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The 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS: Price, Range and Why This Is the Most Advanced Mercedes Ever

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS: Price, Range and Why This Is the Most Advanced Mercedes Ever

2022 Mercedes Benz EQS

Tesla can’t be the best at everything. The world’s leading electric vehicle manufacturer arguably has the best technology integration, an impressive global charging network, and some of the best range out there. However, Tesla’s luxury competitors seem to have found its weaknesses.

It’s hard not to compare every electric vehicle to Tesla. Considering their lead in the EV segment, it would be irresponsible not to. The 2022 Mercedes EQS is an example of what’s possible when legacy automakers take EVs seriously. Is it a real contender that big wallets should consider? If the EQS is a sign of things to come from Mercedes, luxury aficionados have a lot to look forward to.

Mercedes-Benz EQS Exterior: It Looks Like a Marine Mammal FOR A REASON

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, right? The 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS is not the prettiest luxury sedan. In fact, many think it’s outright ugly. CarEdge’s Zach Sheska says the EQS looks like a dolphin, and nothing will change his mind. Here’s the thing: it looks like a dolphin for a reason!

What are dolphins good at? Maneuvering through the water effortlessly. The Mercedes EQS’ blunt-nosed looks are the product of German engineers’ efforts to streamline the shape of the vehicle. No matter what you think about the looks, it worked. The EQS has the lowest drag coefficient of any production vehicle in history at just 0.20. The EQS slices through the air with less resistance than any other car you can buy. The results? A silent ride and excellent range. 

The question remains, will luxury buyers fork over $100,000 for a Mercedes that looks like this?

2022 Mercedes Benz EQS dolphin

Other than the overall shape, nothing about the EQS’ exterior is particularly eye-catching. It’s a long car, at just over 207 inches. The length adds to the teardrop look of the car (it’s all about efficiency!) Yet, it doesn’t quite look like any other Mercedes-Benz. Subtle light bars in both the front and rear accent the EQS with a touch of modernity that most Mercedes models dare not approach. 

2022 Mercedes Benz EQS

Just about the only thing the EQS has in common with the revered S-class is the general price range over $100,000. Buyers who tend to go for tradition rather than innovation will likely choose the latter. The differences don’t end on the exterior.

Mercedes-Benz EQS Interior: A New Approach to Mercedes Luxury

2022 Mercedes Benz EQS hyperscreen

Mercedes-Benz says it tasked their engineers and interior designers with the mission of rethinking what’s possible in a luxury interior. They wanted a completely new approach, unlike anything that had been seen before. Today, Mercedes considers the result a unique pairing of avant-garde and tradition. It’s where tranquility and interactivity come together. Is it enough to make up for how it looks on the outside? 

Plenty of Passenger Room

2022 Mercedes Benz EQS passenger space

Mercedes has not announced the official cabin volume, but we can see from the generous headroom (40.4 inches) and legroom (41.7 inches) that the EQS is a large sedan. 

Cargo Capacity

2022 Mercedes Benz EQS cargo

The EQS has 22 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, accessible via a hatchback-like trunk. With the seats folded down, this sedan-turned-hatchback opens up to 63 cubic feet of cargo space. 

EQS Hyperscreen

Stepping into the EQS, eyes are immediately drawn to the 56 inch Hyperscreen that wraps from the gauge cluster all the way to the passenger door. The EQS Hyperscreen is essentially three screens built into one seamless panel. There’s a digital gauge cluster, a vertical center screen for navigation, comfort controls, and entertainment and something Tesla certainly doesn’t have: a passenger screen. The EQS passenger screen is such a game-changer that I suspect Tesla will bring a passenger screen to the Model S and Model X in response.

2022 Mercedes Benz EQS hyperscreen

Passengers in the EQS have the freedom to do almost everything that the driver can do. Using the EQS passenger screen, you can make phone calls, adjust seating comfort, climate control settings, access endless entertainment and even vehicle navigation. In the EQS, the front passenger can be a real co-pilot! 

Speaking of aviation, the EQS has an excellent heads up display. It’s more functional than the ones you’ll find in most vehicles. In the EQS, the heads-up display does not only indicate speed and highway signage. Arrows guide the driver through navigation in real time, and Level 2 driver assistance visualizes following distance with radar-like precision.

Personalized Tech

Ambient lighting accents are well placed throughout the front and rear cabin. Mercedes has given the EQS customizable ‘sound experiences’ to replace the traditional rumble of combustion. In the center console is a fingerprint reader. This device recognizes who is in the car and adjusts seating position and other features accordingly. 

If you’re a fan of Tesla’s ‘Easter eggs’, you’ll be happy to learn that Mercedes includes what they call ‘graphical goodies’ in the EQS. Holiday and seasonal themes adorn the infotainment with quirky little nuances that add character to the silence of the EV. 

2022 Mercedes Benz EQS tech
EQS Technology; DRIVE PILOT EQS Technology; DRIVE PILOT

The MBUX infotainment technology shines as a responsive and user-friendly navigation system and access point for vehicle controls and entertainment. A 360-degree camera system provides assistance with parking, and doubles as your security monitor. Yup, just like Tesla Sentry Mode.

The Mercedes EQS is data-heavy. Accessible via the center screen is real-time power distribution data that shows exactly how much electricity is being consumed by each part of the vehicle. Sure, it’s basically the same display we see in the $45,000 Hyundai IONIQ 5, but it’s still great to have.

Mercedes is pioneering Level 2 and Level 3 advanced driver assistance on a path to eventual autonomy. On select German roads, the EQS can maneuver in traffic at speeds up to 38 mph. Eventually, Mercedes’ Level 3 driver assistance may be available in North America.

