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Portable Electric Car Chargers: Are They Worth It?

Portable Electric Car Chargers: Are They Worth It?

You’ve just bought your first EV, and now you’ve come down with a severe case of range anxiety. What’s the remedy? You could conservatively plan for charging stops (and charge at home), or shell out thousands of dollars for a suitcase-sized portable battery. Portable electric car chargers are coming to market in 2022. How much do portable EV chargers cost, and are they even worth the money? Here’s where things stand today.

What Is a Portable Electric Car Charger?

When combustion-powered vehicles run out of gas, it’s rarely more than an inconvenience. When an electric vehicle crawls to a stop on the highway, it’s a bigger problem. What if the only charger around is 50 miles down the road? Fortunately, charging an EV is getting easier in America, but range anxiety is a reality for many rural EV drivers and road trippers in 2022. 

A portable electric vehicle car charger is an emergency power reserve about the size of a small suitcase that can serve as a portable supply of electricity when there’s no public charger nearby. Basically, a portable EV charger is a big battery with bi-directional capability. It can draw power from the grid, but it can also send power to your car. 

Get Ready For Charging as a Service (CaaS)

Are portable chargers available? Kinda sorta. You could buy your own portable charger (for a few thousand dollars), or you could subscribe to a service that offers on-demand portable charging as a service. However, it isn’t cheap. In fact, far from it. These are the options on the market in 2022, and how much you’ll have to fork over for one.

SparkCharge

sparkcharge roadie

This new company out of Somerville, Mass. is determined to make owning an EV easier. As Forbes noted recently, think of SparkCharge as the “UberEats or DoorDash of electric vehicle charging.” SparkCharge is a service provider that will show up with their portable batteries (affectionately called ‘Roadies’) to deliver a charge when called upon. The service can be accessed through a subscription-based app called Currently. A service vehicle arrives promptly and begins charging. Currently, SparkCharge’s Currently is only available in Dallas, San Francisco, San Jose and Los Angeles. Learn more here.

Size: Doesn’t matter, SparkCharge comes to you! The Roadie is about the size of a standard suitcase.

Weight: Battery = 73 lbs, charger is 51 lbs

Power capacity: 3.5 kilowatt-hours of usable power. However, the batteries are stackable on a rolling cart, so you can multiply that by three or four to get up to 14 kWh of usable power for charging. That’s a lot more than some competitors offer.

Power output: 20 kilowatts

Miles of range added: “One mile of range added per minute,” or a four-stack of Roadie batteries can add 60-70 miles to a single vehicle (in about an hour) or dispense 10 miles of range to seven different EVs.

Price: This is charging as a service (CaaS) at its finest. Here are the subscription options: The Volt subscription costs $25 per month, which covers two charges, each of which comes with a delivery fee of $9.99. The Jolt plan costs $60 for four charges and a $5.99 delivery fee. The Bolt plan is $80 per month for six charges, plus $5.99 delivery. Learn more about SparkCharge here

The verdict: As EV adoption accelerates, charging as a service will grow as an industry. While today’s charging providers are limited by the energy density of their battery technology, the future’s looking brighter. If you live in a metro area where SparkCharge is offering service, it may be worth considering. If you do, let us know!

ZipCharge Go

zipcharge go

ZipCharge is a new startup out of Britain that promises to bring portable EV chargers to market this year. With wheels on the bottom and a retractable handle (just like a suitcase), the ZipCharge Go is compact, but don’t expect it to get you very far.

Size: About the dimensions of a small suitcase

Weight: ~50 pounds

Power capacity: 4 or 8 kilowatt-hour capacity options

Power output: 7.2 kW of power

Miles of range added: 20 to 40 miles in 30 minutes to one hour

Price: Expected to start around $2,000.

