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Elon Musk is a ‘Tesla founder’, but he isn’t behind its main innovation
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1 month agoon
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Elon Musk is technically a “founder” of Tesla, as per a court settlement. He deserves credit for Tesla’s succes, but it is true that he isn’t behind Tesla’s main innovation.
While I’m no fan of Elon Musk, I care more about the truth than smearing him, which is not the case for a lot of his haters. One of their go-to lies they like to repeat is that he is not a “founder” of Tesla.
It’s something they use to try to discredit his achievements: “He isn’t a founder or inventor. He just buys ideas from others.”
While there’s some truth to it, it’s not the whole truth. I felt like it would be essential to set the record straight.
The early story of Tesla
Tesla was officially incorporated on July 1, 2003, by Martin Eberhard and Marc Tarpenning with the goal of building an electric vehicle manufacturer that is also a technology company – an idea that is still core to Tesla today.
In investment materials, Eberhard and Tarpenning’s early Tesla stated a goal to develop core technologies related to “the battery, the computer software, and the proprietary motor.” These are still Tesla’s core technologies today.
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But Tesla’s most important innovation was the use and packaging of cylindrical li-ion battery cells, previously mainly used in consumer electronic products, like laptops, in large battery packs for electric vehicles.
That was really a game changer and it’s an idea that precede Elon Musk’s involvement with Tesla.
While incorporated in 2003, Eberhard and Tarpenning had been working on the idea for a while. They had previously founded NuvoMedia where the two founders built of an early handheld device, the Rocketbook, an ebook reader, back in 1996.
They sold the company in 2000, but before that, they were working on the next-generation of their ebook and in sourcing the batteries, they noted some impressive improvements in the capacity and cost of li-ion battery cells.
The two engineers had serious concerns about climate change and oil import. They did the math and concluded that powering transportation with batteries using renewable energy would have a significant impact on reducing emissions and climate change.
Tesla didn’t invent electric cars. They had been around for 100 years by the time the company was founded, but they required making compromises compared to fossil fuel-powered vehicles, which prevented them for gaining in popularity.
That was Tesla’s difference-maker: making cars with the latest li-ion battery cells developed for consumer electronics, resulting in electric vehicles without compromises.
This core idea were reflected in Eberhard’s guiding principles for Tesla:
1) An electric car should not be a compromise. With the right technology choices, it is possible to build electric cars that are actually better cars than their competition.
2) Battery technology is key to a successful electric car. Lithium ion batteries are not only suitable of automotive use; they are game-changing, making decent driving range a reality.
3) If designed right, electric cars can appeal to even the most serious car enthusiast, as electric drive is capable of seriously outperforming internal combustion engines.
That has been the basis of Tesla’s success. The idea of leveraging the incredible progress with li-ion batteries in the 1990s to deliver electric vehicles with no compromise.
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This was Tesla’s core innovation. It sounds simple, but it took incredible work. No battery manufacturer wanted to build li-ion cells for EVs, so Tesla had to buy off-the-shelves cells meant for laptops and package thousands of these cylindrical cells into battery modules and packs that could be viable in a car. It’s an idea that had never been done before.
And an idea is worth nothing without execution.
Tesla couldn’t have happened without Elon Musk
Musk claims that his interest in electric vehicles predates Tesla. There’s no reason not to believe him, but there’s no evidence that he had anything to do with the abovementioned concept.
In fact, before his foray into Silicon Valley’s internet startup boom, Musk went to Stanford University to study supercapacitors, which he claims he did with the hope of using them in electric vehicles. This would suggest that he thought supercapacitors would be the future of EVs rather than Li-ion batteries.
Musk and Tesla got together through a company called AC Propulsion.
AC Propulsion pioneered the resurgence of electric vehicles and built the tZero electric sports car in the 1990s.
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First, it used lead-acid batteries like its predecessors, but the company converted it to lithium-ion battery cells in the early 2000s. It’s not clear who had the idea first or if it was parallel thinking, but we do know that AC Propulsion and Eberhard were in contact during the conversion.