2022 Mercedes Benz EQS autonomy
The new EQS: Sensors of the driver assistance systems.

2022 Mercedes EQS Trims and Pricing

The entry-level Mercedes EQS 450+ starts at $103,360. It’s properly-equipped for the price point, but lacks the Hyperscreen found in higher trims. The EQS 450+ tops out at $109,560 for the Pinnacle trim. The EQS 580 Premium picks up at $120,105, adding another motor, 187 more horsepower and a step up in luxury. A top-of-the-line EQS 580 Pinnacle costs $126,360, but a fully-loaded car goes even higher.

Here are the trim and pricing details for the 2022 Mercedes EQS:

2022 Mercedes Benz EQS pricing

Mercedes-Benz EQS Range, Charging and Performance

According to the United States EPA, the 2022 Mercedes EQS 450+ is rated for 350 miles of range. Edmunds found that the EQS can make it 422 miles on their test track, making it the new all time range l in their testing. Although the Tesla Model S Long Range is rated for just over four hundred miles, real world mileage tends to be a tad lower. Only the brand-new 2022 Lucid Air has a longer range.

Mercedes-Benz EQS Charging 

Powering the EQS is a 107.8 kWh lithium-ion battery pack supplied by CATL. Mercedes advertises up to 200 kW charge rates at DC fast chargers. Early tests show that the charging curve is pretty good, making it possible to charge from 10 to 80% in just 28 minutes. A deep-dive analysis by InsideEVs found that the average charge rate during a session is 155 kW, which is exceptional.

Over 80% of charging is done at home, and the EQS is behind the competition in this regard. Add a level to 240-volt charger at home, the eqs can only accept up to 9.6 KW. That means it will take around 11 hours to fill the battery from an empty charge. Keep in mind that charging is typically done overnight while you sleep and the battery is rarely drained to 0%, so this is not likely to be a problem for most drivers. You always have the option of plugging in at a public DC fast charger if you’re in a hurry. 

Mercedes-Benz EQS Performance

The EQS 450+ features a rear-wheel drive electric motor that generates 329 horsepower and 406 lb-feet of torque. Stepping up to the EQS 580 4Matic, the car gets an electric motor on each axle, and a lot more power. The EQS 580 has a total output of 516 HP and 611 lb-feet of torque. The car weighs nearly 6,000 pounds, so the power isn’t as jaw-dropping as it sounds.

Mercedes estimates the rear-drive variant will accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds. The dual-motor EQS 580 4Matic drops the zero-to-60-mph time to 4.1 seconds. A Tesla Model S is two seconds quicker, but do you really need that much power?

2022 Mercedes Benz EQS pricing

Handling is more forgiving with a softer ride than you’ll find in a Tesla. To most Mercedes buyers, that’s a good thing. The firm ride is not desirable to most Mercedes customers. The EQS is a car built for cruising, not for the track. An adaptive air suspension ensures that passengers are in for a silent and smooth ride.

How Do I Buy a Mercedes EQS?

The buying process is pretty simple for the 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS, if you can find one. Mercedes lets you build and configure the EQS on their website, but if you’re looking to buy, you will have to go through a Mercedes dealership. The automaker advises potential buyers that the ongoing chip shortage is limiting various supplies and impacting pricing. Make sure you are prepared with car buying know-how before you walk into a dealership. 

A few used Mercedes EQS’ are already available in some parts of the country. Don’t forget that you can check out new and used vehicle listings as well as auto industry insights at the CarEdge Car Search. It’s more than your average vehicle listing service. CarEdge Car Search was made to give the consumer the upper hand when buying a vehicle. 

CarEdge’s Take

Unfortunately, you don’t always get what you pay for. True value is hit-or-miss in today’s automotive market, whether you’re looking for a budget vehicle or a luxury sedan. Even Tesla’s are sometimes delivered with shocking quality control faults. The 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS does have a luxury price tag, but buyers of this spaceship-like electric vehicle are getting their money’s worth and then some. 

On the other hand, Mercedes and the other German luxury brands are late to the EV game. Tesla sold nearly 1 million Vehicles last year, and they’re opening two additional factories in 2022. Will the Mercedes EQS be a force to be reckoned with? Or will it sell in limited volume as Tesla continues to dominate? We’d love to hear from luxury vehicle customers. What’s your take on what Mercedes-Benz is offering with the 2022 EQS luxury electric vehicle?

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What Is a Self-Driving Car? Your Guide to Autonomous Vehicles

What Is a Self-Driving Car? Your Guide to Autonomous Vehicles

2022 Lucid Air
2022 Lucid Air luxury sedan

What does 2022 have in common with the 1939 World’s Fair? It’s the feeling that autonomous vehicles are right around the corner. Nearly every automaker, from Tesla to Ford, has overpromised and underdelivered on their plans for autonomous driving. Tesla CEO Elon Musk said it himself recently in an interview with researcher Lex Fridman. “I thought the self-driving problem would be hard, but it’s harder than I thought. I thought it would be very hard, but it was even harder than that,” Musk reflected. He’s not the only one to misjudge the enormity of the task at hand. You’d think automakers would stop giving themselves deadlines that are destined for letdowns. 

It turns out that there’s been one overarching theme in the learnings from the past decade of development. Engineers now see that in order for self-driving cars to be safe and successful, cars will have to learn to think like a human. Computers are exceedingly good at performing repetitive tasks. What they’re not great at is responding to unique situations full of unknowns. The human brain is more capable than some give it credit for. We’re very good at dealing with unknowns and making complex decisions on the fly. 

After reading this article, you’ll better understand what self driving cars are, the difference between self-driving cars and autonomous vehicles, and the terms and jargon associated with self-driving cars. Let’s dive in. 

