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Mercedes-Benz shared that its new Wallbox EV charger is now available to customers throughout the US. The Level 2 home charger was designed in true Mercedes-Benz style and has internet-connected capabilities like remote functions and over-the-air updates. Specific Mercedes customers can receive a complimentary Wallbox charger with an EV purchase.

As you already know, Mercedes-Benz is one of the leading luxury automakers around the globe. In recent years, it has applied its design language and technological know-how to EVs under its EQ line.

To support this transition to sustainability, Mercedes has also developed and begun implementing a global charging ecosystem, which currently consists of 100,000 EV charging piles in the US alone. Last November, the German automaker opened its first branded Charging Hub in North America near its US headquarters outside Atlanta.

The station is part of a $1 billion joint venture to establish at least 400 Hubs that will become home to 2,500 DC fast chargers by 2030. The automaker is also part of the IONNA joint venture with six other OEMs to install at least 30,000 additional fast chargers across the continent.

On the home front, Mercedes has offered a Mobile Flex Cable that allows for Level 1 or Level 2 charging, included with every EQ EV purchase of 2024 models or newer. Additionally, the automaker developed a new charger with industry veteran Wallbox.

Today, Mercedes announced the new branded Wallbox charger is now widely available in the US and could be yours for free, depending on which model you buy.

Mercedes charger Wallbox
Source: Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz Wallbox charger now available

Mercedes shared details of its Wallbox home pile today, which features matching design language with the automaker and its other charging infrastructure. The charger connects to the internet and enables EV owners to remotely access, monitor, and control it from anywhere using a smartphone.

In addition to controlling charge sessions, users can estimate their home charging costs based on the energy consumed at any given rate from the local grid. The automaker shared that the new Level 2 charger can also receive OTA software updates, allowing for additional features in the future.

According to Mercedes, the Wallbox unit operates on a 240V split-circuit and can deliver up to 11.5 kW, about 8x faster than a charge using a conventional 110V outlet. It features a 23-foot charging cable to support various parking configurations and is equipped with a J1772 plug, although Mercedes-Benz has already shared plans to adopt the North American Charging Standard eventually.

The branded Wallbox charger is available at Mercedes-Benz dealers and requires professional installation, preferably through the automaker’s existing partner, Qmerit. Lastly, Mercedes shared that customers who purchase a model year 2023 EQE or EQS (all variants) qualify for a complimentary Wallbox unit.

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Is the Hyundai IONIQ 5 the best EV lease deal at just $179 a month?

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Is the Hyundai IONIQ 5 the best EV lease deal at just 9 a month?

The 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 got a major glow up with extra driving range, a sleek interior and exterior facelift, and even Tesla Supercharger access with an added NACS port. With leases starting at just $179 per month, the Hyundai IONIQ 5 might be your best bet to get into an EV right now.

How much does the 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 cost to lease?

Hyundai upgraded its best-selling electric SUV in every way possible for the 2025 model year. The 2025 IONIQ 5 can drive up to 318 miles on a single charge, recharge from 10% to 80% in under 20 minutes, and is available starting at just $42,500.

After cutting lease prices last month, the 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 was available to lease for as low as $179 per month.

The offer was set to end on July 7, but Hyundai extended it through its new “Hyundai Getaway Sales Event.” The 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 SE Standard Range model is still available for lease, starting at just $179 per month.

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That’s for the base version, which has a range of up to 245 miles. The offer is for a 24-month lease with $3,999 due at signing.

Hyundai-IONIQ-5-lease
2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 Limited (Source: Hyundai)

The long-range SE RWD variant, with a driving range of up to 318 miles, can be leased for as little as $199 per month. Upgrading to the AWD model will cost $249 per month. You can even snag the off-road XRT variant for $299 a month right now.

Hyundai upgraded the IONIQ 5 with a sleek facelift, adding to its already bold design. Inside, the 2025 IONIQ 5 features a redesigned center console, steering wheel, and HVAC control system based on driver feedback.

Hyundai-IONIQ-5-lease
2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 Limited interior (Source: Hyundai)

It also features a more powerful, next-gen infotainment system. The setup includes dual 12.3″ driver display and infotainment screens with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, voice-recognition, and more.

If you’re looking for something a little bigger, Hyundai’s three-row electric SUV, the IONIQ 9 (Check out our review), is listed for lease starting at just $419 per month.

2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 Trim EV Powertrain Driving Range (miles) Starting Price*  Monthly lease price July 2025
IONIQ 5 SE RWD Standard Range 168-horsepower rear motor 245 $42,500 $179
IONIQ 5 SE RWD 225-horsepower rear motor 318 $46,550 $199
IONIQ 5 SEL RWD 225-horsepower rear motor 318 $49,500 $209
IONIQ 5 Limited RWD 225-horsepower rear motor 318 $54,200 $309
IONIQ 5 SE Dual Motor AWD 320-horsepower dual motor 290 $50,050 $249
IONIQ 5 SEL Dual Motor AWD 320-horsepower dual motor 290 $53,000 $259
IONIQ 5 XRT Dual Motor  AWD 320 horsepower dual motor 259 $55,400 $359
IONIQ 5 Limited Dual Motor AWD 320-horsepower dual motor 269 $58,100 $299
2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 prices and range by trim (*includes $1,475 destination fee)

To sweeten the deal, Hyundai is throwing in a free ChargePoint Level 2 home charger with the purchase or lease of a new 2025 IONIQ 5 or 2026 IONIQ 9.