Eberhard tried to convince AC Propulsion to commercialize the new tZero, but the company refused because it focused on another product. That’s when Eberhard and Tarpenning decided to launch Tesla.
How did Musk come into the picture?
Musk, who was working on SpaceX at the time, was contacted by JB Straubel, a young electrical engineer with a longstanding interest in electric vehicles, including building his own Porsche EV in his garage.
Fresh out of school, Straubel was working on high-altitude hydrogen-powered electric aircraft at the time—something that was of interest to Musk, so they got together. The conversion eventually pivoted to electric vehicles, and Straubel, being deeply connected in this small world, made Musk aware of AC Propulsion.
They test-drove the tZero with lithium-ion batteries, and Musk was sold. Like Eberhard, he tried to convince AC Propulsion to commercialize the product. Tom Gage, AC Propulsion’s CEO, again refused, but since they were thinking the same way, he connected Musk to Eberhard, who had just launched Tesla with Tarpenning, along with Ian Wright, who had joined the two engineers.
A few months later, in February 2004, Musk led Tesla’s series A investment round, with $6.5 million of the $7.5 million coming from his pockets.
Eberhard became CEO, and JB Straubel, who, despite his young age, had the most experience building electric cars, joined as Chief Technology Officer.
Musk was busy with SpaceX, but he was more active within Tesla than simply being an investor and board member.
As Tesla was working on the Roadster, Musk led several other rounds of financing, providing a large part of the funding himself.
Things turned for the worse in 2007. Tesla was having issues bringing the Roadster to production within its budget. The move to use the Lotus Elise chassis proved to be a mistake, and by the end, the Tesla Roadster had only shared 6% of its parts with the Elise, as most of it had to be reworked.
In the summer of 2007, the board, led by Musk, asked Eberhard to step down. Several interim CEOs followed before Musk took over himself in 2008.
Eberhard fully left the company, and in 2009, he sued both Tesla and Musk for ousting him. Both sides accused each other of being behind Tesla’s problems, and Eberhard claimed Musk was “rewriting history” as if he had founded Tesla himself.
Ultimately, a judge dismissed part of Ebarhard’s lawsuit, and then both parties settled and agreed that five people could call themselves co-founders at Tesla: Eberhard, Tarpenning, Wright, Musk, and Straubel.
Electrek’s Take
Now, in a civil case like this, the outcome is not necessarily the most just. Generally, those with the most money and the best lawyers win.
So, I’m not going to claim that there’s no value in questioning whether or not Elon is truly a Tesla founder. I get that there’s nuance here, but all parties involved have settled the matter. My main point is that it doesn’t really matter.
Tesla’s core idea was to create an electric vehicle without compromise by leveraging improvements in lithium-ion battery cell technology. However, all evidence points toward Musk’s not being involved with this core idea.
With that said, we need to give credit where credit is due. He recognized it as a good idea and put more money into making it happen than any was willing to do at the time.
Therefore, you could make the argument that Tesla wouldn’t have happened with Musk – making the founder argument moot.
After that, you also have to give some credit to Musk for Tesla’s success. He has been the CEO since 2008 and the company accomplished incredible things under his leadership. They succeeded in making EVs mainstream and pushed the industry to transition to battery-electric vehicles.
To this day, it is Musk’s original ‘Tesla Secret Master Plan’ in 2006 that convinced me Tesla would be the company to bring EVs into the mainstream. The plan made sense, and it was executed under his leadership. He took the original idea, fleshed it out, financed it, and then led the team that made it happen.
The last point is important because that’s where I start to agree with Musk’s naysayers again. Musk’s fans like to claim that he is some sort of engineering genius. Jamie Dimon just called him “our Einstein”. While I can admit that Elon is smart and has an above-average understanding of many physics and engineering principles, comparing him to one of the most impactful theoretical physicists of all time is pure madness.
While Musk has made technical contributions to Tesla, I think they are often overblown by his fanbase and Tesla’s team doesn’t get enough credit. JB Straubel, Tesla’s longtime Chief Technology Officer until 2019, and his teams should get the vast majority of the credit for the technical contributions and advancements to battery technology and power electronics that made Tesla successful.