The verdict: Just 20 to 40 miles of emergency range for two grand? I think being smart about planning charging stops is a much smarter route to take for EV drivers.

blink portable charger

Well-known EV charging company Blink has introduced a portable unit that can be yours for a pretty penny. The Blink portable charger can at up to one mile of range per minute. Blink will sell two versions: one networked for Blink subscribers and one without a network connection so roadside-assistance companies can add the charger to their list of services. Learn more about the Blink portable charger here.

Size: The size of a medium-sized generator

Weight: 350 lbs (this alone would drastically lower driving range)

Power capacity: unknown

Power output: 9.6 kW

Miles of range added: Up to 1 mile of charge per minute

Price: $6,500. Yes, that’s a LOT of money.

The verdict: Unless you’re a fleet manager responsible for a dozen EVs, I don’t see the value of this costly portable charger for the everyday EV driver.

Are Portable EV Chargers Worth the Money?

What it all comes down to is an emerging industry divided into subscription-based AAA-like services, and pricey suitcase-sized batteries that can be hauled around to provide an answer to range anxiety. Consider this: adding one mile of range per minute might be worth it when public fast chargers are much more common and widespread. If you know there’s a fast charger 10 miles down the road and you’re stranded at 0%, waiting for enough charge to make it there would be a no-brainer. 

But what if the nearest charger is 50 miles away? Or 100 miles away? In most cases, you’ll need a tow truck. Charging as a service will pair nicely with a growing fast-charger network nationwide, but until then, city dwellers are likely to be the only EV drivers to benefit. EV charging networks are making big plans for growth, and billions of dollars are being funneled to states for more charging stations.

The smart thing to do is to simply plan your charging stops before you hit the road, at least until there are more chargers available. A Better Route Planner and PlugShare are the best EV trip planning tools out there. I’ve driven 11,000 miles in my EV without every dropping below 5% state of charge. All it takes is some minor planning and thoughtfulness.

We’ll keep an eye on this new option for electric car drivers. Things are changing at lightning speed.

States just announced their massive EV charging proposals. We’ve gathered every state’s EV charging plans in one spot.

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Big Names in Autonomous Driving, and Who They’re Partnering With

Big Names in Autonomous Driving, and Who They’re Partnering With

GM autonomous car

Have you ever seen a driverless vehicle? Not a Tesla, but a moving car, truck or SUV without anyone in the driver’s seat? True self-driving cars are less than a decade away, and key players have established a new industry that’s on the verge of spilling out into the mainstream. Legacy automakers are investing billions of dollars into emerging AI startups focused on driverless tech. These are the big names in autonomous driving, and the automakers they’re teaming up with. 

Argo AI

Ford autonomous vehicles
Argo has a partnership with Ford. Pictured is the all-new F-150 Lightning

Argo is a Pittsburgh based tech company that is making a name for itself as a leader of autonomous driving technology that is relatively close to mass adoption. Argo has partnerships with Ford, Volkswagen, Walmart and Lyft. The Argo Self-Driving System is already undergoing testing with Ford and Volkswagen vehicles. 

Argo’s weakness is more likely a tradeoff that engineers at Argo were willing to accept in exchange for higher probability of success in the near future. And it seems to be working well for them. Argo Self-Driving works on roadways that are intricately mapped beforehand so that the system knows about street-level conditions and safety precautions. 

In conjunction with an all-of-the-above sensor approach (LiDAR, radar and cameras), Argo Self-Driving is designed to drive like an experienced driver, but only in certain areas. The benefit of this approach is that it’s much more realistic in the near-term, despite its limited use case.

Cruise

Cruise autonomous vehicle

The first generation Cruise Autonomous Vehicle exists on a modified version of the Chevrolet Bolt. That’s because General Motors bought the Cruise startup back in 2016. Rest assured that the next milestone for this promising company is the launch of the Cruise Origin, a driverless pod without a steering wheel. In January of 2021, Honda announced a partnership with Cruise to bring the Origin to Japan. GM announced that the Cruise will begin production in Detroit in 2023. Cruise will certainly be competing head-to-head with Zoox and others with eerily similar product roadmaps.

