153: Audi e-Tron Bargains And The Motor Problem You Can’t Ignore

An “800 volt EV” refers to an electric vehicle architecture that uses an 800-volt electrical system instead of the more common ~400 volts. Higher voltage can reduce current for the same power, which helps enable faster charging and more efficient high-power operation (assuming the charger supports it).

In car shopping, “depreciated” refers to how much a vehicle’s value drops after purchase. EVs can depreciate quickly, so a “highly depreciated” EV may be available for a lower price than its original MSRP.

The Lucid Air is Lucid Motors’ flagship electric sedan, known for strong efficiency and long-range positioning in the EV market. When it shows up in a “bargains” list, it usually means the host is highlighting pricing or inventory deals on that model line.

Lucid Motors is the EV manufacturer behind the Lucid brand and its Lucid Air sedan. The host mentions a partnership, implying Evercars may source some inventory directly from Lucid rather than only through third parties.

“Deal of the week” is the show’s recurring segment where the hosts pick an EV that fits specific buyer criteria. In this excerpt, they define limits around price, mileage, and model year to qualify.

The Dodge Charger RT is a performance-oriented Charger trim, and this specific one is being discussed as an EV deal. In this segment the host highlights EV-style metrics like 0-60 time, usable battery size, EPA range, and fast-charging speed to judge whether it’s a “bargain” versus other EVs.

Destination is the factory-to-dealer shipping charge that’s added to the base price on a vehicle’s sticker. It’s commonly included in MSRP figures, so comparing “out-the-door” deals often requires knowing whether destination is already baked in.

“Zero to 60” is shorthand for 0–60 mph acceleration time, a common way to compare how quickly cars build speed from a stop. It’s a performance metric that depends on power, traction, and drivetrain behavior.

A battery’s “usable” kilowatt-hour (kWh) is the portion of total battery capacity that the car can actually use for driving. Usable kWh is more meaningful than total capacity because manufacturers reserve some capacity for protection and buffer.

183 kilowatts is the peak charging power the car can accept at a fast charger. Higher kW generally means faster charging, though real time depends on the battery’s state of charge and how the car limits charging as the battery fills.

This is a fast-charging time estimate for going from 20% to 80% state of charge (SOC). Charging is usually quickest in the middle of the battery’s range, so 20–80 is often used as a practical benchmark rather than “full to empty.”

In EV pricing, a tax credit can reduce the effective cost of the vehicle, but it may only apply in certain purchase structures. The host’s point is that the credit isn’t available in the dealer discount context they’re discussing, which changes whether leases can be priced attractively.

MSRP (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price) is the sticker price automakers publish as the baseline. The host is using MSRP to show how large the discount is—claiming the car can be bought for about half of that published price.

“Junk fees” are extra charges added to a car deal that don’t meaningfully improve the vehicle—often dealer add-ons or administrative items. The host says Dodge dealers are “notorious” for adding these, and recommends asking for documentation/invoice details.

“Low jack” here refers to an aftermarket vehicle tracking/recovery system (often a branded theft-recovery setup) that dealers may bundle into the sale. The host lists it as an example of a dealer add-on they consider unnecessary “junk fees.”

An “invoice” (dealer invoice) is the document showing what the dealer paid for the vehicle before their markup and add-ons. The host recommends asking for an invoice to understand the real breakdown of fees and pricing.

To “brick” a car means it becomes effectively unusable due to a severe software or control-system failure—often requiring dealer or manufacturer intervention. The host claims their Charger EV “bricked” after under a thousand miles, and warns it could happen while driving.

A “buyback” is a remedy where the manufacturer or seller repurchases the vehicle from the owner, typically tied to lemon law outcomes or negotiated settlements. The host uses it to explain why they’re now considering a replacement EV at lower prices.

A factory warranty is the warranty provided by the automaker, not a third-party plan. The host emphasizes wanting the “full factory warranty” when buying a new 2025 Dodge Charger, because it can protect you if major issues appear.

A powertrain warranty covers the major components that make the car move—typically the engine (if equipped), transmission, and drivetrain. The host quotes a “five year, 60,000 mile powertrain” warranty and suggests that if a warning light appears, it may fall under that coverage.

“Red wrench of death” is a nickname for a serious dashboard warning indicator (a red wrench icon) that suggests the vehicle has detected a major fault. The host says they’ve seen it in the gauge cluster and hopes it will be covered under the powertrain warranty.

When an EV’s or car’s software is “super slow,” it usually refers to lag in the user interface—touch response delays, slow menu navigation, or sluggish app/phone integration. This matters because infotainment and vehicle controls increasingly rely on software performance.

Infotainment is the car’s in-cabin entertainment and information system, typically including the touchscreen, navigation, media playback, and phone integration. When hosts say an infotainment system is “not a great” one, they usually mean it’s slow, buggy, or awkward to use.

