The Winter Freeze: Real-World Range Degradation in Pre-Owned 2024 EVs (LFP vs. NMC)
Used Cars

The Winter Freeze: Real-World Range Degradation in Pre-Owned 2024 EVs (LFP vs. NMC)

- by Riley Butler

By early 2026, the “great battery split” of 2024 has become a major talking point in the pre-owned market. If you are shopping for a two-year-old EV today, you aren’t just choosing between brands; you are choosing between chemistries. The 2024 model year saw a massive surge in Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) batteries in entry-level trims (like the Tesla Model 3 RWD) and Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC) in long-range variants.

As these cars face their second or third winter, real-world telemetry has revealed a stark contrast in how they handle the “Big Freeze.”

1. The Chemistry of Cold: Why Ions Slow Down

At a molecular level, temperature is simply a measure of kinetic energy. When the mercury drops below $0^{\circ}\text{C}$, the electrolyte inside a battery becomes more viscous—essentially “thicker”—making it harder for lithium ions to move between the anode and cathode.

  • LFP’s Struggle: LFP batteries use an olivine crystal structure.
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Reducing Drag, Adding Miles: Upgrading to Lightweight Aerodynamic Suspension for Improved EV Highway Range
Auto Parts

Reducing Drag, Adding Miles: Upgrading to Lightweight Aerodynamic Suspension for Improved EV Highway Range

- by Riley Butler

In the early days of the electric vehicle revolution, range was a game of “brute force”: if you wanted to go further, you simply added more battery cells. But as the market matures in 2026, a new philosophy has taken hold among efficiency enthusiasts: Mechanical Refinement.

While exterior body panels get all the aerodynamic credit, the vehicle’s underbody—specifically the suspension system—remains one of the “dirtiest” areas for airflow. Modern EV owners are now looking beneath the chassis, replacing heavy, blocky factory components with lightweight, airfoil-shaped alternatives to squeeze every possible mile out of a single charge.

1. The Hidden Range Killer: Unsprung Mass and Drag

Suspension components are unique because they constitute unsprung mass—the parts of the car not supported by the springs (wheels, tires, brakes, and control arms).

From a physics perspective, unsprung mass is a double-edged sword. Not only does it require more energy to move …

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The Retained Value Duel: Hyundai Ioniq 6 vs. Ford Mustang Mach-E Depreciation Over 3 Years (2023–2026)
Used Cars

The Retained Value Duel: Hyundai Ioniq 6 vs. Ford Mustang Mach-E Depreciation Over 3 Years (2023–2026)

- by Riley Butler

As the automotive world settles into 2026, the initial “gold rush” of the electric vehicle transition has matured into a robust used market. For buyers and sellers alike, the most critical metric is no longer 0–60 mph times or software Easter eggs; it is residual value.

Three years ago, in 2023, the Hyundai Ioniq 6 and the Ford Mustang Mach-E were two of the most sought-after non-Tesla EVs on the market. Now, with those three-year leases ending and vehicles hitting the second-hand market, we have a clear picture of which brand’s strategy held water—and which one was submerged by depreciation.

1. The State of the Market: MSRP vs. Reality

The 2023 model year was a chaotic starting point for this comparison. It was the year of the “Tesla Price Wars,” where aggressive cuts by Elon Musk forced both Ford and Hyundai to slash MSRPs mid-cycle.

In 2026, we see …

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Stopping the Rust: The Best Corrosion-Resistant Rotors and Low-Dust Pads for EVs
Auto Parts

Stopping the Rust: The Best Corrosion-Resistant Rotors and Low-Dust Pads for EVs

- by Riley Butler

In the world of internal combustion engines (ICE), brake wear is a matter of friction. In the world of electric vehicles (EVs), brake failure is a matter of chemistry. As we enter 2026, a growing number of first-generation EV owners are facing a “Corrosion Paradox”: their brake pads have 90% of their life remaining, yet the entire system must be replaced because the rotors are pitted with rust and the pads are delaminating from their backing plates.

Because regenerative braking handles the vast majority of deceleration, the physical friction brakes often sit cold and idle. This lack of heat allows moisture and road salt to linger, turning your braking system into a breeding ground for oxidation. To prevent this, EV owners need to move beyond “standard” parts and look toward specialized, corrosion-resistant technologies.

1. The Regenerative Paradox: Why EV Brakes Fail Early

In a traditional car, every stop generates enough …

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The Best Used Electric Cars Under $25,000 Eligible for Federal Used EV Tax Credits in 2026
Used Cars

The Best Used Electric Cars Under $25,000 Eligible for Federal Used EV Tax Credits in 2026

- by Riley Butler

The year 2026 has become a “perfect storm” for savvy electric vehicle buyers. A massive wave of 2023 and 2024 lease returns is currently flooding dealership lots, driving prices to historic lows. Simultaneously, the federal government’s Used Clean Vehicle Credit (IRC 25E) remains a powerful tool, offering an immediate “point-of-sale” discount of up to $4,000.

If you are looking to transition to electric for less than the cost of a new base-model Corolla, here is how to navigate the 2026 market and which cars offer the best bang for your buck.

1. The 2026 Tax Credit Landscape: What You Need to Know

In 2026, the federal used EV tax credit is no longer a “wait until April” tax break. It is an instant rebate. Most participating dealers now allow you to transfer the credit directly to them, lowering your “out-the-door” price at the moment of purchase.

Key Eligibility Rules:

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