There are too many to name them all, but I have been reporting on Tesla for more than a decade. Through my reporting, sources have praised people like Straubel, Drew Baglino, Kurt Kelty, Colin Campbell, Peter Rawlinson, Charles Kuehmann, Alan Clarke, Dan Priestley, Lars Moravy, David Zhang, Evan Small, and Franz von Holzhausen for their contributions to Tesla.
In short, yes, it’s OK to say Elon Musk co-founded Tesla. Yes, he had a critical role in the company’s survival and success, but I also think it’s fair to say that he wasn’t behind Tesla’s main innovation, and the company’s top talents don’t get nearly enough credit for delivering on the mission.
The mission to accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy is a beautiful one and it is what attracted much of the top talent at Tesla.
Unfortunately, Musk’s leadership over the last few years has steered Tesla away from that mission, which is my main worry about the company.
Regardless, I wanted to set the record straight on his contribution before he completely destroys his own reputation and credibility.
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Environment
Kia EV Day 2025 recap: EV4 is coming to US, plus an up-close look at the EV2 and PV5 [Video]
Published
4 hours agoon
February 27, 2025By
admin![Kia EV Day 2025 recap: EV4 is coming to US, plus an up-close look at the EV2 and PV5 [Video]](https://i0.wp.com/electrek.co/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/02/Kia-EV-Day-Hero.jpg?resize=1200,628&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1)
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Kia recently held its annual EV Day event overseas, and we were one of the select outlets invited to attend in person. During that time, Kia executives outlined the Korean brand’s global EV strategy, which reiterated its unwavering approach to going all-electric, bolstered by several new models that made global debuts, including the Concept EV2, PV5 lineup, and the Kia EV4, which we learned will officially be sold in the US.
Kia continues to establish itself as a bona fide mover in the EV segment as part of a larger electrification strategy from the parent company, Hyundai Motor Group. The Group’s decision to invest in advanced platform technology early on culminated in the E-GMP platform, the 800—or 400-volt nucleus of all its bespoke EV models. This platform has already paid dividends in the market growth of all its marques, particularly Hyundai and Kia.
The Korean marque found early success with its EV6 and EV9 models and has since introduced several additional vehicles set to join the lineup, including the EV3, EV4, and EV5. Additionally, Kia shared plans to enter the commercial EV segment with a new lineup of modular BEVs called “Platform Beyond Vehicles,” or PBVs for short.
During Kia’s second annual EV Day event, these models and some additional surprises were on display in Tarragona, Spain. We were there in person to get an up-close look at the nine different models on display (see the video recap below) and have some exciting news to share about Kia EVs and the US market.
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Kia unveils EV4 and confirms it’s coming to the US
Much of Kia’s EV Day 2025 touched upon new models designed for Korean and European markets, hence why the event was held in Spain, but there were some juicy tidbits for North American customers, including news that the new EV4, which was unveiled in Tarragona, will enter the US market.
The EV4 initially debuted as a concept model at the 2024 LA Auto Show alongside the EV3 concept, which has since been confirmed for the US market. We have been covering all the glimpses of the EV4 since, which has expanded into sedan and hatchback configurations.
During EV Day 2025, Kia officially unveiled both four- and five-door versions of the EV4, described as an “athletic all-rounder launched to redefine the C-segment.” This is another core model in Kia’s global EV strategy and the automaker’s first dedicated sedan hatchback EV.
When it arrives, it will offer the best-in-class cabin and cargo space (490 liters in the sedan and 435 liters in the hatchback) and is currently being optimized to deliver the best-in-class EV range. Kia is also targeting another IIHS Top Safety Pick award for this model, and it will be the first in the EV lineup to feature over-the-air (OTA) updates available through the Kia App. Here are some key specs:
- Battery size: Standard (58.3 kWh) and Long Range (81.4 kWh) packs will be available
- The Long Range battery is expected to deliver up to 630km (392 miles) of WLTP range, and 430 km (267 miles) of range in the Standard model
- The long-range hatchback version can deliver up to 590km (367 miles) of WLTP range
- A full underbody cover contributes to aerodynamic performance and a drag coefficient of 0.23 Cd
- A front-mounted 150 kW motor can accelerate from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 7.4 seconds with the standard pack and 7.7 seconds with the long range battery.