What Is a Self-Driving Car?

2022 Tesla Model 3
2022 Tesla Model 3 Updates

As you’re soon about to learn, the world of autonomous cars and self-driving technology is full of terms worth defining. For starters, what is self-driving in the world of transportation? Self-driving cars can drive in some or even all situations without driver input, but a human must always be ready to take control. Think of them as a crucial stepping stone on the path to full autonomy.

Self-driving cars are not fully autonomous. In the world of professional engineering, ‘automation’ is the preferred term for the sliding scale of vehicle operation status. In fact, the United States National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) refrains from using the term “self-driving” at all, and most engineers disagree with the use of the term. Let’s dive into the terms and definitions that relate to so-called self-driving cars, and the future of automation as a whole. 

Terms and Definitions: A Self-Driving Primer

First, let’s clear the confusion. Talking about automated cars warrants a glossary of its own. Being well-informed is the key to knowledge, and we all know knowledge is power. Here’s a list of the terminology you’re likely to encounter in a self-driving world. In most cases, the difference is in the finest of details. 

Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS)

These are technological features designed to improve driving safety. These software-based systems improve a driver’s ability to react to adverse situations on the road. Examples include adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning and lane departure warning. ADAS features are very common in newer car models. 

Autonomous or Automated Vehicle

This term is thrown around a lot, but a true autonomous vehicle is capable of sensing its environment and operating without human involvement. Human passengers can take their eyes off the road and just enjoy the ride. Imagine entering the destination address, and that’s it. Autonomous vehicles can do everything that an attentive human driver can do. 

Autopilot

Usually referring to Tesla Autopilot, which is a suite of ADAS features that enable the vehicle to steer within a lane and adjust speed in response to surrounding traffic. It’s essentially adaptive cruise control plus lane centering. Autopilot is standard on all new Tesla models.

Full Self-Driving

Tesla “Full Self-Driving” in its current iteration is not much different from driver assistance technologies. Tesla enthusiasts, relax. That’s likely to change as Tesla updates the software regularly via over-the-air updates that simply require WiFi to install. Automotive engineers generally refrain from using this term altogether, as it’s more associated with marketing than with engineering automation. A true full self-driving car can navigate roads with human supervision. Tesla’s program is getting close, but as thousands of videos online will show you, Tesla FSD is not quite there yet. It is impressive though. Tesla FSD can be yours (someday) for an additional $12,000 when you buy a new Tesla vehicle.

Geofencing

This is when a vehicle’s operation is limited to a restricted geographic area. For example, Waymo’s driverless vehicles are geofenced to only operate in the Phoenix metropolitan area. Geofenced autonomous vehicles will grow in popularity before true, independent autonomous vehicles put rubber on public roads.

LiDAR

Light Detection and Ranging. LiDAR is the go-to ‘radar’ technology for nearly all self-driving innovators. Except of course for Tesla, who seems to think image processing with cameras is the way to go. LiDAR can ‘see’ through low visibility conditions, including fog and heavy rain.

Self-Driving Vehicle

When a vehicle can perform most driving tasks in a geofenced area, but with constant human monitoring and intervention when needed, some in the automotive industry consider it to be self-driving. The degree of human input varies. More on that below…

The Six Levels of Automation

2022 Tesla Lineup
2022 Tesla lineup

But wait, there’s more! Engineers rate the levels of automation based on how independently the system can perform tasks, and how much human input and supervision is required. Here are the basics of the five levels of automation, according to the Society of Automotive Engineers.

  • Level Zero – Limited to warnings and brief takeover of vehicle control. Ex: auto emergency braking, blind spot warning, lane departure warning
  • Level One – Steering OR acceleration/braking. Ex: lane centering OR adaptive cruise control
  • Level Two – Provides both steering AND acceleration/braking. Ex: lane centering AND adaptive cruise control
  • Level Three – The car can drive independently under certain conditions. Ex: automated driving at slow speeds
  • Level Four –  Geofenced automated driving; steering wheel optional. Ex: Waymo’s local driverless taxi
  • Level Five – The autonomous vehicle can operate anywhere without driver input or attention

Now that we’ve covered the engineering and industry jargon, let’s revisit our definition. 

What exactly is self-driving technology? The most agreeable definition is that self-driving cars fall within level 3 or level 4 automation, in which the vehicle can perform most driving tasks in a geofenced area, but with constant human monitoring and intervention when needed. Fully autonomous vehicles fall within the ultimate frontier of automotive engineering, Level 5. A true autonomous vehicle can operate from start to finish without driver input or attention. Imagine reading a book or taking a nap on your way to work.

Are There Any Self-Driving Cars Today?

No cars on today’s roads are capable of fully autonomous driving. Automated driving remains years away, however tremendous resources are committed to the cause of unraveling the ultimate challenge in automotive engineering. Tesla’s Autopilot and Full Self-Driving features are branded as Level 2 systems, which means that constant supervision is required, and intervention is to be expected. This discrepancy between the Level 2 classification of Tesla’s driver assistance systems and the names of the products remains the source of much controversy among engineers and driver safety advocates alike. Can’t we all agree that honest advertising is always in the interest of safety and responsibility?

Aside from automakers, there are dozens of other companies innovating in the autonomous driving space. Waymo, Argo AI and Cruise are all putting geofenced autonomous cars on the road today for real-world testing and limited customer use for ride-hailing. What is a self-driving car in 2022? It’s likely a prototype with limited use.

What’s Next?

Tesla is the clear leader in advanced driver assistance systems. However, the extent of Tesla’s lead among industry competitors is not nearly as clear as it was a few years ago. Tesla has taken a bold step away from using radar for sensory inputs. The decision to remove LiDAR from new Tesla models starting in 2020 was so controversial that some senior engineers quit in protest. 

