the NY Auto Show last April with a sleek new “EV-derived” design.

You can instantly see the upgrades with a modern style closer to its IONIQ 5 and 6 dedicated EVs. The inside is nearly 6″ longer, with an additional 3″ legroom in the second row. A flat floor design creates more head and shoulder space than the previous model.

Hyundai included its next-gen dual 12.3″ infotainment system with a faster, more intelligent user face. It also comes with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as standard.

The 2024 Kona EV features a slightly bigger battery with faster charging and up to 261 miles range. Starting under $33,000, the 2024 Kona Electric is already one of the most affordable EVs in the US.

Hyundai-Kona-electric-cheaper
2024 Hyundai Kona electric (Source: Hyundai)

2024 Kona EV prices

It’s available in three trims: SE, SEL, and Limited. The base SE model includes a 48.6 kWh battery for up to 200 miles range. The SEL and Limited feature a 64.8 kWh battery, good for up to 261 miles range.


2024 Hyundai Kona electric trim
Starting Price
(not including a $1,335 delivery fee)
SE $32,675
SEL $36,675
Limited $41,045
2024 Hyundai Kona electric starting price by trim

With an up to $7,500 featured cash offer, you can lease the 2024 Hyundai Kona Electric SE for as low as $169 per month.

The deal is for 24 months, with $1,999 due at signing. It also includes the $7,500 EV Lease Bonus for a net capitalized cost of $25,370.

If you’re looking for the higher-range SEL trim, it can be leased for as little as $199 per month. That’s also for 24 months, with $1,579 due at signing. With the EV credit, the net capitalized cost is $29,419.

However, you may have to act fast. Hyundai’s website shows the deal ends in five days on April 30, 2024.

Are you ready to drive off in your new Hyundai Kona Electric at some of the lowest prices yet? We can help you get started. You can use our link to find deals on the 2024 Hyundai Kona Electric near you today.

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Podcast: Tesla earnings, Model 3 Performance, Mercedes-Benz electric G-Class, and more

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Podcast: Tesla earnings, Model 3 Performance, Mercedes-Benz electric G-Class, and more

On the Electrek Podcast, we discuss the most popular news in the world of sustainable transport and energy. In this week’s episode, we discuss all the news coming out of Tesla’s earnings, Model 3 Performance, Mercedes-Benz electric G-Class, and more.

Sponsored by SplitVolt: The Splitvolt Splitter Switch automatically shares power from your existing 240V dryer socket with your Level 2 EV charger. Learn more here.

The show is live every Friday at 4 p.m. ET on Electrek’s YouTube channel.

As a reminder, we’ll have an accompanying post, like this one, on the site with an embedded link to the live stream. Head to the YouTube channel to get your questions and comments in.

After the show ends at around 5 p.m. ET, the video will be archived on YouTube and the audio on all your favorite podcast apps:

We now have a Patreon if you want to help us avoid more ads and invest more in our content. We have some awesome gifts for our Patreons and more coming.

Here are a few of the articles that we will discuss during the podcast:

Here’s the live stream for today’s episode starting at 4:00 p.m. ET (or the video after 5 p.m. ET):

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