- Both battery variants can reach a top speed of 170 km/h (106 mph)
- It features a 400V E-GMP platform, enabling the long-range pack to charge from 10-80% in 31 minutes (29 minutes for the standard pack)
- Comes equipped with vehicle-to-load (V2L) (3.6 kVa) and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) (10 kVa) capabilities with an 11 kW onboard charger
Here’s a closer look at the sedan version:
The Kia EV4 will also arrive with new tech, including Digital Key 2.0, which allows your smartphone to act as a key and is compatible with Apple Watch. The BEV also features i-Pedal 3.0 regenerative braking, which we recently tested in the 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5.
Another feature is “Rest Mode,” which utilizes front-row relaxation seats and a mood lamp to create a comfortable atmosphere while parked and/or charging. Theater mode optimizes the dashboard’s 30″ display, mood lighting, and optional Harmon/Kardon 8-speaker sound system for video streaming on newly added services like YouTube, Netflix, and Disney+.
Per Kia, the EV4 sedan will be built at its new EVO Plant in Korea, and the hatchback version will be built in Slovakia for targeted sales in Europe only. Sedan production will begin in Korea in mid-March, followed by hatchback production in the second half of 2025. Production for North America is planned for later this year, but we do not have a more concrete timeline yet.
Kia President Ho Sung Song told the crowd the automaker is targeting a build of 160,000 units of the EV4, 80,000 of which will be sold in North America. Kia said it targets a starting MSRP of 37,000 euros for the EV4. While we don’t have US pricing yet, Mr. Song told reporters the US dollar and Euro are pretty even right now, so we can expect US pricing to be similarly competitive to Europe, at least for the entry-level model.
Kia debuts the Concept EV2 alongside the EV4
In addition to the EV4, Kia unveiled its new Concept EV2 – its smallest BEV model to date, representing the automaker’s “vision for a B-segment all-electric SUV.—its smallest BEV model to date.” Per Kia President and CEO, Ho Sung Song:
The Kia Concept EV2 represents a bold step forward for the future of urban mobility. With the Concept EV2, we challenged ourselves to create a vehicle that defies expectations, offering innovative technology and practicality beyond its size. This concept previews Kia’s future vision to redefine the segment, bringing a new level of sophistication and usability to urban drivers. It’s a clear signal of our dedication to making electric vehicles truly accessible for everyone.
While the EV2 remains a concept for now, Kia expressed a goal to deliver a production version that closely resembles it. Kia’s executive vice president and head of global design, Karim Habib, told the media that it is much easier to accomplish on a vehicle’s exterior. Still, it will try to bring as many elements of the EV2 interior to the masses as well.
We hope Kia will continue to incorporate sustainable materials in the EV2’s interior as well as its unique seat configuration, which includes a folding second row, a sliding front bench, and rear-hinged back doors, which allow the BEV to open up for an innovative spot to hang out. Here’s a detailed look from Kia:
Per Kia, the EV2 is targeting a starting MSRP of 30,000 euros but, unfortunately, is not planned for a US launch, just Europe and “other regions” in 2026.
Our best look at the PV5, which may or may not come to the US
In addition to the EV4 and Concept EV2 debuts, Kia also shared complete details of its PV5 EVs, the first model from its new PBV lineup to hit the market. The Korean automaker drove four unique variants onto the stage in Spain, showcasing the PV5’s modularity atop Kia’s new E-GMP.S platform, designed specifically for those vehicles. The “s” stands for “service.”
Kia describes the PV5 as a Car-Derived Van (CDV) offered in three body styles: Passenger, Cargo, and Chassis Cab. The variants on display were Passenger, Cargo, Crew, and WAV, which stands for “Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle.”
While these are commercial BEVs at their core, Kia has taken a welcomed sales approach and will sell them to the public as well. That means the everyday consumer can get their hands on one and design it to their liking using Kia AddGear, enabling customers to choose from a wide range of custom accessories for personal and business use.