Pony.ai

Pony autonomous vehicle

With millions of kilometers of testing completed and a data-driven approach, Pony.AI is playing the long game in autonomous driving. That’s not stopping them from getting off to a strong start. Pony.ai was the first to launch a robo taxi service in 2018, allowing passengers to hail self-driving cars in Guangzhou, Beijing, Irvine, CA, and Fremont, CA. In February 2020, Toyota invested $400 million in the company.

Waymo

Waymo autonomous vehicle

Formerly the Google Self-Driving car project, Waymo is off to a great start with their sensor-loaded approach to autonomous driving. Google started their self-driving research in 2009 back when optimism about near-future autonomy was peaking. Now, Waymo continues as a subsidiary of Alphabet, Google’s parent company. 

In 2022, Waymo currently operates ride-hailing driverless vehicles in the Phoenix area, and testing has started in San Francisco and New York. Waymo equips vehicles with a suite of sensors that help the autonomous system paint a picture of the environment around the car at all times. It’s not perfect, but riders say it’s impressive and improving. Interestingly, not all of the vehicles equipped with autonomous driving are fully-electric. Driverless Chrysler vans are a common sight in Phoenix.

Zoox

Zoox autonomous vehicle

Zoox, a recent subsidiary of Amazon, has the goal of providing enjoyable mobility-as-a-service in dense urban environments. Basically, autonomous ride-hailing. Zoox handles the driving, charging, maintenance, and upgrades for their vehicles. It’s like an autonomous taxi, sort of like Waymo. The rider will simply pay for the service. The Zoox vehicle is a passenger-focused capsule designed in-house. We’ll be hearing more about Zoox autonomous vehicles.

Investments in True Autonomous Driving Are Accelerating

The global autonomous vehicle market was valued at $76.13 billion in 2020, and is projected to reach $2 trillion by 2030. Legacy automakers like GM, Ford, Stellantis and Volkswagen are banking on partnerships with AI startups to leapfrog into a future where driverless vehicles are safe, affordable and accessible. How will the likes of Tesla, Lucid, Rivian, and other newcomers innovate and adapt to the changes to come? Time will tell. 

Want to know more? Here’s every automaker’s plan for autonomous driving investments.

Buying a Car? Share Your Experience With Others

Getting ready to buy? See how dealers near you have been treating customers at CarEdge Dealer Reviews. When you make a vehicle purchase, don’t forget to share your experience with the CarEdge family. All submissions are vetted by the CarEdge team. Together, we can transform the car buying experience. 

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The 5 Best Electric Cars to Lease in 2022

The 5 Best Electric Cars to Lease in 2022

2023 Fisker Ocean

We recently shared five affordable electric cars to buy in 2022. “Affordable” only goes so far in today’s auto market, and not a single top pick lists for under $35,000. With battery and charging advancements around every corner, leasing is a great way to keep up with the pace of technology without having to purchase a new car. All things considered, these are the 5 best electric cars to lease in 2022.

Hyundai Kona EV

hyundai kona lease

The often overlooked Hyundai Kona EV was the Korean automaker’s electric flagship years before the fancy new IONIQ 5 stole the show. When it comes down to numbers, the Kona EV is a great value. We featured it in our recent CarEdge list of the best affordable electric cars

This front-wheel drive subcompact crossover gets 258 miles on the charge, exceptional range for a budget EV. Some owners get over 275 miles on a single charge. If you plug in at home, charging to 100% from a 240-volt dryer outlet will only take you about 9 hours from 10% state of charge. That will get you a full battery overnight while you’re sleeping. At a DC fast charger, the Kona is behind the competition. In 47 minutes, the Kona Electric charges from 10% to 80% capacity. For perspective, the new Hyundai IONIQ 5 can do the same in 18 minutes, but it costs nearly twice as much.

