Austin Payne

Automotive News & EV Industry Insights

This 2026 new-car buying guide breaks down why average prices hit $49,353, why SUVs dominate, and why hybrids are the most practical pick as EV credits vanish.

May 18, 2026 48

Jill on Money’s 2026 car-buying tips break down why new cars average around $50,000 and how to shop financing, used options, and dealer add-ons without overpaying.

May 16, 2026 55

MotorTrend’s 2025-2026 comparison-test lineup shows EV cross-shopping going mainstream, with Tesla Model Y rematches, a $35K Equinox EV check, and off-road trims everywhere.

May 13, 2026 61

Car and Driver’s 2026 10Best explains its back-to-back testing, $115,000 eligibility cap, and 20-judge scoring that narrows 100+ contenders to the winners.

May 10, 2026 83

Austin Payne analyzes 2026 auto market data showing average prices hit $49,353, the EV tax credit is gone, and hybrids have become the top recommendation for SUV buyers seeking reliability and performance.

Apr 30, 2026 114

EV battery replacement cost is usually far higher than most routine repairs, but the real numbers depend on pack size, labor, and warranty.

May 26, 2026 21

How long do EV batteries last? Most modern EV packs are built to go 10-20 years, with gradual range loss. See what affects lifespan.

May 25, 2026 30

EV batteries shape range, charging speed, resale, and cost. Learn how EV batteries work, what lasts, and which chemistry fits your drive.

May 22, 2026 57

Statista forecasts the worldwide electric-vehicle market to reach US$996.3bn in 2026 and US$1.1tn by 2030, with China leading at US$533bn in 2026.

May 15, 2026 58

E&E News reports 2026 may stall U.S. EV growth as incentives fade, with sales share dropping from 11.7% to 5.4% and buyers shifting to used EVs.

May 09, 2026 85

Honda dropped its 2040 combustion-free target and teased 15 new hybrids, signaling hybrids will anchor Honda and push Acura toward a hybrid-only lineup late this decade.

May 19, 2026 36

Market Research Future projects the global automotive industry rising from $4,357.69B in 2025 to $8,508.56B by 2035, driven by EV demand, safety tech, and smart systems.

May 11, 2026 79

The global used car market is projected to reach USD 2.7 trillion by 2031, driven by new car affordability issues and rising EV inventory, with petrol retaining a 40% volume share despite diesel restrictions.

May 02, 2026 93

The 2026 Subaru Trailseeker Premium packs 375 hp, 3.9-sec 0–60 pace, 280 miles of range, and 8.5 inches of clearance for $39,995.

May 17, 2026 51

Hyundai revealed the China-focused IONIQ V electric liftback with an 800V platform, CATL batteries, and over 600 km CLTC range as the first move in a 20+ model China push.

May 07, 2026 88

This analysis breaks down the 2026 EV market shift, highlighting Kia's aggressive EV6 pricing, Audi's Q4 e-tron range update, GM's truck delay, and ChargePoint's 600-kW infrastructure rollout.

Apr 29, 2026 105

Audi’s 2027 RS5 plug-in hybrid brings 630 hp and 52 miles of EV range, while Alfa delays the Stelvio to 2028 as it retreats from an EV-only plan.

May 14, 2026 55

CNBC reports used car prices fell for the first time in 2026 even as gas prices spiked, a signal that buyer demand and affordability pressures are starting to bite.

May 08, 2026 84

Latest Posts

EV battery replacement cost is usually far higher than most routine repairs, but the real numbers depend on pack size, labor, and warranty.

May 26, 2026 21

How long do EV batteries last? Most modern EV packs are built to go 10-20 years, with gradual range loss. See what affects lifespan.

May 25, 2026 30

EV batteries shape range, charging speed, resale, and cost. Learn how EV batteries work, what lasts, and which chemistry fits your drive.

May 22, 2026 57

Honda dropped its 2040 combustion-free target and teased 15 new hybrids, signaling hybrids will anchor Honda and push Acura toward a hybrid-only lineup late this decade.

May 19, 2026 36

This 2026 new-car buying guide breaks down why average prices hit $49,353, why SUVs dominate, and why hybrids are the most practical pick as EV credits vanish.

May 18, 2026 48

The 2026 Subaru Trailseeker Premium packs 375 hp, 3.9-sec 0–60 pace, 280 miles of range, and 8.5 inches of clearance for $39,995.

May 17, 2026 51

Jill on Money’s 2026 car-buying tips break down why new cars average around $50,000 and how to shop financing, used options, and dealer add-ons without overpaying.

May 16, 2026 55

Statista forecasts the worldwide electric-vehicle market to reach US$996.3bn in 2026 and US$1.1tn by 2030, with China leading at US$533bn in 2026.

May 15, 2026 58

Audi’s 2027 RS5 plug-in hybrid brings 630 hp and 52 miles of EV range, while Alfa delays the Stelvio to 2028 as it retreats from an EV-only plan.

May 14, 2026 55

MotorTrend’s 2025-2026 comparison-test lineup shows EV cross-shopping going mainstream, with Tesla Model Y rematches, a $35K Equinox EV check, and off-road trims everywhere.

May 13, 2026 61

Market Research Future projects the global automotive industry rising from $4,357.69B in 2025 to $8,508.56B by 2035, driven by EV demand, safety tech, and smart systems.

May 11, 2026 79

Car and Driver’s 2026 10Best explains its back-to-back testing, $115,000 eligibility cap, and 20-judge scoring that narrows 100+ contenders to the winners.

May 10, 2026 83

E&E News reports 2026 may stall U.S. EV growth as incentives fade, with sales share dropping from 11.7% to 5.4% and buyers shifting to used EVs.

May 09, 2026 85

CNBC reports used car prices fell for the first time in 2026 even as gas prices spiked, a signal that buyer demand and affordability pressures are starting to bite.

May 08, 2026 84

Hyundai revealed the China-focused IONIQ V electric liftback with an 800V platform, CATL batteries, and over 600 km CLTC range as the first move in a 20+ model China push.

May 07, 2026 88

The global used car market is projected to reach USD 2.7 trillion by 2031, driven by new car affordability issues and rising EV inventory, with petrol retaining a 40% volume share despite diesel restrictions.

May 02, 2026 93

Austin Payne analyzes 2026 auto market data showing average prices hit $49,353, the EV tax credit is gone, and hybrids have become the top recommendation for SUV buyers seeking reliability and performance.

Apr 30, 2026 114

This analysis breaks down the 2026 EV market shift, highlighting Kia's aggressive EV6 pricing, Audi's Q4 e-tron range update, GM's truck delay, and ChargePoint's 600-kW infrastructure rollout.

Apr 29, 2026 105

Recurrent Auto's 2026 EV report reveals new sales stalled post-tax credit deadline, but range retention now hits 95% after five years, with average range climbing to 325 miles as models like the Rivian R2 and Volvo EX30 …

Apr 28, 2026 111