Uconnect is a Chrysler/Stellantis infotainment software and hardware platform used across multiple brands. In this segment, the host criticizes it as slow and unpleasant to use, tying it to broader “software issues” they claim to see in these cars.

Stalantis appears to refer to Stellantis, the automaker formed from a merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and PSA. The host mentions it in the context of audio speaker count and broader software/infotainment experiences.

The Chevrolet Bolt EV is a mainstream EV known for practical daily commuting and relatively affordable pricing. In this segment, it’s specifically called out for slow DC fast charging, which becomes a problem once the driver’s commute turns into frequent 250-mile round trips.

DC fast charging is a method of charging an EV that uses direct current from the charger. It bypasses more of the car’s onboard conversion work, so it can add a lot of energy quickly compared with slower charging.

“800 volt architecture” is an EV electrical design that allows higher voltage charging and power delivery. In practice, it can enable faster DC fast charging because the system can push more power without as much current, which helps reduce charging time.

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is an electric crossover, and the SEL trim is positioned as a mid-level option. In the 2024 model year, the SEL package was cut versus the 2023 Ioniq 5 SEL—so you lose features like rear AC vents, ambient lighting, and even some rear-seat convenience items.

“Limited” here refers to a specific trim level of the Hyundai Ioniq 5. Trim levels bundle different feature sets, so “Limited” typically means more equipment than the base/entry versions.

The Kia EV6 is an electric crossover, and the Wind trim is a mid-level package. The host highlights that the EV6 Wind tends to include more features than the Ioniq 5 SEL at similar money—specifically a Meridian sound system and ventilated front seats.

Meridian is an audio brand known for premium in-car sound systems. When a car includes a “Meridian sound system,” it typically means the audio hardware and tuning are upgraded compared with standard stereos.

A heated steering wheel uses built-in heating elements to warm the wheel surface. It’s a comfort feature that reduces cold-weather numbness during winter driving.

The Hyundai Ioniq 6 is an electric sedan known for its long, spacious cabin and “sedan vibe” packaging. The host notes a key tradeoff: it has a relatively small trunk (11.3 cubic feet) compared with the Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6.

The Tesla Model Y is a compact electric SUV known for its practical layout and roomy interior, which is why it often comes up when people compare back-seat space. In a discussion like this, it’s typically highlighted for everyday usability, with attention also paid to any downsides the speaker mentions. It’s a common benchmark EV because it balances space, performance, and mainstream availability.

The Tesla Model 3 is an electric sedan used here as a comparison point for rear-seat space. The host claims the Ioniq 6 has more back-seat room than the Model 3.

Dampers are part of the suspension that control how quickly the car’s springs compress and rebound after hitting bumps. Stiffer dampers generally make the ride feel more responsive but can reduce comfort over rough roads.

Battery preconditioning is a feature that warms (or otherwise prepares) an EV’s battery before charging. The goal is to improve charging speed and consistency—especially in cold weather—so the car can accept high power more quickly.

“No accident history” is a screening criterion based on vehicle history reports, indicating the car hasn’t been reported as damaged in crashes. For EVs in particular, prior damage can affect battery systems, charging components, and structural integrity, so buyers often treat this as a risk filter.

The Chevrolet Volt is a plug-in hybrid (not a full battery-electric car), meaning it can drive on electricity for a while and then uses an engine to extend range. The host uses it as the baseline comparison point for moving to a true EV like the IONIQ 5 or EV6.

EPA range is the estimated distance an EV can travel on a full charge under standardized testing by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. It’s a useful apples-to-apples number for shopping, but real-world range can vary with speed, temperature, and driving style.

Fast charging refers to using a high-power DC charger to recharge an EV much quicker than standard Level 1/Level 2 charging. Charging speed is typically highest at lower state-of-charge and can slow as the battery approaches full.

“10 to 80% in 18 minutes” describes a typical DC fast-charging window from a low battery level to a mid-high level. EV charging curves often slow down after about 80% to protect the battery, so 80% is commonly used as a practical “get going again” target.

A “bumper-to-bumper warranty” is an all-encompassing factory warranty that covers most vehicle components for a set time or mileage. When it’s “dead” (expired), you’re more likely to pay out of pocket for repairs, which matters a lot on expensive German luxury EVs.

“Rolling the dice” here is a buying-risk concept: choosing a used car that seems cheap up front but may have hidden costs later. The host frames it around whether an older German luxury EV is likely to have expensive failures once the warranty is gone.

“Motor coolant intrusion” refers to coolant leaking into the electric motor’s internals. On the Audi e-tron, the host says there are checks for both the rear and front motors, and that it should be checked regularly because it can develop over time.

In this segment, “dealer” refers to the manufacturer’s authorized service network (Audi dealerships). The host recommends dealer service for the front motor check because it may require more involved disassembly than a typical DIY inspection.