You can lease the Hyundai Kona EV for just $259 /mo with $3,699 due at lease signing for 36 months and 10,000 miles of driving allowance per year. If this is your price range, the Chevy Bolt, Nissan Leaf, and the Kona’s cousin the e-Niro are the only other options. You can’t go wrong with the Kona at this price point.

Volvo XC40 Recharge

volvo xc40 recharge

Volvo and sibling Polestar are ramping up their commitment to electrification. The Volvo XC40 Recharge (pure electric) has been the darling of auto reviewers time and time again. Test drivers share a common theme: the XC40 Recharge is a lot more fun to drive than they had expected. 

It may look like a family car, but this electric Volvo can launch to 60 mph in just 4.7 seconds as it puts down power via dual electric motors. With 223 miles of range on a charge and up to 150 kW charging speeds at a public fast charger, the XC40 Recharge is just about average for an electric car in 2022. It IS a solid road-tripper, unlike some other options on this list. 

Infotainment runs on Google’s Android Auto operating system, much like the popular Polestar 2. An upscale cabin adorned with the elegant and dark-themed interior we’ve come to expect from Volvo features plenty of hidden storage and generous room in the back seat. This electric crossover feels a lot larger than it really is.

Leasing the XC40 Recharge is available for $540 a month with $3,500 down, and 10,000 miles of annual driving allowance. If you’re looking for a peppy electric crossover with a Scandinavian flair, Volvo’s XC40 Recharge just might be the one.

Learn more about the 2022 XC40 Recharge here

Nissan Leaf

nissan leaf lease

If you’re shopping on a tight budget, don’t overlook the original posterchild of EVs, the Nissan Leaf. A few years before Tesla’s sales ballooned into EV domination, the Leaf was leading electric car sales in America. Why did it fall out of favor? It looks like an appliance, drives like an appliance, can’t make it very far on a charge, and charges slower than most of the competition. But it’s cheap!

With those complaints aside, the Nissan Leaf is still a solid choice for a lease in 2022. We can only recommend the Leaf in the extended range, faster charging versions. That would be the Plus models, which are rated for up to 226 miles on a charge, and can charge at 100 kW charging speeds at a DC fast charger equipped with the CHAdeMO adapter. 

The Leaf is not recommended for frequent long-distance travelers. It’s just too much of a pain to stop so frequently and charge for a whole hour once every 180 miles. But for everyone else, the Leaf is a great electric car for around town. Plus, it still qualifies for the EV tax credit.

As of April, the 2022 Nissan Leaf is available for $179 per month for 36 months with $4,179 due at signing. It’s important to note that Nissan keeps the EV tax credit when you lease a Leaf. Regardless, that’s as cheap as it gets to lease a new EV in 2022. 

2023 Fisker Ocean (It’s Worth the Wait)

fisker flexee lease

At a time when the average transaction price for a new car is approaching $50,000, a sub-$40,000 electric crossover sounds too good to be true. The Fisker Ocean introduces rare value in the crowded EV segment. We recently shared an in-depth review of the Fisker Ocean.

For just $379 per month, you can lease a Fisker Ocean SUV with the new Fisker Flexee Lease offer. Fisker says that they believe electric vehicles should be affordable to all, and this is how they’re going to try to get there. 

With a Fisker Flexee Lease, there are no term limits and you can cancel at any time. It’s basically a long-term rental that appears to be worry-free. After twelve years of leased driving, Fisker will retire and recycle the electric SUV. The Fisker Flexee Lease requires an initial payment of $2,999, and it includes up to 30,000 miles per year. Maintenance is covered. 

The Fisker Ocean will be available in very limited quantities late this year. It won’t be until 2023 or even 2024 that a Fisker lease will be easy to come by. Nevertheless, keep it on your radar!