2022 Mercedes EQS , a self-driving car of the future
2022 Mercedes EQS

Remarkably, Tesla is no longer the only automaker breaking autonomy barriers. In 2021, Mercedes-Benz became the very first automaker to get regulatory approval for Level 3 autonomous driving on limited public roads. For now, Mercedes Drive Pilot is available on 8,197 miles of German highways at speeds up to 37 miles per hour. What makes Mercedes Drive Pilot so special is that it is the first approved consumer-ready system to permit the driver to take their attention away from the road while the vehicle is in motion. Even Tesla’s Full Self-Driving feature does not permit the driver to direct their attention elsewhere, despite evidence of the contrary on social media.

Level 2 For Now

For the foreseeable future, American roads will see even more Level 2 driver assistance systems calculating their way through traffic as nearly every automaker in the market steps up their autonomy game. Level 3 remains in development, even for Tesla. Mercedes has not announced if it will seek approval in the US anytime soon, likely due to the murky regulatory environment.

Fully automated driving is likely in our future, but no one knows when it will be safe and accessible to all. The pace of innovation ebbs and flows. Engineers, regulatory agencies and insurance companies have some hard problems to solve. For now, proceed with caution when at the wheel of a “self-driving” vehicle. Their arrival is a great reason to look twice when crossing the street. You never know who (or what) might be coming around the corner.

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Over-the-Air (OTA) Updates: How Automakers Are Betting on Software to Keep Up With the Pace of Innovation

Over-the-Air (OTA) Updates: How Automakers Are Betting on Software to Keep Up With the Pace of Innovation

2024 Silverado EV
2024 Silverado EV RST

At what point does a car become more of a computer on wheels? Computer integration in the automotive industry is nothing new, however it’s accelerating at breakneck speed. Both software and hardware become outdated in no time at all. Is there a way for car buying habits to steer clear of the two-year replacement cycle that smartphones have fallen into? 

As soon as computers grew wheels (in the form of electric vehicles), forward-thinking automakers launched over-the-air (OTA) update capabilities. Tesla was the first to do it, and now the likes of Ford, GM and Volkswagen are among the legacy OEMs marketing their vehicles as OTA-ready. Although, not all who’ve tried it have succeeded without hiccups. Here’s how OTA updates are changing car ownership, and what’s to come in the years ahead. 

What Is an Over-the-Air (OTA) Update?

EV charging costs

You know when your phone gives you a push notification about scheduling a time to install the latest software updates and bug fixes? Well, cars can do that too now. OTA updates are not just for software fixes. With OTA capability, vehicles can receive enhanced performance and safety improvements via a simple wireless internet connection. 

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OTA updates eliminate the need for making a service center visit for many simple fixes and updates. The updates are sent and downloaded via access to a cloud-based server with a wireless internet connection. Many updates are free of charge, and all safety enhancements are at no cost. However, we are entering a new era where OTA presents a new revenue stream for car makers.

Everyone’s getting in on the subscription business, and the auto industry is no different. There are two kinds of OTA updates: those for infotainment, and those for vehicle performance and control. They may target either software or firmware, the latter of which required more advanced security protocols to implement.

Infotainment OTA Updates

Head up display Kia EV6
2022 Kia EV6

Infotainment updates improve the user experience. A classic example is how Volkswagen ID.4 owners are pleading for an improved infotainment performance after the original equipment was delivered with a laggy touchscreen and haptic buttons. Fortunately for ID.4 owners, the car is among VW’s first generation of OTA-capable models, and a fix is on the way. 

Sometimes, OTA revisions cause frustration and even anger from customers. Tesla recently pushed the Version 11 user interface to all of it’s vehicles via over-the-air download. The result was strong critical feedback from customers, most of whom were complaining about the automaker trying to fix something that wasn’t broken.

Vehicle Performance and Control OTA Updates

GM Ultium battery
GM Ultium Battery and Powertrain

How is it that the 2023 Tesla Model 3 has a quicker 0-60 time now than it had when it was first purchased? Or how Tesla vehicles can gain or lose access to the controversially-named ‘full self-driving’ based on driver safety scores? With OTA capability, automakers can send everything from a power boost to a pedestrian avoidance feature to cars already in driver’s hands. 

Vehicle performance and control updates can include updates to the vehicle’s powertrain, chassis systems, and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). Of course, updates to these critical components of a vehicle are only possible when the components are electronically controlled and operated. For this reason, an older car model can’t be retrofitted to become OTA capable. 

Examples of fixes and improvements automakers have installed via OTA

  • Tesla offers an ‘acceleration boost’ for the popular Model Y that lowers the 0-60 time from 4.8 to 4.2 seconds
  • Tesla regularly updates the ‘full self-driving’ upgrade, which is currently in beta testing
  • The Cadillac Escalade has received GM’s first big OTA update to improve the SuperCruise hands-free driver assistance (ADAS) technology
  • Ford delayed the release of a major OTA update for the BlueCruise hands-free driver assistance (ADAS) technology 
  • Volkswagen released the first of a series of promised software updates targeted at improving the infotainment experience

Which Automakers Offer OTA Updates?

