Electric Cars

The electric vehicle landscape is undergoing a notable transformation, marked by an increasing backlog of unsold cars at dealerships. This phenomenon is creating a unique opportunity for prospective buyers to acquire EVs at potentially reduced prices. The surge in inventory, particularly for certain 2024 and 2025 models, suggests a shift in market dynamics that favors the consumer, offering more leverage and the possibility of securing advantageous deals as retailers aim to clear their lots.

A recent analysis by iSeeCars reveals that several EV models are experiencing significant oversupply. For the 2024 model year, the Genesis GV60 stands out with an inventory share of 21.8%, meaning more than one-fifth of the GV60s on dealer lots are still from the previous model year. Despite its early entry into the premium EV segment, alongside the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6, the GV60 has struggled to maintain strong sales momentum in the U.S. This surplus hints at challenges for Genesis in the competitive electric vehicle market.

Similarly, other models from the 2024 lineup are also accumulating. The Dodge Charger Daytona EV, a model Dodge had high hopes for, having discontinued its gasoline-powered predecessors, now constitutes 20.9% of dealer inventory. Following closely are the Chevrolet Silverado EV at 11.9% and the GMC Hummer EV SUV at 5.5%, indicating a broader trend across different segments of the EV market.

Looking at the 2025 models, the inventory situation appears even more pronounced. The BMW i4, currently BMW’s top-selling EV in the U.S., shows a remarkable 89.2% inventory share. This high percentage suggests that dealerships are heavily stocked with the 2025 i4, possibly influenced by the cessation of the $7,500 federal EV tax credit in September. The Porsche Macan EV also features prominently with 67.8% of its 2025 models in dealer inventory, ahead of the Volkswagen ID.4 at 59.1%, Cadillac Escalade IQ at 47.8%, and Genesis Electrified GV70 at 37.2%.

Rounding out the top ten for 2025 models are the Genesis GV60 at 35.3%, Honda Prologue at 34.1%, Mercedes-Benz EQE at 30.9%, Cadillac Lyriq at 30.6%, and the GMC Hummer EV at 30.2%. This widespread accumulation across various brands and models signals a potential buyer's paradise, where negotiation power could be at an all-time high as dealers are motivated to reduce their stock, protect profit margins, and adapt to the evolving market landscape.

The current market conditions suggest that the ball is firmly in the consumer's court. With a substantial number of electric vehicles sitting on dealership lots, buyers are likely to encounter more favorable pricing and incentive programs. This abundance offers a prime opportunity for those considering an EV purchase to conduct thorough research and enter negotiations from a position of strength, ultimately leading to more informed decisions and potentially significant savings.

A persistent legal challenge spanning eight years continues to plague General Motors, centering on allegations of defective air conditioning systems within a range of its popular trucks and SUVs manufactured between 2014 and 2017. This extensive litigation claims that a design flaw, specifically involving a 'combi-cooler' unit, leads to premature refrigerant loss and costly repair bills for vehicle owners. While plaintiffs are pushing for a class-action designation across five states, GM is actively resisting, asserting that the complaints are too diverse and that many affected customers have either not experienced the issue or have already received complimentary repairs. This prolonged dispute highlights significant concerns regarding the reliability of essential components in some of GM's most prominent models.

The central point of contention in this ongoing legal saga, formally known as In re: General Motors Air Conditioning Marketing and Sales Practices Litigation (No. 18-md-02818), focuses on the air conditioning setup in specific models. These include the 2014-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 pickups, alongside the 2015-2017 Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Yukon, and Cadillac Escalade SUVs. Owners of these vehicles report that the integrated 'combi-cooler,' which combines the A/C condenser with the transmission oil cooler, is susceptible to thermal stress. This stress, caused by significant temperature fluctuations, can reportedly lead to cracks in an attached component, allowing refrigerant to escape and ultimately rendering the air conditioning system ineffective.

Beyond the 'combi-cooler' issues, previous court filings also cited weaknesses in the discharge lines and condensers themselves, claiming they were prone to rupturing or separating, further contributing to refrigerant leakage. The plaintiffs contend that General Motors was aware of these design shortcomings as early as 2013 but continued to implement the faulty design, leaving consumers to shoulder substantial repair expenses, often compounded by part shortages. Furthermore, the lawsuit argues that these A/C malfunctions pose a safety risk, as fogged windows and excessively hot cabin temperatures can impair driving conditions, particularly in regions with high ambient temperatures where these vehicles are widely used.

Despite the advanced stage of this legal battle, now in its eighth year, securing class-action certification remains a hurdle. Plaintiffs have refined their scope, now seeking class status exclusively for vehicle purchasers in California, Florida, Michigan, Tennessee, and Washington. General Motors staunchly opposes this, arguing that the diverse nature of individual claims and the varying state laws make a unified class action impractical. The company emphasizes that a significant number of owners either did not encounter AC problems or received free servicing if they did. Citing recent appellate court decisions, GM maintains that even a five-state class would be administratively unwieldy, echoing a pattern seen in other defect litigations, such as a separate consolidated case concerning V8 engine issues.

The outcome of this protracted lawsuit carries substantial implications for both General Motors and its extensive customer base. This case does not target niche models but rather key full-size pickups and SUVs that were foundational to GM's truck division last decade and continue to influence the brand's perception. While GM invests heavily in new gas-powered vehicles and advanced technological features, an eight-year dispute over a fundamental component like air conditioning contradicts a narrative of seamless, modern vehicle ownership. Should the court grant class certification and rule in favor of the plaintiffs, GM could face widespread demands for reimbursement of repair costs and potential claims for diminished vehicle value. Conversely, if class certification is denied, affected owners who have paid for repairs out-of-pocket may find themselves pursuing individual claims, a more challenging and less efficient legal avenue.