A “clean title” means the vehicle’s ownership paperwork doesn’t show major legal issues like salvage or rebuilt branding. The host uses it as a screening criterion when searching for a used Audi e-tron to avoid cars with serious prior damage histories.

Air suspension uses an air-filled spring system instead of steel coils, letting the car automatically adjust ride height and stiffness. On a luxury EV like the Audi e-tron, it can make the ride feel smoother, but it also adds complexity that can raise maintenance costs.

Ambient lighting is interior lighting designed to create a mood rather than just illuminate controls. On luxury trims, it’s often integrated into the cabin and can be part of the “premium” feel the host is describing for the Audi e-tron.

Ventilated seats have built-in fans and ducts that blow air through the seat cushions to help cool you down. They’re a common luxury feature, and here the host contrasts which Audi e-tron trims include them.

“400 volt” refers to the EV’s electrical system voltage, which affects how efficiently the car can accept fast charging. Many modern EVs use higher-voltage architectures (often 800V), so a 400V system can charge quickly but may not match the fastest charging rates of higher-voltage designs.

A “peak charge rate” is the maximum power the EV can draw from a fast charger at the start of charging. The host notes a ~150 kW peak, and that the car can hold a high rate for much of the session, which is what makes the charging experience feel quick.

The host is referring to battery capacity (commonly expressed in kilowatt-hours, kWh), which determines how much energy the EV can store. A larger battery generally means more total driving range, but it can also affect charging behavior and overall vehicle weight.

CPO stands for Certified Pre-Owned. It’s a used-car program where the vehicle is inspected and backed by additional coverage, which can reduce the risk of buying a used car with unknown history.

The Audi e-tron S is a performance-focused version of Audi’s electric SUV, known for higher output and sportier driving behavior than the base e-tron. In this segment, the host highlights its tri-motor setup and how it can use torque vectoring on the rear axle for more responsive handling.

A tri-motor setup means the vehicle uses three electric motors to drive the wheels. That can improve acceleration and allow more advanced control strategies, like distributing torque across axles and wheels for better traction and handling.

Torque vectoring is a drivetrain control method that varies how much twisting force (torque) is sent to individual wheels. By sending more torque to one side or axle, it can help the car rotate more predictably through turns and improve traction.

The 2011 Ford F-150 EcoBoost is a gasoline pickup that uses Ford’s turbocharged engine family to deliver strong power for towing. In this segment, it’s used as the baseline example of a high-mileage truck that’s starting to have problems and is getting poor fuel economy.

The Ford F-150 Lightning is an electric version of the F-150 pickup, aimed at buyers who want truck capability with EV running costs. Here, the host focuses on the standard-range model’s limited range for towing, including the stated 230-mile range figure.

Standard range refers to the smaller battery configuration offered on some EVs, which typically provides less driving distance per charge than the larger-battery version. In this segment, it’s the reason the host says towing long distances could be problematic.

The Rivian R1T is an electric pickup truck known for its off-road capability and adventure-focused design. In this segment, it’s brought up as an alternative to the Ford F-150 Lightning if the buyer needs more range or better suitability for towing.

“Extended range” refers to a higher-capacity battery configuration that’s designed to increase driving distance per charge. In this segment, it’s tied to the host’s claim that the Silverado can reach around 400 miles of range with the larger battery.

A “work truck spec” is a trim level aimed at utility and cost savings rather than comfort or tech. The host points out examples like vinyl seats and a simpler infotainment/display setup, which makes the cabin feel more like a tool than a lifestyle vehicle.

The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup, and the “work truck” trim is aimed at utility and durability rather than luxury. In this segment, it’s used as a comparison point for EV towing and practicality (like easy-to-clean vinyl seats).

A “frunk” is the front trunk space on many EVs (and some other cars) created because there’s no traditional engine up front. It’s often used for storage and can make the vehicle feel more practical for daily errands.

An “EV platform” is the shared engineering foundation (battery placement, wiring architecture, chassis layout) used across multiple electric vehicles. Calling it “universal” suggests the same core design can underpin different models, helping manufacturers reduce cost and speed up development.

The Ford Maverick is a compact pickup known for being relatively affordable compared with full-size trucks. In this segment, the hosts discuss how Maverick resale values stay high, implying strong demand and good value retention for early buyers.

The Ford Ranger is a midsize pickup that’s often used as a reference point for truck size and positioning. Here, it’s mentioned as a comparison for how big the new compact truck being discussed feels.

Resale values are what a vehicle is worth when you sell it later, usually measured by the price you can get for used examples. The hosts use resale values to argue that these trucks have strong demand and therefore may be a “good buy” even after purchase.

The mid $30,000 range is a pricing bracket the hosts use to frame the truck’s value proposition versus alternatives. In this context, they’re implying that at that price point, the vehicle should be a strong bargain relative to what buyers can pay for used versions.