Out of Spec BITS is a premier digital channel dedicated to the dynamic world of electric vehicles (EVs). This distributor delves into the latest advancements in EV technology, charging infrastructure, and the practical realities of EV ownership. Through insightful coverage and engaging discussions, Out of Spec BITS provides a comprehensive look at the evolving landscape of electric mobility.
The channel's content offers a deep dive into weekly EV news, ownership tips, and explorations of emerging trends. From examining the performance of cutting-edge EV components to analyzing the infrastructure that powers them, Out of Spec BITS serves as an essential resource for enthusiasts and those curious about the future of transportation.
The channel's content offers a deep dive into weekly EV news, ownership tips, and explorations of emerging trends. From examining the performance of cutting-edge EV components to analyzing the infrastructure that powers them, Out of Spec BITS serves as an essential resource for enthusiasts and those curious about the future of transportation.
1550nm Vehicle Lidar Fried My Phone But Will It Ruin The Autopilot Cameras On My Tesla!?
This video investigates the potential for the Volvo EX90's 1550nm LiDAR system to damage camera sensors, a concern amplified by online reports. The hosts successfully demonstrate that the LiDAR can indeed fry smartphone cameras, causing permanent damage, even from a distance. They meticulously te...
Latest Additions
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What's New With F-150 Lightning For 2024
The 2024 Ford F-150 Lightning receives notable updates, primarily focused on value and convenience features, rather than groundbreaking technological ... moreadvancements. Ford has adjusted MSRPs, with significant price drops on trims like the XLT Standard Range and the Flash, making the electric pickup more accessible, especially when factoring in potential tax credits. Key additions include a standard heat pump across all trims for improved cold-weather efficiency and enhanced charging information displayed on the instrument cluster. Towing software features, previously part of an optional package, are now standard on XLT and above, enhancing usability for practical tasks. Pro Power Onboard functionality is improved, now working even when the truck is off. While charging speeds remain unchanged, the overall package aims to solidify the Lightning's position in a market with limited direct competition. The review highlights the Flash trim as a potential sweet spot for consumers seeking a balance of features and extended range at a competitive price point. Despite the improvements, the discussion touches on the premium pricing compared to gasoline counterparts and the ongoing need for more aggressive pricing to broaden appeal, especially as competitors like the Silverado ramp up production. less
Here Are The Upcoming Tesla Updates And Cybertruck Improvements!
This episode of the Out of Spec Podcast dives deep into Tesla's latest software updates, focusing on improvements across various models and the C... moreybertruck. The hosts highlight significant UI/UX enhancements for Model 3 and Y, including expanded autopilot visualizations and a more integrated media player, drawing parallels to the Cybertruck's interface. Key features discussed include the auto-shift beta, native Audible integration, hands-free trunk access for S/X and refreshed Model 3, and a highly anticipated Sentry Mode recording preview. For the Cybertruck, updates cover power sharing capabilities, a digital colorizer, new horn/lock sounds, cabin overheat protection, and improved turning radius. A notable concern raised is the potential for older Intel-based infotainment systems to be left behind by these AMD-exclusive features, creating a divide between newer and older vehicles. The discussion also touches on the ongoing delays for the Model 3 and the anticipation surrounding the Ludicrous variant, alongside the Cybertruck's continued development and feature rollouts. less
This Dealer Is Setting The Standard For EV Sales
This episode features Alan Brown, Executive General Manager at Samac Chevrolet, discussing the evolving role of dealerships in the EV transition. Brow... moren emphasizes that his dealership group is "bullish on EV," highlighting significant investments in charging infrastructure and specialized tools. He contrasts the dealership model with Tesla's direct-to-consumer approach, arguing that dealerships offer accessibility, a vast service network, and a more personalized customer experience. The conversation touches on the upcoming Chevrolet EV lineup, including the Blazer, Equinox, and Silverado, with Brown expressing confidence in the Silverado's potential to outperform competitors like the Ford F-150 Lightning, particularly in range and towing. Key challenges discussed include customer education on charging, the complexity of tax incentives, and the importance of aggressive leasing options to encourage adoption of rapidly evolving EV technology. Brown stresses the need for thorough sales training, focusing on understanding customer needs rather than just selling, and assures listeners that dealerships are adapting to provide a comprehensive EV experience. less
AI Helped Design The New BMW Neue Klasse X
The Out of Spec Podcast hosts discuss BMW's Vision Neue Klasse X concept, focusing on its design philosophy and the innovative use of AI in the d... moreesign process. While the exterior design is met with mixed reactions, with some finding it a departure from BMW's traditional aesthetic, the interior's focus on a simplified, customizable user experience is highlighted. A significant portion of the discussion revolves around the current state of German automotive UI/UX, with a critique of the clutter and complexity found in systems like iDrive 8, contrasting it with Tesla's more streamlined approach. The hosts express hope that the Neue Klasse will bring back cohesive design language and intuitive controls. The AI integration in design is praised for being a tool for iteration and exploration rather than a gimmick, allowing designers to explore new textures and styles efficiently. The episode concludes with anticipation for the production models and their potential to reignite excitement for the BMW brand. less