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The 2022 Polestar 2 is for Fans of a Different Kind of Minimalism

The 2022 Polestar 2 is for Fans of a Different Kind of Minimalism

2022 polestar 2

When Volvo acquired Polestar in 2015, the Swedish brand was known for high-performance sports cars. A short time later, Volvo reimagined Polestar as an all-electric brand that mixes performance and luxury in a very Scandinavian fashion. Today, the Polestar 2 is one of the most sought after electric cars in America. Here’s why drivers are falling in love with Polestar’s take on affordable luxury.

Interior and Exterior Design

The Polestar 2 exudes its kinship with Volvo from every angle, yet the Polestar brand has managed to take on its own identity among EV enthusiasts. With origins in Swedish racing, Polestar is synonymous with style and performance, at least in Europe. In North America, Polestar is unknown to most, however one headline-grabbing Super Bowl commercial improved the brand’s name recognition in the US. 

polestar styling

On the exterior, the Polestar 2 is defined by sharp angles and a slightly elevated posture. Volvo-like headlights and taillights leave no guessing as to the design language. With a ground clearance of 5.9 inches and an overall height of 59 inches, the Polestar 2 is a few inches taller than the Model 3. It’s no crossover, but it provides room to grow that many other electric sedans lack. 

Behind the back seat, there’s 14.3 cubic feet of cargo space. That may not sound like a lot, but the trunk is accessible via a hatchback-like power liftgate. That’s one serious advantage over the Tesla Model 3. Up front, there’s a little frunk with 1.2 cubic feet of storage space. 

Eco-Friendly Interior Meets Minimalism

polestar 2 interior

The Polestar 2’s interior is carefully crafted with eco-friendly accents and fabrics. The main touch points and sight areas are a fusion of wood, fabric, and conservative use of plastic. If you’ve seen the interior of any recent Volvo model, you already have an idea of what the Polestar 2 offers. If anything, the Polestar’s interior breathes minimalism into the Volvo family. Seating is offered in sustainably-sourced cloth upholstery or leather. The performance package throws in polarizing gold seatbelts to brighten up an otherwise dark interior.

polestar 2 interior

If you’re a fan of the Android operating system, Polestar has a treat for you. The digital instrument cluster is presented on a 12-inch horizontal display in front of the driver. Infotainment and climate controls are found on a centrally-located 11.3-inch touchscreen that operates on Google’s Android Automotive operating system. Google Maps is seamlessly integrated into the Polestar 2’s navigation system, and apps are displayed much as they are on any Android phone. 

Polestar 2 Powertrain and Performance

Going electric comes with tradeoffs. Range is still king, at least until DC fast chargers become commonplace in America. Rarely does an electric car offer the best range AND performance on the same spec. That remains true for the Polestar 2. 

Polestar performance

If you foresee the need for maximum range, the single-motor variant is rated for 270 miles. Range comes at the expense of power. The single-motor Polestar 2 cranks out 231 horsepower, which is good for a 0-60 time of around 7 seconds. Speed enthusiasts will be inclined to go for the 408 horsepower all-wheel drive (dual-motor) option. The dual-motor Polestar 2 leaps to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds, which is just a hair ‘slower’ than the dual-motor Model 3. The performance package drops that to 4.1 seconds.

Polestar 2 Over-the-Air Updates

Polestar OTA update

You know what Tesla has that other automakers don’t? A superior charging network, a vertically-integrated platform, and seamless over-the-air (OTA) updates. Other OEMs are catching up slowly but surely. Now, Polestar can tout OTA update capability. An OTA update will increase the dual-motor Polestar 2’s horsepower from 408 to 476 HP and torque from 487 to 502 lb-ft. All that’s needed for an OTA update is a secure wireless internet connection.

Polestar 2 Range and Charging

The Polestar 2 is powered by Volvo’s electric Compact Modular Architecture (CMA). A 78.0-kWh lithium-­ion battery pack (75 kWh usable) lies under the floor. The single-motor model has a range of 270 miles, and the dual-motor variant should make it 249 miles on a single charge. Real-world tests have found that highway driving cuts range considerably. Car and Driver’s 75 mpg highway test yielded just 190 miles of range. For comparison, the dual-motor Tesla Model 3 managed 310 miles at 70 mph.