On the commercial side, Kia announced several partnerships to empower fleet customers with cutting-edge software with the help of companies like 42dot, Geotab, and Samsung. Furthermore, the PBV’s Android Automotive Operating System (AAOS) will allow commercial customers to integrate their own software into fleets. Here are some key specs:
- Choice of a 51.5 kWh or 71.2 kWh NMC battery pack for all versions, plus the option for an additional 43.3 kWh LFP battery in the PV5 Cargo
- All versions feature a 150 kW front motor than can produce 250 Nm of torque
- The PV5 Passenger with the larger pack delivers a range up to 400km (249 miles)
- All versions can charge from 10-80% in 30 minutes
- PV5 Passenger: A three-row seat configuration that can be optimized for luggage or camping scenarios and has been developed with ride-hailing use cases in mind (Kia has partnered with Uber)
- The PV5 Cargo (High Roof): This variant offers up to 5.1 m³ of capacity, with standard, long, and high-roof options available. There is also an optional L-track mounting system and V2L functionality
- The PV5 Chassis Cab: It will be delivered as an unfinished vehicle, with a shared cabin, which utilizes the front section of the PV5 Cargo. It was developed with modularity to support a range of conversion configurations, from Drop Side to Freezer Box models
Other variants in the works include the PV5 Crew, which features various cargo securing options like lashing points and L-tracks, plus the PV5 WAV (both pictured above), which comes equipped with a sliding ramp that supports up to 300 kg (661 lbs) and can be positioned on the road or the sidewalk, as well as hardware to secure the wheelchair during transit.
My first thought after seeing the modularity of the PV5 was “electric camper van,” so when I interviewed Mr. Song, it was the first thing I asked. The Kia President could not confirm a camper version of the PV5 or larger PV7 was coming but did say it was being discussed. You may remember Kia unveiled a similar PV5 concept called the WKNDR at SEMA 2024, so this feels imminent and could sell well. Furthermore, Kia’s press release outlining the 2025 Kia EV Day event specifically mentioned a camper option:
Additionally, Kia has developed the Flexible Body System, an innovative technology that enables the modular assembly of body components, akin to assembling a puzzle. This capability allows Kia to effectively address the diverse needs of its customers by providing standard models including Passenger, Cargo, Chassis-Cab, WAV (Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle), and Family. Additionally, it will feature conversion models including the Crew, Drop Side, Box Van, Freezer Box, Prime (advanced model based on Passenger), and Light Camper.
Kia said the PV5 Cargo will have a starting MSRP of 35,000 euros, including VAT, and other models will be “priced competitively.”
Like the EV4, the PBVs will be built at Kia’s new dedicated EVO plant in Korea, which also includes a conversion facility next door for those customized builds. Kia shared that PV5 sales will begin in Korea and Europe in July, followed by launches in additional markets in 2026. Conversion models are also expected to begin production “sequentially” between 2025 and 2026.
But will the PV5 come to the US? This question came up multiple times during executive interviews, but we still don’t have a concrete answer. Mr. Song confirmed that the PV5 would be sold in Canada but cited the United States’ “chicken tax” as a hurdle for market entry in the US.
Given that information, it is hard to believe Kia won’t find a workaround to get its PV5s imported into the US market, but that has been all but confirmed so far. That will undoubtedly be a process to keep an eye on.
Other key highlights from Kia EV Day 2025
Overall, EV Day 2025 showcased Kia’s continued dedication to BEVs and its impressive innovation in the space, including variety, modularity, and advanced technology. I always reiterate that Hyundai Motor Group appears to be doing everything right, and you can look at the growing global market share of both Hyundai and Kia in recent years as clear evidence of modularity.
What I found most impressive was President Song’s unwavering support of Kia’s all-electric future, which entails staying the course set out when the Korean automaker rebranded itself in 2021. Mr. Song said that the automaker has no plans to backtrack to ICE vehicles like some competitors. Tariffs came up a lot in interviews, and Mr. Song took a moment to gather his thoughts before addressing the looming threat to the room.