Both the 2025 IONIQ 5 and 2026 IONIQ 9 are built at Hyundai’s new EV plant in Georgia. The current lease offers include the $7,500 federal EV tax credit, which is set to expire at the end of September. Hyundai’s new deals are available through September 2, 2025.

Ready to test one out for yourself? We can help you get started. You can use our links below to find deals on the Hyundai IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 9 near you.

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Tesla Semi efficiency improves in real-world trucking test covering 4,494 miles over 3 weeks

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Tesla Semi efficiency improves in real-world trucking test covering 4,494 miles over 3 weeks

The Tesla Semi, Tesla’s electric Class 8 semi-truck, saw its efficiency improve in a new real-world trucking test covering 4,494 miles over three weeks.

The Tesla Semi underwent significant changes over the years of delays.

Tesla officially unveiled the “production version” in 2022, but the vehicle never entered volume production. It is expected to finally happen at the end of the year at a new factory in Nevada.

When unveiling the “production version”, which turned out not to be the final production version, Elon Musk said that the Tesla Semi has an efficiency of 1.7 kWh per mile.

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In September 2024, Tesla reported improvements in its own fleet after covering 250,000 miles. It claimed to be achieving 1.6 kWh per mile.

Last year, two Tesla Semi customers got closer to what Musk claimed in 2022. DHL got 1.72 kWh per mile in their own test, and Saia got 1.73 kWh per mile.

Now, Tesla Semi appears to have improved quite a bit in a new real-world test by logistics company ArcBest.

The company claims to have put Tesla Semi through regular operations, varying from lane dispatch to regional runs over three weeks:

Over a three-week period, ABF operated a Tesla Semi across typical dispatch lanes, including over-the-road routes between service centers in Reno, Nevada and Sacramento, California. The pilot also included regional runs in the Bay Area and rail shuttle operations.

ArcBest claims that Tesla Semi averaged 1.55 kWh per mile during the three weeks:

The electric Semi logged 4,494 miles, averaging 321 miles per day with an overall energy efficiency of 1.55 kWh per mile.

Efficiency in the trucking business varies considerably based on several factors, including the load, but it is nonetheless an impressive performance.

Dennis Anderson, ArcBest chief innovation officer, commented on the test program:

“Freight transportation is a vital part of the global economy, and we know it also plays a significant role in overall greenhouse gas emissions. While the path to decarbonization presents complex challenges — such as infrastructure needs and alternative fuel development — it also opens the door to innovation. Vehicles like the Tesla Semi highlight the progress being made and expand the boundaries of what’s possible as we work toward a more sustainable future for freight.”

Tesla says that the truck should enter volume production toward the end of the year and customer deliveries are expected to start next year.

While the efficiency of the electric truck has improved, we previously reported that its price has increased significantly.

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Range Rover finally has a logo, just in time for the brand’s first electric SUV

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Range Rover finally has a logo, just in time for the brand's first electric SUV

Range Rover now has its own logo for the first time. The luxury automaker is unveiling a sleek new look as it gears up to launch its first electric SUV later this year.

Since it launched its first vehicle in 1970, the Range Rover badge has become an iconic status symbol. You can’t miss the classic Range Rover look.

With its first EV due out later this year, the luxury automaker is preparing for a new era. JLR revealed the new Range Rover logo, a first for the luxury automaker, during an investor presentation.

The new logo is a stark contrast to the “Range Rover” badge we are accustomed to seeing, featuring a minimalist design similar to the Rolls-Royce emblem.

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JLR told Autocar that the new logo won’t replace the signature Range Rover badge at the front or rear. Instead, it will be used to complement it.

“The Range Rover Motif has been developed as a smaller symbol for where our familiar Range Rover device mark does not fit, such as on a label or as part of a repeating pattern, and within event spaces where an emblem is more appropriate,” the company said.

With Range Rover’s first electric SUV set to hit showrooms later this year, will we see it featured on the new EV? JLR confirmed in May that the Range Rover Electric now has over 61,000 clients on the waitlist.

The company claims the new EV is undergoing “the most intensive testing any Range Rover vehicle has ever endured” ahead of its big debut later this year.

According to Thomas Müller, Range Rover’s executive director of product engineering, the electric SUV is already outperforming some of its top gas-powered models.

JLR has already begun testing new EV production lines at its Solihull, UK, plant in preparation for the new Range Rover model. Next year, the luxury brand is expected to introduce the smaller Sport and Velar EV models.

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