Tesla was the first automaker to roll out over-the-air capabilities with the launch of the Model S in 2012. After years of skepticism from the competition, here are the other OEMs that have announced or commenced OTA updates in their vehicles:

AutomakerOTA-Upgraded Components
AudiNavigation
BMWInfotainment, optional features
FordADAS, several other components
General MotorsNearly every vehicle component on EVs, major components on combustion vehicles
HondaInfotainment
HyundaiInfotainment, voice assistance
Jaguar/Land RoverInfotainment, charging capabilities
LucidNearly every vehicle component and system
Mercedes-BenzInfotainment, navigation
NissanInfotainment
PolestarNearly every vehicle component and system
PorscheLimited functions
RivianNearly every vehicle component and system
Stellantis (FCA)Infotainment
TeslaNearly every vehicle component and system
ToyotaInfotainment
VolkswagenSeveral vehicle components and systems on EVs
VolvoNearly every vehicle component and system

Are OTA Updates Safe?

2023 Cadillac Lyriq
2023 Cadillac Lyriq

We’re used to having virus protection on our computers. If we don’t, bad guys will find a way to compromise the computer and access personal information. Are the same security and privacy concerns applicable to automotive OTA updates? 

Since OTA updates require a wireless internet connection to install, there are risks for malware and the unintended release of personal information. The best way to protect yourself from these risks is to only accept OTA updates while connected to a secure network, such as the wifi network at your home. Don’t try updating your car at the fast food or coffee shop drive thru!

What’s Next?

EV charging costs
2022 Volkswagen ID.4

Over-the-air updates are about to take the auto industry by storm. Now that major OEMs are proudly marketing their ability to improve the user experience (which itself sounds like they’re selling more of a tech product than a car), a paradigm shift is at hand. Volkswagen Group CEO Herbert Diess recently told The Verge about VW’s plan for a reimagined future where the relationship between the automaker and customers is more intimate and dynamic with the power of OTA updates and new ways of customizing the ownership experience.

Imagine: for a long time, we did not have access to a customer as a company. The customer access was exclusively with our retail network. What we experienced over time was that people walk away from our retail outlets and go to third parties to substitute some of the spare parts or buy new tires. Now, we have a new opportunity to be in direct contact with the customer, which is totally new for us.

New Revenue Streams for Automakers

Not only is the largest automaker in the world committing to OTA capability, the likes of Ford, GM and even tech-cautious Toyota are joining the bandwagon too. Will OTA updates remain a free upgrade for millions of car owners? Unfortunately, that’s already slipping away. Tesla offers acceleration boost upgrades for its popular Model Y for $2,000, and Toyota recently tried making customers pay for remote start, a feature that is OTA-controlled. 

Even the CEO over at Volkswagen Group acknowledges the new money-making avenues made possible by software updates, telling The Verge that eventually, customers will have to pay for what they want.

We have that revenue in mind for sure as well. Customers will be prepared for some features they didn’t buy at the start, probably after a few years or after a few months — even if they consider taking another option or another software feature, the customers would be prepared to pay a monthly fee or a one-time expenditure.”

CarEdge’s Take

There are advantages and disadvantages of OTA update capabilities, but it seems that the advantages far outweigh any negatives that may come with this game-changing technology. As Tesla has shown the industry, there’s a future not too far away when most recalls may be fixed via a quick overnight update, and vehicles get better over time, helping them to retain resale value.

Are you ready to treat your vehicle more like a smartphone than a means of transportation? What do you think the outcome of this major industry shift will be for consumers, dealers and automakers? Will dealerships falter without the steady stream of vehicle service that they’re used to? Only time will tell. 

CES 2022: The 5 Biggest Automotive News Stories

CES 2022: The 5 Biggest Automotive News Stories

Chrysler Airflow EV

CES 2022 was marked by innovations in the metaverse, NFTs, crypto, and sustainability. But many of the greatest headlines from CES 2022 were in the arena of automotive news. Here are five stories that stood out from automakers that brought their best and brightest. 

Sony’s VISION-S Initiative Becomes Sony Mobility

Sony EV Concept

At CES 2020, Sony announced “VISION-S,” an initiative to bring Sony’s tech know-how into the world of mobility. There was a prototype sedan on display, and it was all the rage among automotive and PlayStation enthusiasts. Sony secretly started public road testing in Europe in December of the same year, and has now shared that they were conducting a number of driver experience tests featuring their cutting-edge vehicle technology platform under development. 

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Two years after kindling their own automotive rumors, Sony CEO Kenichiro Yoshida confirmed the establishment of Sony Mobility at CES 2022. During the announcement, Sony unveiled Vision-S 02, an electric crossover prototype, but offered no specific details about pricing or release dates. With the electric vehicle space getting more and more crowded as legacy OEMs and startups alike unveil their EV plans, Sony must be quite confident that they have something special to bring to the table as they launch Sony Mobility. We’ll be following this one closely.

Chevrolet and Cadillac Introduce Electric Concepts, an electric Silverado and More

Chevrolet Equinox EV

Arguably the biggest headline out of CES 2022 was the full unveiling of the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV. With up to 400 miles of range, powerful performance and both luxury and work-oriented trims, the 2024 Silverado EV is positioned to fiercely compete with the F-150 Lightning and Rivian R1T. Who knows, maybe the Tesla CyberTruck will be trickling out of Tesla’s Gigafactory by the time the Silverado EV arrives in customer hands starting in 2023. 

Electric vehicles are still expensive. Until prices come down, most consumers won’t be considering going electric for their next purchase. That’s why Chevrolet’s announcement of a $30,000 electric Equinox is a big deal for the whole industry. Coming in 2023, the Equinox EV will be based on GM’s highly-efficient and affordable Ultium platform.

Cadillac is slated to become the first GM brand to go all electric by 2030. The 2023 Cadillac Lyriq will be the first electric Cadillac to arrive at dealerships later this year, and it’s one beautiful luxury crossover. However, it turns out the Cadillac has even more ambitious plans on the table. 

