Disappointingly the five-seat Tesla Model Y will not qualify for the $7,500 Federal Tax Credit. Under new rules, the tax credit will apply to any sedan/crossover worth less than $55,000 and any SUV/pickup worth under $80,000. However, the IRS has decided to class the five-seat Model Y as a sedan for whatever reason. Hence it doesn’t get any tax credit as it starts at $65,990. However, the seven-seat version is classed as an SUV and gets the full $7,500 credit. Meanwhile, the Model 3 RWD gets the tax credit however the $62,990 Performance does not (the Long Range is currently not available to order in the US). Thoughts?
Lucid Motors has revealed the Air Sapphire, the ultimate version of the startup’s flagship sedan. The Sapphire has three motors, over 1,200 hp and can sprint from 0-60 mph in just 1.89 seconds (making it quicker than a Tesla Model S Plaid). It also has a top speed of 205 mph, marginally higher than the Plaid’s 200 mph limit. Production of the limited-run Sapphire will begin in the first half of 2023, with US pricing starting at $249,900. Thoughts?
The Lotus Eletre will start at €95,990 ($96,220) in Germany. That gets you 603 hp, a 4.5 second 0-62 mph time, a 373-mile WLTP range and plenty of standard equipment like matrix LED headlights and active air suspension. Moving on, the Eletre S starts at €120,990 ($121,280) in Germany and comes with even more kit, such as an active rear spoiler and a a 2,160-watt, 23-speaker KEF Reference Audio system. Finally, the dual-motor Eletre R sits at the top of the lineup. It has a €150,990 ($151,353) list price in Germany and produces 905 hp. As a result, the R can sprint from 0-62 mph in just 2.95 seconds, meanwhile top speed is 165 mph. However, all this added performance has an impact on range - the Eletre R’s range is reduced to a still impressive 304 miles (WLTP). The Eletre will go on sale in Europe next year, with US deliveries expected to commence in 2024. Exact US pricing will be revealed closer to that date. What are your thoughts on the Eletre? Would you take one over a Polestar 3 or Tesla Model X? Let us know in the comments below.
