CLA EV PRICE LEAK, KIA EV3'S U.S. ARRIVAL, PORSCHE PRAISES COMPETITION & RIVIAN’S NEW COLOR

EV Channels Review

This episode of Friday Charge covers several key EV developments, with a significant focus on the new Mercedes-Benz CLA EV. The hosts find the CLA's starting price of $47,250 for the RWD and $49,000 for the AWD (CLA 350 4MATIC) to be reasonable, especially considering its impressive EPA-rated range of 374 miles (RWD) and 312 miles (AWD), along with 800-volt architecture enabling rapid charging. However, the review quickly turns critical as they explore the extensive and often surprising options list. Features like keyless entry, dual-zone climate control, and even massaging seats are presented as costly add-ons, leading to a maxed-out price potentially reaching $70,000. This extensive "nickel and diming" for features expected as standard on a luxury vehicle significantly detracts from the initial positive impression. The episode also touches on the Kia EV3's potential US arrival with estimated pricing between $35,000-$50,000, Porsche's admiration for the Hyundai Ioniq 5N, and Rivian's new Borealis edition R1T. The Waymo charging hub noise controversy and Ford Mustang Mach-E's minor update are also discussed.