CleanMPG
Apr
19
The all-new CLA should improve Mercedes-Benz overall sales results once available in quantity next year.
Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – April 17, 2025
At a gala in NY just after the NY Auto Show, Mercedes-Benz unveiled its all-new CLA.
With the U.S. debut, Mercedes-Benz reinforced its legacy of setting benchmarks and redefining standards. This all-new model ushers in a new era of all-electric efficiency and the consumers in car digital experience.
At launch, the US CLA model lineup will be comprised of the CLA 250+ and CLA 350 4MATIC. With approximately 385 miles of all-electric range (WLTP * .78) from the 268 hp CLA 250+. With a new Li-Ion battery and 800V architecture, DCFCing the CLA should add...
Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – April 17, 2025
2026 Mercedes CLA
![[IMG]](https://www.cleanmpg.com/community/index.php?media/37714/full)
Beautiful AND efficient, what more could one hope for!
Beautiful AND efficient, what more could one hope for!
At a gala in NY just after the NY Auto Show, Mercedes-Benz unveiled its all-new CLA.
With the U.S. debut, Mercedes-Benz reinforced its legacy of setting benchmarks and redefining standards. This all-new model ushers in a new era of all-electric efficiency and the consumers in car digital experience.
At launch, the US CLA model lineup will be comprised of the CLA 250+ and CLA 350 4MATIC. With approximately 385 miles of all-electric range (WLTP * .78) from the 268 hp CLA 250+. With a new Li-Ion battery and 800V architecture, DCFCing the CLA should add...
Apr
18
This aggressive Korean OEM continues to achieve record sales with affordable and flashy product.
Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – April 16, 2025
New York, NY -- The race to offering a $25,000 EV in the US is a moonshot and Kia’s just introduced compact EV may be the first to reach that goal despite some claiming it as a waste of time.
The all-new Kia EV aims to broaden EV adoption with an affordable entry level price without sacrificing amenities or EV range we have grown accustomed too. And demand. Meet Kia’s first global EV platform, the EV4.
To keep costs in check, the...
Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – April 16, 2025
2026 Kia EV4
![[IMG]](https://www.cleanmpg.com/community/index.php?media/37710/full)
If there were no tariffs involved, could this be the first $25k EV to reach US shores?
If there were no tariffs involved, could this be the first $25k EV to reach US shores?
New York, NY -- The race to offering a $25,000 EV in the US is a moonshot and Kia’s just introduced compact EV may be the first to reach that goal despite some claiming it as a waste of time.
To keep costs in check, the...
Apr
17
Record setting sales and an upcoming refreshed Solterra bodes well for the company even with tariff threats ahead.
Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – April 16, 2025
New York, NY -- At this year’s NY Auto Show, Subaru revealed a refreshed Solterra with several consumer-friendly additions for the upcoming 2026 model year.
From the 2023 Subaru Solterra First Drive off the California coast, the AWD drivetrain - via (2) 80 KW motors, and std. 8.3 inches of ground clearance proved itself to be an excellent light off-roading CUV while climbing rutted off-road trails with grades up to 45 degrees. The shortfalls...
Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – April 16, 2025
2026 Subaru Solterra
![[IMG]](https://www.cleanmpg.com/community/index.php?media/37706/full)
A refresh that adds more range, more power, and a much-needed faster charging experience.
A refresh that adds more range, more power, and a much-needed faster charging experience.
New York, NY -- At this year’s NY Auto Show, Subaru revealed a refreshed Solterra with several consumer-friendly additions for the upcoming 2026 model year.
From the 2023 Subaru Solterra First Drive off the California coast, the AWD drivetrain - via (2) 80 KW motors, and std. 8.3 inches of ground clearance proved itself to be an excellent light off-roading CUV while climbing rutted off-road trails with grades up to 45 degrees. The shortfalls...
Apr
17
A number of unforced errors hindered early 2025 US sales.
Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – April 16, 2025
Since the 2024 sales results, more than a few Tesla related narratives have crossed our windscreens adding to the ongoing controversial nature of a CEO running the once revered all-electric OEM.
As most know, Elon Musk embedded himself into the Trump campaign with an estimated $250-million USD donation and a story. Just three days after the Trump election win, Elon Musk was tapped to oversee a government cost-cutting effort with a self-imposed goal of cutting $2 trillion in Government...
Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – April 16, 2025
2025 AWD Tesla Model Y Long Range
![[IMG]](https://www.cleanmpg.com/community/index.php?media/37702/full)
$50,870 incl D&H and mats (not incl. Fed TC) + TTL while providing 327 miles of range.
$50,870 incl D&H and mats (not incl. Fed TC) + TTL while providing 327 miles of range.
Since the 2024 sales results, more than a few Tesla related narratives have crossed our windscreens adding to the ongoing controversial nature of a CEO running the once revered all-electric OEM.
As most know, Elon Musk embedded himself into the Trump campaign with an estimated $250-million USD donation and a story. Just three days after the Trump election win, Elon Musk was tapped to oversee a government cost-cutting effort with a self-imposed goal of cutting $2 trillion in Government...
Apr
16
The brand of 4 rings has not forgotten about its combustion engine lineup.
Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – April 3, 2025
Audi’s A6 will soon set the standard in design and aerodynamics in the full-size sedan segment. With a drag coefficient of 0.23 - the lowest for a combustion-engine production model in Audi history, possibly offered a 2.0L TFSI I4 mated to a 7-speed dual clutch, and an all-new 48V mild hybrid system (MHEV), it will provide owners with the superb efficiency. The inclusion of the (MHEV) for US buyers is only a possibility as I type. The 3.0L TFSI will continue to be the standard bearer.
The MHEV system enables fully electric slow speed driving while adding...
Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – April 3, 2025
2026 Audi A6
![[IMG]](https://www.cleanmpg.com/community/index.php?media/37698/full)
A Cd of just 0.23 will improve highway efficiency and lower interior noise to class leading levels.
A Cd of just 0.23 will improve highway efficiency and lower interior noise to class leading levels.
Audi’s A6 will soon set the standard in design and aerodynamics in the full-size sedan segment. With a drag coefficient of 0.23 - the lowest for a combustion-engine production model in Audi history, possibly offered a 2.0L TFSI I4 mated to a 7-speed dual clutch, and an all-new 48V mild hybrid system (MHEV), it will provide owners with the superb efficiency. The inclusion of the (MHEV) for US buyers is only a possibility as I type. The 3.0L TFSI will continue to be the standard bearer.
The MHEV system enables fully electric slow speed driving while adding...
Apr
14
From California to NY or Minneapolis to Miami, there is another DCFC network from which to choose.
Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – April 10, 2025
Now with DCFC stations at 130 Pilot/Flying J Travel Centers across more than 25 states, EV drivers have another network to use thanks to Pilot, GM, and EVgo. The network offers an elevated experience along popular corridors and major interstates, enabling long-distance EV travel.
EV drivers can travel to many popular US destinations while charging on the Tesla and Electrify America DCFC networks. Today, you can add EVgo to the mix. With GM/EVgo/Pilot Flying J DCFCing infrastructure concentrated in the...
Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – April 10, 2025
GM/EVgo/Pilot/Flying J - DCFC US Locations
![[IMG]](https://www.cleanmpg.com/community/index.php?media/37696/full)
From nothing just over 2 years ago to an honest to goodness cross country charging network.
From nothing just over 2 years ago to an honest to goodness cross country charging network.
Now with DCFC stations at 130 Pilot/Flying J Travel Centers across more than 25 states, EV drivers have another network to use thanks to Pilot, GM, and EVgo. The network offers an elevated experience along popular corridors and major interstates, enabling long-distance EV travel.
EV drivers can travel to many popular US destinations while charging on the Tesla and Electrify America DCFC networks. Today, you can add EVgo to the mix. With GM/EVgo/Pilot Flying J DCFCing infrastructure concentrated in the...
Apr
10
Off to the races we go...
Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – April 2, 2025
US Q1 2025 Automotive Sales Overview
U.S. consumers continue to purchase more pickups and SUVs than sedans. Who really offers high volume sedans outside of Toyota, Honda, Hyundai, and Tesla anyway? US Q1 sales volumes were helped in part by the threat of President Donald Trump's tariffs on auto imports, which he implemented via Executive Order on March 26th and collection which began on April 3rd. A 25% tariff was applied to all imported passenger vehicles and key automobile parts – engines, transmissions,...
Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – April 2, 2025
2025 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid
![[IMG]](https://www.cleanmpg.com/community/index.php?media/37680/full)
Just $26,645 incl D&H + TTL to start while providing owners a 51/58 mpgUS rating. Elantra sales were up 35.1% helping the Flying H brand achieve record Q1 2025 sales.
Just $26,645 incl D&H + TTL to start while providing owners a 51/58 mpgUS rating. Elantra sales were up 35.1% helping the Flying H brand achieve record Q1 2025 sales.
US Q1 2025 Automotive Sales Overview
U.S. consumers continue to purchase more pickups and SUVs than sedans. Who really offers high volume sedans outside of Toyota, Honda, Hyundai, and Tesla anyway? US Q1 sales volumes were helped in part by the threat of President Donald Trump's tariffs on auto imports, which he implemented via Executive Order on March 26th and collection which began on April 3rd. A 25% tariff was applied to all imported passenger vehicles and key automobile parts – engines, transmissions,...
Apr
07
The vehicles in question arrived in the U.S. the same day Trump announced the 25% tariff on European Automobiles.
Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – April 7, 2025
The German automaker will soon be adding a new 'import fee' to vehicle stickers to show customers exactly how much tariffs are inflating prices.
VW's decision to hold shipments underscores the ripple effect hitting the global auto market.
Audi’s Q5 is assembled in Mexico and nearly every car in the luxury brand's lineup ships from Europe, making its entire lineup subject to the 25% tariff.
In a statement, the Volkswagen Group spoke out against the tariffs and hoped Trump would step up to...
Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – April 7, 2025
2025 Audi A6 Sportback e-tron
![[IMG]](https://www.cleanmpg.com/community/index.php?media/37662/full)
The much anticipated, 392-mile range EV was going to be priced at $65,900 to $84,600. Not a chance now.
The much anticipated, 392-mile range EV was going to be priced at $65,900 to $84,600. Not a chance now.
The German automaker will soon be adding a new 'import fee' to vehicle stickers to show customers exactly how much tariffs are inflating prices.
VW's decision to hold shipments underscores the ripple effect hitting the global auto market.
Audi’s Q5 is assembled in Mexico and nearly every car in the luxury brand's lineup ships from Europe, making its entire lineup subject to the 25% tariff.
In a statement, the Volkswagen Group spoke out against the tariffs and hoped Trump would step up to...
Apr
06
Why in the hell did Trump initiate tariffs on the UK?
Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – April 5, 2025
In 2024, the US had an export trade surplus with the UK totaling $79.9 billion while imports reached $68.1 billion. The US also had a surplus in services trade with the UK, although the data on this is not as readily available in the search results. Despite our trade surplus with the UK, this past Thursday, April 2, 2025, President Trump announced a 10% tariff on nearly all UK products, a 25% global tariff on cars and a 25% tariff on US imports of steel, aluminum, and derivative products.
Many Global manufacturers were quick to increase US inventories prior to suspected US tariffs including the U.K. The country's automakers...
Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – April 5, 2025
In 2024, the US had an export trade surplus with the UK totaling $79.9 billion while imports reached $68.1 billion. The US also had a surplus in services trade with the UK, although the data on this is not as readily available in the search results. Despite our trade surplus with the UK, this past Thursday, April 2, 2025, President Trump announced a 10% tariff on nearly all UK products, a 25% global tariff on cars and a 25% tariff on US imports of steel, aluminum, and derivative products.
Range Rover Sport
![[IMG]](https://www.cleanmpg.com/community/index.php?media/37655/full)
53-mile range PHEV in Park City, UT.
53-mile range PHEV in Park City, UT.
Many Global manufacturers were quick to increase US inventories prior to suspected US tariffs including the U.K. The country's automakers...
Mar
26
One towns soul is revealed through the art of its people.
Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – Mar. 26, 2025
![[IMG]](https://www.cleanmpg.com/community/index.php?media/37630/full)
Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial at 2nd and Cole street.