His sentiment was that the threat of tariffs in the US is scary, but it affects most automakers, not just Hyundai Motor Group. Kia plans to keep the best interests of its customers in mind. The location of EV production and its position in the market are key factors in its business strategy. Still, if tariffs arise, Kias is ready to pivot its strategy to continue providing customers with the best technology at a competitive price (again, there was no mention of steering away from BEVs at all). That’s refreshing to hear.
Chinese BEVs also came up in interviews, and Mr. Song’s response was forthcoming and honest (again quite refreshing from a CEO):
Chinese brands are a big burden to all OEMs. Their prices are significantly lower, and they’re growing in new markets. We are growing too. Maybe someone is losing market share, but we aren’t. We cannot catch up with that price gap, but will continue to improve our technology and customer experience.
Alongside potential plans for the PV5 in the US, Kia executives also told the media that it is exploring the possibility of bringing the EV5 to the US but cannot confirm anything at this time. So, in total, we know the US will see sales of the Kia EV3 and EV4 for sure; the PV5 and EV5 are question marks, and the EV2 is a definitive no.
Overall, Kia’s EV Day 2035 showcased the brand’s continued innovation and expansion into new segments led by some of the best bang for your buck in technology and charging capabilities. Like Hyundai, Kia is becoming an absolute vanguard in BEVs (one of its internal goals), which is why its market share continues to grow (see evidence above). Here’s an up-close look at some of the sights from EV Day 2025, including footage of the EV4 sedan, hatchback, and GT-Line.
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Environment
Electric Bike Company merges with Integral Electrics following Pedego partnership
Published
11 hours agoon
February 27, 2025By
admin
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Several well-known players in the US electric bicycle market have recently joined forces in creative ways. Electric Bike Company, known for its local manufacturing in Southern California, has just announced a major merger with Integral Electrics, an e-bike brand uniquely designing electric bicycles for women and other short statured riders.
Both Electric Bike Company and Integral Electrics have carved out interesting niches in the industry. EBC has become famous for its extremely customizable electric bicycles. Riders can choose everything from the specific paint color to the combination of components and even the material choices – locally manufactured wooden fenders, anyone?
With multiple assembly locations across Newport Beach in Southern California, the local production has allowed EBC to respond quickly to one-of-a-kind builds that are designed by customers on its website or in any of hundreds of dealer locations around the US. The extreme customization has lent itself well to a market where customers often want to create unique bikes that show off personality and character.
Integral Electrics has also found itself an underrepresented market, but this time with a focus on female riders. The brand focuses on making cycling more accessible, regardless of a rider’s gender, height, or cycling experience. The company’s e-bikes are built to fit a wider range of riders, carry multiple children, and make cycling easier for everyone.
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The company’s founder and CEO Laura Belmar started Integral Electrics back in 2023 along with co-founder Paul Freedom, relying on her own experience struggling to find a cargo e-bike that she could comfortably ride with her children. A serial entrepreneur with successful ventures already under her belt, Belmar followed her instincts and tapped into that underserved market.
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Now Integral Electrics and Electric Bike Company are merging under a single brand, with Integral Electric’s designs joining the EBC family. EBC has several famous models available, but the brand has long skewed more in the direction of cruisers and comfort bikes. The addition of Integral Electric’s cargo bikes and trikes will help further round out the diversity of models offered.
“Integral’s emphasis on female riders and on cargo e-bikes is a welcome addition to the EBC family,” said EBC founder and CEO Sean Lupton-Smith. “We want to stay on the cutting edge of where the e-bike market is headed, and Integral’s innovative approach helps push us forward.”
And with EBC’s local manufacturing, those bikes will be made closer to home than ever. “Building in the USA also has distinct safety advantages,” explained Belmar. “From my first visit to Electric Bike Company’s California factory, I have been indelibly impressed by the emphasis on quality and safety. Shipping bikes fully built and inspected is so much safer for customers. Electric Bike Company has already achieved one of our long-held aspirations. I’m honored to be part of this team.”
In a climate of tariff uncertainty, the ability to build and assemble bikes locally is becoming even more advantageous. “As tariffs, regulation and competition put pressure on the e-bike industry, Sean’s focus on customization and safety at Electric Bike Company was prescient,” added Freeman. “As we look around the industry, it’s clear that he has built a business that is well-positioned to meet this moment.”
