In a bid to help the city of Kingston, Ontario achieve its sustainability goals, town leaders ordered two Mack LR Electric refuse models – the first two BEVs in its refuse fleet.

The City of Kingston developed a strategic plan for 2023-26 on its way to net-zero emissions by 2040. Part of that plan “to lead environmental stewardship” involve reducing carbon emissions from city operations with a comprehensive zero-emission fleet transition plan.

“We are excited for the opportunity to utilize the electric refuse trucks as some of our first ASL vehicles,” explains Karen Santucci, director, Public Works and Solid waste for the City of Kingston. “Increased safety for staff combined with a more environmentally friendly truck, offer benefits to both our staff and our residents.”

The city’s current refuse fleet currently includes 14 garbage trucks, seven recyclers, and two medium-duty packers. But while the Mack LR Electric models will be the first BEVs in the refuse fleet, Kingston also has two electric transit buses, six electric ice re-surfacers, and 35 light-duty BEVs and PHEVs in operation – so it’s well on its way towards full fleet electrification.

To support those electrification efforts, Kingston is deploying two of Mack Trucks’ 50kW Heliox chargers, with additional plans to deploy a 150 kW DCFC at their Transit Bus Depot.

The trucks themselves are among the first examples of the next-generation Mack LR Electrics to ship with 376 kWh NMC (Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide) lithium-ion batteries – which promise 42 percent more energy and increased range than before. Two electric motors produce 448 continuous horsepower and a staggering 4,051 lb-ft of torque from 0 RPM.

Electrek’s Take

Look, there is absolutely zero chance that I’ll be able to remain objective about anything that’s putting down more than four thousand lb-ft of torque. Make that thing quieter, cleaner, and generally better for me and my community, and there’s even less of a chance of me saying anything critical about it.

Here’s hoping more cities go electric rather sooner than later.

SOURCE | IMAGES: Mack Trucks.

The 2024 FIAT 500e MSRP is $6,500 cheaper than the Tesla Model 3, yet it costs $100 per month less to lease the Model 3 – here’s why.

The folks at CarsDirect did some lease comparisons between a Tesla Model 3 and a FIAT 500e. Based on a down payment of $3,409 in FIAT’s online payment estimator, the 2024 FIAT 500e is listed at $414 per month for a 36-month lease. That assumes an MSRP of $34,095 and 10,000 miles a year but doesn’t include the first month’s payment, bringing the amount at signing to at least $3,819, but before the acquisition fee. The FIAT’s effective cost comes out to $520 a month.

Compare that to the 2024 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range, which is listed at $299 a month, with $2,999 at signing for 36 months, 10,000 miles a year. The Model 3’s effective cost is $382 a month. It has an MSRP of $40,630 which is higher than the FIAT 500e’s MSRP by $6,535.

The FIAT 500e has a range of 141 miles. The cheapest Model 3 has a range of 272 miles, plus you of course get access to Tesla Superchargers.

The FIAT 500e doesn’t qualify for the IRA tax credit, and there’s some lease cash quirks: CarsDirect reported in April that Stellantis Financial is offering the 2024 Fiat 500e with $7,500 in lease cash, but Chrysler Capital is offering it with just $3,750. 

So if it’s practicalities and cost be damned because you’re in love with the FIAT 500e’s retro styling, make sure you hustle to get the best lease cash deal.

Click here to find a local dealer that may have the Tesla Model 3 in stock.–affiliate*

Click here to find a local dealer that may have the FIAT 500e in stock.–affiliate*

Read more: I just swapped a Tesla Model 3 for a Model Y and Elon Musk’s brutal layoffs ruined the experience

If you live in an area that has frequent natural disaster events, and are interested in making your home more resilient to power outages, consider going solar and adding a battery storage system. To make sure you find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage, a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. They have hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high quality solutions and save 20-30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and share your phone number with them.

Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisers to help you every step of the way. Get started here. –ad*

With new EVs rolling out, Chevy is looking for new ways for buyers to go electric. Chevy is offering no payments for 120 days on the new Equinox and Blazer EVs. However, there’s more to the deal you should know.

After ending production of the current-generation Bolt EV last December (don’t worry, a new Bolt is coming next year), Chevy is looking to a new era.

Based on GM’s Ultium platform, the new Equinox and Blazer EVs are now being delivered to customers. According to GM, the Equinox EV is the “most affordable” in its segment, with over 300 miles of range.

The 2LT, starting at $43,995, is already on the market. Meanwhile, orders for the lower-priced ($35,000) 1LT version are expected to open later this year.

After a stop-sale ended in March, Chevy slashed Blazer EV prices by up to $6,520, with a new starting price of just over $50,000. A lower-priced (under $50K) model will debut later this year.

Both new Chevy electric models are eligible for the $7,500 EV tax credit. With the credit included, Equinox prices fall as low as $35,795, while the Blazer EV can be bought for as low as $42,695.

Chevy is offering no payments for 120 days on new EVs

To up the ante, Chevy is offering buyers no payments for up to 120 days for purchasing the new Equinox or Blazer EVs.

However, according to online auto research firm CarsDirect, the deal may not be as good as it seems.

For example, the “Promo rate” on the 2024 Equinox is 5.99% for 72 months. For the Blazer EV, it’s 7.79% for 72 months. To make it worse, GM Financial allows dealers a 1.5% markup, meaning the Blazer EV could see a rate as high as 9.29% APR.

That would mean over $15,400 in interest on a $50,000 six-year loan (before taxes and fees). Despite the 120-day deferral, you will still be building interest.

Although new models qualify for the full EV tax credit, GM is offering $7,500 “Ultium Promise Bonus Cash” on older models.

For those shopping for a new Equinox or Blazer EV, ask the dealer if the model you’re looking at qualifies for the tax credit or not.

For a lower rate, Chevy is offering as low as 3.9% on the Equinox EV for 60 months. But that’s not part of the no payment for 120 days deal. Meanwhile, Tesla’s Model Y, with a current interest rate of 0.99% for 72 months, is still hard to beat.

If you’re shopping for a new vehicle, we can help you find the right model at the best price. You can use our links below to find deals on new EVs at a dealer near you.