Kyle Drove Rivian’s Electric Van! The Future Of EV Service, Delivery, & Commercial Fleets
Kyle Drove Rivian's Electric Van, specifically the Service Van (RSV) variant built on the Electric Delivery Van (EDV) platform. He highlights its... more premium feel, comparing it favorably to competitors like the Mercedes Sprinter and Ram ProMaster. The van excels in driver ergonomics, offering excellent ingress/egress and a commanding view, making it ideal for urban delivery and service applications. The reviewer was particularly impressed with its high-quality interior, customizable software, and driver-centric design, stating it's the van he'd most want to drive as a fleet employee. However, the van is positioned as a premium, expensive option, costing around $80,000. While the 90 kWh LFP battery is suitable for its intended urban use, providing an estimated 200 miles of city range, its highway range (116 miles at 70 mph) and slow DC fast charging (50 kW) make it unsuitable for long-distance travel or van life conversions. Rivian's communication about the van has been limited, possibly due to past Amazon exclusivity, but the product itself is considered a high-quality, albeit costly, solution for fleet electrification. less
Tesla Driver Tries Public EV Charging For The First Time! Yikes
This episode features a father-daughter duo testing the VinFast VF8, with the father, a seasoned Tesla owner, experiencing public CCS charging for the... more first time. The review highlights several key points: the VF8's comfortable ride, spacious interior, and appealing design, making it a potentially good family vehicle, especially at its advertised lease price. However, significant drawbacks were noted, including issues with home charging setup due to the car's charger limitations with 220V feeds, a software "glitchiness" causing the car to freeze, and a frustrating public charging experience at Electrify America, characterized by long waits and non-functional stations. While the VF8 offers some appealing features like lane adjustment in its driver assistance, the father ultimately concludes that despite its merits, the current charging infrastructure challenges and a $5,000 price difference make a Tesla a more practical choice for most consumers, particularly those who rely on public charging. less
Tesla Cut Their Full Self Driving Subscription Pricing In Half!
The Out of Spec Podcast crew discusses Tesla's significant reduction in its Full Self-Driving (FSD) subscription price, now halved to $99 per mon... moreth. While the buyout price remains a steep $12,000, the new subscription cost is seen as a more accessible entry point, prompting debate on its value. Hosts and guests, all Tesla owners, share mixed feelings. Some appreciate the cutting-edge tech and the lower subscription, while others remain hesitant due to past experiences with jerky driving, the high buyout cost, and the inability to transfer FSD ownership between vehicles. The discussion also touches on the potential impact on the used car market and the ongoing debate about hardware limitations and future FSD development, particularly with the upcoming robotaxi unveiling. less
The Tesla Model S Plaid Finally Gets Bucket Seats!
This episode of the Out of Spec Podcast focuses on the significant update to the Tesla Model S Plaid: the introduction of standard sporty bucket seats... more. Hosts Dave and Colton express strong approval for this change, viewing it as a much-needed enhancement that finally differentiates the performance variant from its Long Range counterpart. They highlight the seats' aesthetic appeal, comparing them to those found in high-performance BMWs and even SpaceX vehicles, and note the inclusion of heating, ventilation, and 12-way adjustability. While acknowledging the rear seats remain largely unchanged, they observe a new micro-suede insert. A key concern raised is the potential for these aggressive bolsters to be uncomfortable for larger individuals, particularly on long journeys, with one host noting he wouldn't fit comfortably. The discussion also touches on Tesla's strategy to boost Plaid sales amidst tax credit limitations and competition from the new Model 3. Ultimately, the hosts agree the seats are a visually striking improvement that adds desirability to the Model S Plaid, though the lack of an optional comfort seat is seen as a potential drawback for some buyers. less
Kyle Got All R2 Details From RJ and Rivian: Everything We Can Expect From Their Future EVs
Kyle Connor provides an in-depth look at Rivian's upcoming R2 and R3 models following an event in Normal, Illinois. While the R2 is positioned as... more a direct competitor to the Tesla Model Y, starting at a claimed $45,000, Connor notes its premium material usage and design feel superior, though it's a 2026 model facing a potentially refreshed Model Y. He highlights the R2's spacious interior, innovative HMI with scroll wheels, and practical storage solutions, suggesting it will likely sell well despite its later release date. The R3 and R3X are also discussed, with the R3X being a particularly exciting "halo product" for enthusiasts, though Connor believes the standard R3 will be the volume seller. He praises Rivian's brand image, which focuses on adventure and sustainability, resonating strongly with a key demographic. Despite the R2's projected 2026 release, Connor expresses optimism about Rivian's product portfolio and its ability to capture market interest through emotional appeal and capability. less
We Drove Chevy's Silverado EV Truck Across The Country! Here's What Happened