At CES, Cadillac introduced the funky and far-out InnerSpace concept. The InnerSpace ‘design experience,’ as Cadillac puts it, is the latest addition to their Halo Concept Portfolio. The InnerSpace is a two-passenger autonomous electric luxury concept vehicle that features nearly 360-degree panoramic views, massive LED displays with integrated augmented reality, and ‘wellness recovery’ features. It sure is something to think about.

Batteries Not Included: EV Startup VinFast Is Entering the US Market

VinFast EV VF8

VinFast has been taking the EV scene by storm. Part of their sudden popularity is probably due to the EV stock craze, but some of the attention is because of the different and controversial approach the Vietnamese startup is taking for power supply. VinFast says it will lease batteries to customers rather than including them as standard equipment. They likely took inspiration from Chinese electric automaker Nio’s success with battery swapping, but at least batteries come with their vehicles. 

Also at CES 2022, VinFast shared prototypes of their upcoming electric SUVs, the VF-8 and VF-9. VinFast already began deliveries of its first electric SUV in Vietnam last year. It intends to deliver six EVs to international markets by mid-2023. 

At CES, the company shared pricing for two models that are nearing production. The midsized VF 8 SUV will start at $41,000. The three-row VF 9 will start at $56,000. However, there’s a big catch. Those prices are without the battery! We’ll see how North American consumers feel about buying an EV without its most essential component. 

Stellantis’ Chrysler Airflow Envisions an All-Electric Future for the Automaker

Talk about ambition! In 2022, Chrysler has zero electric vehicles for sale. In fact, it doesn’t intend to sell any EVs until 2025. No big deal, right? What if I told you that by 2028, Chrysler plans to be 100% electric? As crazy as that sounds, that’s exactly the plan that Stellantis shared with us at CES 2022. From the looks of it, they do have a promising EV in the works.

The 2025 Chrysler Airflow is a sleek electric sedan concept that may be closer to production than it seems. The automaker calls it a technology-forward design optimized for efficiency and driver experience. The Airflow integrates leading-edge drive-system technology with intuitive AI and connected vehicle technology that delivers 350- to 400-mile range. They also say it includes the new “STLA SmartCockpit, powered by STLA Brain, that enables an extension of digital, work and home environments, all in sync to create a personalized experience for every passenger.”

Chrysler also says that the Airflow will include STLA AutoDrive, a Level 3 autonomous driving system. That’s a bold claim considering that even the best driver assistance systems today are Level 2, requiring active monitoring at all times. The upcoming Chrysler EVs will also be upgradable via over-the-air (OTA) software updates.

The Mercedes Vision EQXX Is Engineered for Extreme Efficiency

Mercedes EQXX

As of 2022, the best long-range EVs on the market offer 400-500 miles of range on a single charge. Notably, the Lucid Air, Tesla Model S and brand-new Mercedes EQS are capable of going the distance. Now, Mercedes-Benz says it is aiming to bring an electric vehicle with more than 620 miles of range to the market by 2024.

The Vision EQXX concept is “more than just a car, it’s a technology program,” according to  Mercedes-Benz Chief Technology Officer Markus Schäfer. The next-generation of Mercedes EVs will feature redesigned battery architecture that includes more silicon to increase energy density without making the battery any larger. If you’re in the market for a long-range luxury Mercedes, the German automaker has big plans for taking electric luxury to new heights.

CarEdge’s Take

You may have noticed something about the automotive headlines out of CES 2022: the golden era of EVs appears to be upon us. The roaring ‘20s are turning out to be the whirring ‘20s as electric motors make their way into seemingly every new auto. Whether consumers and infrastructure are ready or not, OEM investments in electrification seem unstoppable at this point. What do you think? Are you excited for what’s to come? Or do you see trouble on the horizon? We’ll keep you up to date as the industry transforms like never before. 

How Much Does It Cost to Charge an Electric Car? Here’s How You Can Save Money Charging an EV

How Much Does It Cost to Charge an Electric Car? Here’s How You Can Save Money Charging an EV

EV charging costs

Update: Every day that we wake up to higher gas prices, the case gets stronger for EV adoption. If only EV prices weren’t sky-high. With gas at $4.50, the average American driver commuting 15,000 miles per year can easily save $150 per month or more by going electric. Check out the details below.

Charging an electric vehicle is a whole new experience, one that brings advantages and disadvantages for drivers. If you’ve been stopping at gas stations for decades, the thought of plugging in and waiting for your car to charge may be a bit too much to swallow. But over 80% of EV charging is done at home, where the cost savings are greatest. Two out of three American drivers are considering going electric for their next vehicle, and billions of dollars are being funneled into EV development and infrastructure. 

EVs have a higher upfront cost than combustion vehicles, so it’s important to find ways of making up for the expense with fuel savings. Unfortunately, not all charging options are affordable. Here’s how you can save money when charging your EV in 2022. 

The Cost of Charging an Electric Car at Home

EV charging costs

When do you usually charge your phone? While you sleep at home? Oddly enough, for most drivers, that’s exactly how their EVs are charged! Data from the US Department of Energy shows that the vast majority of electric vehicle charging is done at home. Whether you plug in to a simple 120 volt outlet in your driveway or have a more powerful 240 volt outlet in your garage, charging at home is usually the most affordable way to power up. 

In the US, the average residential electricity rate is $0.14 per kilowatt-hour, however rates vary widely from one state to another. In Hawaii, the average rate is a whopping $0.34 per kWh, while it’s between $0.10 and $0.14 per kWh in more affordable energy states like Washington and Texas.

What does that all mean? Say you have a level 2 charger capable of filling up your battery from empty in about 7 hours. Plug in every evening, and wake up with a full battery every morning. What did that full ‘tank’ of electrons cost? Let’s consider a real-world example. The 2022 Tesla Model 3 has a 82 kWh battery, so at average American residential rates, at home charging a Tesla Model 3 at home costs just $11.48 for a full charge. That’s enough electrons for 358 miles of driving. 

