Electric vehicles have been put under the spotlight once again in the latest episode of Energized.
Host Jim Csek continued his long-term campaign to persuade NowMedia reporter Kent Molgat to abandon the combustion engine and embrace electricity.
To help tempt him, Csek discussed the latest EV offerings from US carmaker Rivian.
The Amazon-backed firm this week unveiled its new R2 SUV, which it promises will be smaller and more affordable.
Its starting price will be US$45,000, according to the company, and it will feature a 521-kilometre range.
The model’s launch was livestreamed on March 7.
CEO RJ Scaringe posted on X the following day to say that more than 68,000 R2s had been reserved in less than 24 hours.
Csek’s exaltation of the R2 seemed to please Molgat, whose response to its US$45,000 price tag was: “Okay, now we’re talking.”
Overwhelmed by the wonderful response to our new vehicles: R2, R3 and R3X.
— RJ Scaringe (@RJScaringe) March 8, 2024
In less than 24 hours, we’ve taken more than 68,000 R2 reservations. We are thrilled to see this vehicle resonate so strongly with our community! pic.twitter.com/tEIBhwlJQC
The duo also looked at used EVs for sale in British Columbia, including a 2013 Tesla Model S that comes with free charging for its lifetime.
Csek also reminded Molgat of the tax incentives for EVs in BC.
Most buyers of used EVs in the province, for example, will not have to pay PST.
To see the full discussion – including about the EVs’ extra weight, their maintenance costs and how they drive – click on the video embedded in this story.
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