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As part of the merger, Belmar will assume the role of President and Chief Commercial Officer at EBC, and Integral Electrics’ Advisor Michael Edwards will join the EBC board.
The news of the merger follows quickly behind another major EBC partnership that saw Pedego ink a licensing deal with the brand to leverage EBC’s customization strengths to produce unique customer-designed Pedego e-bikes.
In addition to rolling out EBC’s Design Wall at many of Pedego’s stores, allowing customers to visually construct any e-bike combination right there in real-time on a large touchscreen, the partnership adds Pedego’s 150+ stores to EBC’s 250+ dealer network, giving customers access to one of the most extensive e-bike sales and service networks in the country.
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Environment
Honda’s $99 Prologue EV lease offer is too good to be true, but it’s still a crazy deal right now
Published
13 hours agoon
February 26, 2025By
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A nearly $50,000 electric SUV for just $99 a month? If that sounds too good to be true, it’s because it kind of is. One Honda dealer is promoting a Prologue lease offer for just $99 for 24 months, but you may have a hard time getting your hands on one.
Honda Prologue EV listed for lease at just $99 per month
Honda’s electric SUV is already one of the most popular EVs in the US. In December, it was the third top-selling electric vehicle trailing only the Tesla Model Y and Model 3.
Since the first models hit the streets last March, the Prologue climbed to become the seventh best-selling EV in 2024, beating out Chevy’s new Equinox EV and even the Rivian R1S.
Although Honda, like most, is offering generous discounts to clear inventory, one dealer is taking it to the extreme.
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Buena Park Honda in California is promoting a Honda Prologue lease deal for just $99 for 24 months (plus taxes) with a $3,977 down payment. The crazy low offer is for the 2024 Prologue EX FWD with 10,000 miles a year, but there’s a catch.
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For one, there’s only one model listed in its inventory, and it’s the Elite trim, listed at $51,850 (MSRP of $59,350 minus the $7,500 federal EV tax credit). You will also need a trade-in vehicle, including a 2014 or newer Honda or competitor brand.
A salesperson from the dealership told online auto research firm CarsDirect that the EX models are out of stock because they are “really hard to get your hands on.”
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Also, if you factor in the down payment and $595 acquisition fee, the effective cost is $295 per month. That’s only slightly better than the official $239 for a 24-month lease offer Honda is promoting. With just $1,499 due at signing, the effective rate is $301 per month, or just $6 more.
2024 Honda Prologue trim | Starting Price (w/o $1,395 destination fee) |
Starting price after tax credit (w/o $1,395 destination fee) |
Starting price after tax credit (with $1,395 destination fee) |
EPA Range (miles) |
EX (FWD) | $47,400 | $39,900 | $41,295 | 296 |
EX (AWD) | $50,400 | $42,900 | $44,295 | 281 |
Touring (FWD) | $51.700 | $44,200 | $45,595 | 296 |
Touring (AWD) | $54,700 | $47,200 | $48,595 | 281 |
Elite (AWD) | $57,900 | $50,400 | $51,795 | 273 |
Although this is offered in California and other CARB emissions states, the Prologue is on sale in different regions for just $209 for 24 months. With $2,699 due at signing, the effective rate is still just $321 per month.
Honda says the Prologue “delivers the same level of quality, reliability, and performance” you expect from the brand.
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Based on GM’s Ultium platform, the electric SUV has an EPA-estimated range of up to 296 miles. Although it shares GM’s tech, Honda fine-tuned the Prologue with an added multi-link front and rear suspension to give it a more “sporty” drive.
The Prologue has more interior space, with 111.7 cu ft of passenger volume, than the Honda CR-V (106 cu ft). It also features an 11.3″ touch-screen infotainment system with built-in Google, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto support, something GM has moved away from.
Ready to find deals in your area? Although it may not be $99, these offers are hard to pass up for a nearly $50,000 electric SUV. Check out our link to find deals on the Honda Prologue near you today.
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