Gallup, NM – Small towns along Route 66 were once vibrant hubs for travelers traversing what many of us know as the Mother Road. These towns thrived on the steady flow of tourists stopping for gas, food, and lodging. With the advent of the Interstate Highway System however, traffic bypassed these small communities resulting in a falloff of visitors, closure of businesses, inevitable population decline, and gradual economic demise. While some towns have vanished, others like Gallup are attempting to reinvent themselves as nostalgic tourist destinations and preserving the legacy of a once-iconic highway that shaped the heart of...
Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – Mar. 26, 2025
Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial at 2nd and Cole street.
Gallup, NM – Small towns along Route 66 were once vibrant hubs for travelers traversing what many of us know as the Mother Road. These towns thrived on the steady flow of tourists stopping for gas, food, and lodging. With the advent of the Interstate Highway System however, traffic bypassed these small communities resulting in a falloff of visitors, closure of businesses, inevitable population decline, and gradual economic demise. While some towns have vanished, others like Gallup are attempting to reinvent themselves as nostalgic tourist destinations and preserving the legacy of a once-iconic highway that shaped the heart of...
Mar
22
EVGo opens first DCFC deployed through Toyota’s “Empact” vision.
Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – Mar. 11, 2025
![[IMG]](https://www.cleanmpg.com/community/index.php?media/37605/full)
A 2025 bZ4X charging on an EVGo DCFC.
EVgo and Toyota announce the opening of the first DC fast charging (DCFC) stations in Baldwin Park and Sacramento, California, built through Toyota’s “Empact” vision. The new co-branded stations, owned and operated by EVgo, each serve up to eight vehicles simultaneously and exclusively feature 350kW fast chargers. Simultaneous means split so 175 KW peak rates if there are two EVs drawing from the same two charger feeds.
First revealed in April of 2023, Toyota’s “Empact” vision aims to help underserved communities to join Toyota’s broader mission of providing “mobility for all.” The strategy centers on three areas:
Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – Mar. 11, 2025
A 2025 bZ4X charging on an EVGo DCFC.
EVgo and Toyota announce the opening of the first DC fast charging (DCFC) stations in Baldwin Park and Sacramento, California, built through Toyota’s “Empact” vision. The new co-branded stations, owned and operated by EVgo, each serve up to eight vehicles simultaneously and exclusively feature 350kW fast chargers. Simultaneous means split so 175 KW peak rates if there are two EVs drawing from the same two charger feeds.
First revealed in April of 2023, Toyota’s “Empact” vision aims to help underserved communities to join Toyota’s broader mission of providing “mobility for all.” The strategy centers on three areas:
- Access to charging...
Mar
21
1,000 Volts, 1,000 Amps, and 10C charging from a 1 MW DCFC.
Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – Mar. 18, 2025
As if we have not heard enough about China’s massive EV sales volumes, one of their top EV manufacturers, BYD, which accounts for more than a third of all EV sales in China, just introduced a new lithium-iron phosphate battery. This is no ordinary Li-Ion however. According to their global intro, it is “possibly” the world’s safest, most efficient, and capable of charging an EV to maybe 60% SOC in just five minutes or the equivalent of adding nearly a mile of range every second.
BYD said its blade batteries were designed to allow faster ion transfer in...
Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – Mar. 18, 2025
BYD Han L EV
![[IMG]](https://www.cleanmpg.com/community/index.php?media/37602/full)
Underpinned by BYD's Super e-Platform using a redesigned pack that supports up to 10 C and 1,000 kW.
Underpinned by BYD's Super e-Platform using a redesigned pack that supports up to 10 C and 1,000 kW.
As if we have not heard enough about China’s massive EV sales volumes, one of their top EV manufacturers, BYD, which accounts for more than a third of all EV sales in China, just introduced a new lithium-iron phosphate battery. This is no ordinary Li-Ion however. According to their global intro, it is “possibly” the world’s safest, most efficient, and capable of charging an EV to maybe 60% SOC in just five minutes or the equivalent of adding nearly a mile of range every second.
BYD said its blade batteries were designed to allow faster ion transfer in...
Model 3/Y Alternative - Meet the 2025 Audi A6 Sportback e-tron with 392-miles of All-electric Range!
Mar
17
Audi's all-new midsized luxury EV provides incredible range and world class charging performance!
Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – Mar. 12, 2025
Audi released one hell of a doozy in the form of the all-new A6 and S6 Sportback e-tron sedans. The all-new model is by far the most aerodynamic and longest-range brand of four rings BEV ever offered.
The all-new A6 Sportback e-tron combines the the Q6 e-tron SUVs Premium Platform Electric’s (PPE) and mates it to a sedan with a get this, incredible 0.23 Cd. In RWD trim, the 2025 Audi A6 Sportback e-tron will arrive with EPA-estimated 392 miles of range on a single charge when equipped with the ultra package.
Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – Mar. 12, 2025
2025 Audi A6 e-tron Sportback
![[IMG]](https://www.cleanmpg.com/community/index.php?media/37591/full)
Audi released one hell of a doozy in the form of the all-new A6 and S6 Sportback e-tron sedans. The all-new model is by far the most aerodynamic and longest-range brand of four rings BEV ever offered.
The all-new A6 Sportback e-tron combines the the Q6 e-tron SUVs Premium Platform Electric’s (PPE) and mates it to a sedan with a get this, incredible 0.23 Cd. In RWD trim, the 2025 Audi A6 Sportback e-tron will arrive with EPA-estimated 392 miles of range on a single charge when equipped with the ultra package.
- 2025 Audi A6 Sportback e-tron EPA estimated range is 392 miles with Ultra package
- 2025 Audi...
Mar
06
Chevrolet Equinox EV sales highlight GMs growing EV prowess.
Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – Jan. 3, 2025
The 319/285 (FWD/AWD) miles of range, 213/288 hp (FWD/AWD), 85 kWh NCMA Li-Ion pack equipped, 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV price and specs reveals why it is quickly becoming the consumer hit that it is.
Charging is handled with the standard onboard 11.5 kW Level 2 (AC) charging solution and DCFC at up to 150 kW. Unfortunately, that 150 kW allows a 150-kW peak rate but after 30%, the BSM hammer is dropped, and rates fall to a range between 110 and 135 kW through 60% where the charging cliff pushed rates down into the mid 50 to 80 KW rate through approximately 85% SOC. All in, 5 to 80% is going to take...
Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – Jan. 3, 2025
2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV
![[IMG]](https://www.cleanmpg.com/community/index.php?media/35531/full)
Good looks, nice price, and excellent utility from an EV.
Good looks, nice price, and excellent utility from an EV.
The 319/285 (FWD/AWD) miles of range, 213/288 hp (FWD/AWD), 85 kWh NCMA Li-Ion pack equipped, 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV price and specs reveals why it is quickly becoming the consumer hit that it is.
Charging is handled with the standard onboard 11.5 kW Level 2 (AC) charging solution and DCFC at up to 150 kW. Unfortunately, that 150 kW allows a 150-kW peak rate but after 30%, the BSM hammer is dropped, and rates fall to a range between 110 and 135 kW through 60% where the charging cliff pushed rates down into the mid 50 to 80 KW rate through approximately 85% SOC. All in, 5 to 80% is going to take...
Mar
05
The RAV4 almost hit half a million sold last year!
Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – Jan. 3, 2025
Along with its std. 225/232 hp (FWD/AWD) output, the fuel economy is not bad either!
Trim - mpgUS (city/highway/combined)
2025 Toyota Camry Exterior
The 9th gen Camry looks sleeker with a hammerhead front fascia. I am not a fan of the older Avalon like whale mouth front fascia but that is just me. All trims feature slim LED...
Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – Jan. 3, 2025
2025 Toyota Camry Hybrid
![[IMG]](https://www.cleanmpg.com/community/index.php?media/37563/full)
The most powerful Camry Hybrid in history is now Hybrid only thankfully.
The most powerful Camry Hybrid in history is now Hybrid only thankfully.
Along with its std. 225/232 hp (FWD/AWD) output, the fuel economy is not bad either!
Trim - mpgUS (city/highway/combined)
- LE FWD - 53/50/51
- LE AWD - 51/49/50
- SE, XSE, XLE FWD - 48/47/47
- SE, XLE AWD - 46/46/46
- XSE AWD - 44/43/44
2025 Toyota Camry Exterior
The 9th gen Camry looks sleeker with a hammerhead front fascia. I am not a fan of the older Avalon like whale mouth front fascia but that is just me. All trims feature slim LED...
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