Charging is not one of the Polestar 2’s strengths, at least compared to the major competitors. The powertrain supports DC fast-charging up to 150 kilowatts. That’s similar to the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Volkswagen ID.4, but slower than what you’ll get in a Model 3, IONIQ 5 or Kia EV6. Polestar claims a charge time from empty to 80 percent in 40 minutes. 

Charging Incentive

Polestar is providing 2 years of free charging sessions (for 30 minutes per session) to new and existing 2021 and 2022 Polestar 2 customers. For those who travel plenty, this could add up to thousands of dollars saved. Tesla no longer offers a free charging incentive, so keep this in mind in addition to the EV tax incentive. 

How Much Does the Polestar 2 Cost?

Polestar 2 pricing starts at $47,200 including the $1,300 delivery charge. Upgrading to the dual-motor Polestar 2 will tack on $4,000 for a price of $51,200. The performance pack adds performance brakes, suspension upgrades, performance tires and gold (yes, gold) seat belts for an additional $5,000. The $4,000 plus package adds a heat pump for improved cold weather range, and a long list of luxury upgrades. The $3,200 Pilot package includes upgraded driver assistance tech and better LED headlights.

A fully-loaded Polestar 2 will total up to about $70,000 before taxes. Polestar sells direct to consumers (much like Tesla), so don’t expect any negotiating or surprise dealer fees.

Does the Polestar 2 Qualify For the EV Tax Credit?

Yes! All automakers who have not yet reached the 200,000-sale milestone continue to qualify for the $7,500 EV tax credit. Tesla and General Motors electric vehicles no longer qualify, but revisions to the tax credit are under discussion in 2022. Until Polestar grows their sales numbers considerably, their electric models will continue to qualify for this incentive in the US. State incentives may provide additional ways of lowering the total cost of ownership for the Polestar 2. 

What’s Next For Polestar? Polestar 3 Pricing and Specs

Polestar 3

The Polestar 3 electric crossover SUV should arrive in the North American market in the first quarter of 2023. Volvo will make the 3 in America at Volvo’s South Carolina production plant. Polestar has not released many details about the 3, but it is expected to start around $60,000 to $70,000 considering the base MSRPs of the Tesla Model Y, BMX iX, and others. 

The electric vehicle space is heating up, and Volvo’s Polestar brand is going full steam ahead. The Polestar 2 represents a compelling alternative to the best-selling Tesla Model 3. Will Swedish sophistication and sharp looks be enough to propel Polestar into the list of top EV contenders? Time will tell. 

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The Federal Trade Commission Is Going After Dealer Junk Fees and Discriminatory Practices

The Federal Trade Commission Is Going After Dealer Junk Fees and Discriminatory Practices

November 2022 Update

In a huge win for consumers, the FTC announced that it is sending checks to 66,355 customers who were harmed by Napleton’s junk fees and discriminatory practices. The payments total $9.8 million. The FTC says that the payouts will average $147 each. Learn more about the FTC’s Napleton payments in the official announcement.

Original story:

The FTC and the State of Illinois have announced legal action against a large, multi-state dealer group. In a press release issued by the Federal Trade Commission on April 1, both the FTC and the Illinois Attorney General alleged that Napleton dealerships (also known as North American Automotive Services) stuffed junk fees and unwanted add-ons onto vehicle purchases in particularly misleading ways. The legal complaint also cites discriminatory practices against Black customers.

According to the complaint, Napleton’s eight dealerships in Illinois, Florida, Pennsylvania, and Missouri consistently engaged in deceptive practices. The complaint alleges that the eight dealerships would force car buyers to wait through an hours-long negotiation process, only to sneak junk fees for add-on products and services into consumers’ purchase contracts.