What about if the same Model 3 owner lived in California instead? At typical California residential electricity rates, the same charge would cost $18.04. Considering that a tank of gas costs over $75 today, the savings add up. But clearly, it depends on the rates you pay for power and miles driven per year to maximize savings. If you’d like to know more about average residential electricity rates in each state, you can find that information here

Here’s How Much a Typical EV Driver Spends on Charging at Home in Every State

Note: this includes business and commercial rates. The average residential rate is $0.14 per kilowatt-hour.

Here’s how much EV drivers from each state can expect to pay for a full charge. The examples below specifically reflect an EV with an 82 kWh battery, such as a Tesla Model 3 or Model Y. My own Hyundai IONIQ 5 has a 72.5 kWh battery.

The stark difference between home charging and public fast charging highlights the fact that going electric likely only brings savings when most charging is done at home. 

StateResidential Electricity Rate ($ per kWh)Cost of Charging to 100% at Home (82 kWh battery)EV Fuel Savings Compared to Filling an 18 Gallon Tank at $4.50/GalAnnual Savings: 15,000 miles/year, 25 MPG versus 300 miles on a charge
Alabama$0.14$11.48$69.52$2,126
Alaska$0.23$18.86$62.14$1,757
Arizona$0.13$10.66$70.34$2,167
Arkansas$0.11$9.02$71.98$2,249
California$0.22$18.04$62.96$1,798
Colorado$0.14$11.48$69.52$2,126
Connecticut$0.23$18.86$62.14$1,757
Delaware$0.14$11.48$69.52$2,126
DC$0.14$11.48$69.52$2,126
Florida$0.12$9.84$71.16$2,208
Georgia$0.13$10.66$70.34$2,167
Hawaii$0.34$27.88$53.12$1,306
Idaho$0.11$9.02$71.98$2,249
Illinois$0.14$11.48$69.52$2,126
Indiana$0.14$11.48$69.52$2,126
Iowa$0.13$10.66$70.34$2,167
Kansas$0.13$10.66$70.34$2,167
Kentucky$0.12$9.84$71.16$2,208
Louisiana$0.12$9.84$71.16$2,208
Maine$0.18$14.76$66.24$1,962
Maryland$0.14$11.48$69.52$2,126
Massachusetts$0.23$18.86$62.14$1,757
Michigan$0.18$14.76$66.24$1,962
Minnesota$0.14$11.48$69.52$2,126
Mississippi$0.12$9.84$71.16$2,208
Missouri$0.11$9.02$71.98$2,249
Montana$0.12$9.84$71.16$2,208
Nebraska$0.11$9.02$71.98$2,249
Nevada$0.13$10.66$70.34$2,167
New Hampshire$0.21$17.22$63.78$1,839
New Jersey$0.16$13.12$67.88$2,044
New Mexico$0.14$11.48$69.52$2,126
New York$0.21$17.22$63.78$1,839
North Carolina$0.12$9.84$71.16$2,208
North Dakota$0.12$9.84$71.16$2,208
Ohio$0.13$10.66$70.34$2,167
Oklahoma$0.13$10.66$70.34$2,167
Oregon$0.12$9.84$71.16$2,208
Pennsylvania$0.15$12.30$68.70$2,085
Rhode Island$0.22$18.04$62.96$1,798
South Carolina$0.14$11.48$69.52$2,126
South Dakota$0.13$10.66$70.34$2,167
Tennessee$0.12$9.84$71.16$2,208
Texas$0.13$10.66$70.34$2,167
Utah$0.11$9.02$71.98$2,249
Vermont$0.21$17.22$63.78$1,839
Virginia$0.13$10.66$70.34$2,167
Washington$0.11$9.02$71.98$2,249
West Virginia$0.14$11.48$69.52$2,126
Wisconsin$0.15$12.30$68.70$2,085
Wyoming$0.12$9.84$71.16$2,208

The Hidden Costs of Charging an Electric Car

EV charging costs

If you already have a 240 volt dryer outlet within reach, you’re all set for just about any scenario. If you don’t, you’re left with two options. If you drive less than 40 miles on most days and live within a reasonable distance of a public charger (in case you need it), you will save the most money by using the so-called ‘trickle charge’ supplied by the charger included with the car. You simply plug into a standard three-prong 120 volt wall outlet. This is called level 1 charging.

Depending on the vehicle, trickle charging typically adds 3-4 miles of charge per hour to the battery, or about 40 miles per night if you leave your car plugged in. So, how much does it cost to charge an electric car? If the above scenario describes your driving habits, you’ll just pay the same residential electricity rates that your pay to power your home.

If that’s not quite enough recharge for your daily needs, you’ll either need to make weekly visits to public fast chargers, or spend anywhere from $800 – $2000 on installation of a level 2 charger. Level 2 chargers supply more power in less time. They plug into a 240 volt outlet, the exact same kind that is used for dryers, ovens and other large appliances at home. 

If you already have a conveniently located dryer outlet within reach of where you park the car, you can purchase a power splitter for as little as $300. Splitters send charge to the home appliance (such as a dryer) when needed, and then divert power to charging the car when the appliance is not in use. This saves A LOT of money versus getting electrical work done!

Do I need to install a charger?

In summary, if you drive less than 40 miles a day, it usually makes the most sense to avoid the costly level 2 charger and stick with a regular wall outlet. If you drive significantly more, consider installing a level 2 charger or simply topping off your battery once or twice a week at a local public fast charger to avoid the expense of electrical work. 