“These junk fees were often added despite consumers specifically declining the add-ons or having confirmed prices that did not include the add-ons. In other cases, the consumers were falsely told the add-ons were free or were a requirement to purchase or finance their vehicle,” the complaint states.

A survey found that 83% of buyers from the Napleton dealerships were charged junk fees for add-ons without authorization or as a result of deception. One consumer cited in the complaint reported that the dealership added nearly $4,000 in add-on fees, but only after he’d paid a similar amount in down payment.

FTC Alleges Discrimination

The complaint also alleges that the Napleton dealerships discriminated against Black consumers in connection with financing vehicle purchases. Napleton employees had wide latitude to increase the cost of a consumer’s loan by increasing the amount paid in interest or adding add-ons to the final contract.

The FTC complaint also alleges that Black customers at the Napleton dealerships were charged approximately $190 more in interest and paid $99 more for similar add-ons than similarly situated non-Latino White customers. Dealers typically have the ability to increase (or decrease) interest rates in a sale due to captive lending, however the discriminatory practices alleged at Napleton are revealing. 

Napleton Defendant Spans Four States

The Federal Trade Commission files a complaint when it has “reason to believe that the named defendants are violating or are about to violate the law and it appears to the Commission that a proceeding is in the public interest. Stipulated final orders have the force of law when approved and signed by the District Court judge.”

The defendants in the case are:

  • North American Automotive Services, Inc., also doing business as Ed Napleton Automotive Group (Oak Brook, Ill.)
  • Ed Napleton Elmhurst Imports, Inc., also doing business as Napleton’s Kia of Elmhurst/Ed Napleton Acura (Elmhurst, Ill.)
  • Napleton’s Arlington Heights Motors, Inc., also doing business as Arlington Heights Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram (Arlington Heights, Ill.)
  • Hitko Kadric, general manager of the two Illinois-based dealerships
  • Napleton’s North Palm Auto Park, Inc., also doing business as Napleton’s Northlake Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram (Lake Park, Fla.)
  • Napleton Enterprises, LLC, also doing business as Napleton’s South Orlando/Kissimmee Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram (Kissimmee, Fla.)
  • Clermont Motors, LLC, also doing business as Napleton’s Clermont Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram (Clermont, Fla.)
  • North Palm Motors, LLC, also doing business as Napleton’s Northlake Kia (North Palm Beach, Fla.)
  • Napleton’s Ellwood Motors, Inc., also doing business as Napleton’s Ellwood Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram (Ellwood City, Pa.)
  • Napleton’s Mid Rivers Imports, Inc., also doing business as Napleton’s Mid Rivers Kia (St. Peters, Mo.)

Napleton FTC Settlement

Napleton Auto will pay $10 Million in damages and fines, a record amount for a dealership settlement.

Under the terms of the proposed settlement with the FTC and the State of Illinois, $9.95 million of the $10 million judgment will be used to provide relief to consumers, and $50,000 will be paid to the Illinois Attorney General Court Ordered and Voluntary Compliance Payment Projects Fund.

The settlement will also require Napleton to establish a fair lending program that will cap the additional interest markup they can charge consumers. The settlement also requires Napleton to charge consumers only with express, informed consent, and prohibits them from misrepresenting the cost or terms to buy, lease, or finance a car, or whether a fee or charge is optional.

CarEdge’s Take

This is why CarEdge exists, to return confident buying to the auto industry. It’s deceptive practices like what’s been alleged at Napleton that associate misery with car buying. It’s great to see one dealer group being held accountable, but how often does this happen without consequence? 

Our CarEdge members share countless stories of disappointing customer service experiences, and a few positive ones too. That’s why we recently launched CarEdge Dealer Reviews. With over 750 dealer reviews and more added every day, we’re putting the power back in the hands of the consumer. Getting ready to buy? See how dealers near you have been treating customers at CarEdge Dealer Reviews. When you make a vehicle purchase, don’t forget to share your experience with others. All submissions are vetted by the CarEdge team. Together, we can transform the car buying experience. 

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