How Much Does Public Fast Charging Cost?

Tesla supercharger

First, there’s one thing we need to make clear. Electric vehicles are not meant to be charged at public DC (direct current) fast chargers every time a charge is needed. It stresses the battery, and it costs a lot more than charging at home. For instance, fast chargers can charge a Model 3 from 10-80% in less than 20 minutes. That much energy transfer puts wear on the vehicle’s battery management system. Fast charging is great for road trips or when you’re in a pinch, but that’s all they’re meant for. 

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Tesla Superchargers

How much can you expect to pay for charging at a public DC fast charging station? Let’s consider the two largest charging networks in the nation: Tesla Superchargers and Electrify America.

As of early 2022, most Tesla Superchargers charge $0.28 per kWh of electricity. For a 2022 Tesla Model Y with a 82 kWh battery pack, that adds up to a cost of $22.96 to go 330 miles on a charge. Some Superchargers have variable pricing dependent on demand charges, as noted on Tesla’s Supercharging support page. “Certain Supercharger stations offer on-peak and off-peak rates. The rates and peak times are both displayed in the navigation application on the touchscreen.”

Depending on state and local regulations, some Tesla Superchargers charge per minute, rather than per kilowatt-hour of electricity. Tesla recently updated the rate structure for their per-minute Superchargers. With Tesla’s plug-and-charge, customers simply plug in the vehicle and the charger communicates with the car, begins charging and bills the customer’s Tesla account. 

Here’s how the updated rate structure is tiered in 2022:

Tesla Supercharger

Source: Tesla 

Electrify America

ev charging station

Over at Electrify America, customers can either pay $0.43 per kWh of electricity, or become a Pass+ member for just $4/month and charge at $0.31 per kWh. Having such an affordable membership plan is an interesting approach. That is to say, it almost seems like Electrify America is aiming to become a subscription that everyone with an EV will buy into for a sense of range security, even if they rarely use the network. Down the road, I’m sure prices will go up.

For a Ford Mustang Mach-E, filling up the 98 kWh battery from empty will cost $30.38 with the Pass+ membership. However, the cost jumps to $42.14 without it. Clearly, the fuel savings we often associate with going electric evaporate if charging costs are too high.

Cost of Charging to 100% at a Tesla SuperchargerCost of Charging to 100% at Electrify America as a MemberCost of Charging to 100% at Electrify America as a GuestCost of Filling up an 18 Gallon Tank of Gas at $3.25/Gallon
$22.96$25.42$35.26$58.50

Some Drivers Don’t Spend a Dime on Charging

EV charging costs

If you know someone who pulls up to Tesla Superchargers in their 2014 Model S and leaves without paying a dime, don’t expect the same perks when shopping for a 2022 Tesla. Early adopters received free supercharging ‘for life’, and there are plenty of Tesla owners out there who keep driving their high-mileage, slow-charging old Model S just for the free charging incentive. 

If you’re hoping to score free charging with any of the 2022 EV models, I’ve got good news for you. Many 2022 models come with free charging at Electrify America charging stations. These new EVs all come with a free charging incentive for a limited time:

  • Audi e-tron (250kWh at Electrify America, or about 1,000 miles of driving)
  • Audi Q4 e-tron (250kWh at Electrify America, or about 1,000 miles of driving)
  • Ford Mustang Mach-E (250kWh at Electrify America, or about 1,000 miles of driving)
  • Hyundai IONIQ EV (250kWh at Electrify America, or about 1,000 miles of driving)
  • Hyundai IONIQ 5 (2 years of free charging at Electrify America, 30 minutes per session)
  • Hyundai Kona EV (250kWh at Electrify America, or about 1,000 miles of driving)
  • Lucid Air (3 years of free charging at Electrify America)
  • Mercedes EQS (2 years of free charging at Electrify America, 30 minutes per session)
  • Polestar 2 (2 years of free charging at Electrify America, 30 minutes per session)
  • Porsche Taycan (3 years of free charging at Electrify America, 30 minutes per session)
  • Rivian R1T and R1S (12 months of free charging at Rivian’s Adventure Network and Waypoint chargers; continued free charging with Rivian membership subscription)
  • Volkswagen ID.4 (3 years of free charging at Electrify America, 30 minutes per session)

Some employers, especially large corporations and tech companies, offer free charging for EVs at dedicated parking spots. However, if your employer doesn’t offer charging, maybe you can be the one to spark the idea and help make it happen. 

Ever thought of installing solar panels on your roof? 

Prices have plummeted in recent years, and having an EV is yet another incentive to go solar. Most utility customers can participate in a net metering program that compensates homeowners for unused solar electricity contributed to the grid. If the sun is shining bright while you’re away at work, you still receive bill credits for the unused power your panels generated. The utility bill credits you’ll receive may cover the entire cost of charging your car. That’s 100% clean, free power for both your home and transportation!

CarEdge’s Take on the Future of EV Charging 

How much does it cost to charge an electric car? As you can see, it depends on utility rates, incentives and if you charge at home or at public fast chargers. Fuel savings is one of the greatest benefits of switching from a combustion vehicle to an electric vehicle. As your consumer advocate, we want to make it clear that EVs don’t always save money. However, for the vast majority of American drivers, affordable electricity rates mean that at least $1,000 could be saved each year by going electric. And that doesn’t include the lower maintenance costs that most EVs have. For those who are fortunate to have a place to plug in at home or work, switching to an electric vehicle is a no-brainer. 

Have any questions or comments? How are you feeling about the electrification of the auto industry? Let us know in the comments below, or check out the CarEdge Community forum at caredge.kinsta.cloud. You can also reach out to me at justin@CarEdge.com.