This episode details an ambitious coast-to-coast race between major electric trucks, focusing on the Chevrolet Silverado EV Work Truck's performa... morence. Despite significant pre-race charging issues requiring a hard reset and late-night efforts, the Silverado EV, boasting the largest battery (180 kWh), ultimately won the race by a narrow five-minute margin. The team highlighted the truck's impressive charging speeds when functional, capable of adding significant range in short periods, and its surprisingly quiet and pleasant cabin, though lacking lane centering. Key challenges included navigating the CCS charging infrastructure, with Electrify America and Signet chargers proving more reliable than expected, while GM's own Ultium chargers and the Pilot Flying J/GM Energy co-branded station underperformed. A critical software quirk was noted: charging speed dropped dramatically when climate control was active, forcing the team to charge with the system off, even in hot conditions. The truck's infotainment, running on Google Maps via a phone hotspot due to a lack of native data, was functional but had rough edges. Despite comfort issues with its vinyl seats and a pervasive smell by the end, the Silverado EV's sheer capability and massive battery made it a surprisingly lovable, albeit unconventional, contender. less
Porsche Taycan Turbo GT Launches And I Drove It On Track! Crazy Experience In An Incredibly Fast EV
Jordan shares an exhilarating account of his experience driving the Porsche Taycan Turbo GT on track in Spain. He highlights its extreme performance, ... morenoting its over 1000 horsepower, dual-motor setup, and impressive 2.1-second 0-60 mph time, which surpasses even the Tesla Plaid in track records at Laguna Seca and the Nürburgring. The optional Weissach package is particularly discussed, offering a weight reduction of 137 pounds by removing the rear seats and adding significant aerodynamic enhancements, though it transforms the car into a two-seater. While the Turbo GT shares much of its core technology with the standard Taycan, including battery size and charging speeds, its focus is purely on enhanced performance. The reviewer praises Porsche's ability to make EVs unique and engaging, citing the two-speed rear transmission and the new 'Attack Mode' for its increased boost capabilities. Despite the hefty $230,000 starting price, the Taycan Turbo GT is presented as Porsche's current pinnacle of electric performance, a true electric sports car that captures the brand's motorsport heritage. less
Kempower Has Big Plans For Canada's EV Charging
This episode of the Out-of-Spec Podcast features Pascal Flambard, Business Development Manager for Kempower in Canada, discussing the company's s... moretrategic expansion and vision for the Canadian EV charging market. Flambard highlights Canada's proactive government regulations, including ICE bans by 2035, which are driving significant EV adoption targets. A key challenge identified is the vastness of Canada, making rural charging infrastructure crucial, a problem Kempower addresses with solutions like battery storage systems. The discussion emphasizes Kempower's commitment to reliability, citing a 98% uptime, and its unique technological heritage stemming from industrial welding machines, providing over 75 years of experience in power module development. Differentiators include local manufacturing of power modules, robust testing in extreme climates (comparable to Finland's), and a focus on future-proofing through scalable systems and megawatt charging for commercial vehicles. Kempower's deployment strategy relies on certified sales and service partners to ensure quality and proximity to end-users, avoiding a purely distribution model to maintain accountability. The company's approach to scalability, allowing power and dispenser upgrades, and dynamic power sharing, enables customers to maximize their investment and adapt to growing demand, positioning Kempower as a forward-thinking leader in the Canadian EV charging landscape. less
Huge Updates For Ford Mustang Mach-E Make It Seriously Competitive For Model Year 2024
The 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E receives a significant "level up" for the new model year, addressing key areas of improvement that make it a mu... morech more competitive EV. The hosts highlight substantial gains in range and charging speed, with the latter still lagging behind some competitors like the Ioniq 5 but now deemed "acceptable." A major point of praise is the new "performance upgrade" package, which is software-enabled and promises to fix the previous generation's thermal management issues, a "non-starter" for aggressive driving. Hardware upgrades, including a new in-house rear electric motor, are now standard on the GT trim, enhancing power and torque. The new "Rally" trim is also introduced as a unique offering. Pricing is noted as being very competitive, with the Mach-E starting at a $5,000 lower MSRP than the Tesla Model Y. While not perfect, the updates are seen as a strong move by Ford to solidify its EV lineup and address customer feedback. less
We Drove A Tesla Cybertruck Across The Country! Here’s What Happened
This episode details an ambitious cross-country road trip in a Tesla Cybertruck as part of a multi-EV race from Jacksonville to San Diego. The partici... morepants highlight the Cybertruck's surprising second-place finish, attributing it largely to the ubiquitous Tesla Supercharger network, despite its smaller battery and slower charging curve compared to competitors like the Silverado EV. Key challenges included the Cybertruck's unique charging initiation quirk (requiring a slight delay after plugging in) and the need for manual cable cooling hacks to prevent derating, saving an estimated 40 minutes to an hour. While the ride was comfortable in the rear, the front cabin was noted as loud at highway speeds. The reviewer emphasizes that this race pushed the vehicle to its absolute limits, far beyond a typical consumer experience, and that while the Cybertruck performed admirably under extreme conditions, its trip planner and charging curve require significant improvement for casual road trips. less
We Drove A Rivian R1T Across The Country! Here’s What Happened
The Out of Spec Podcast team recounts their cross-country race from Jacksonville to San Diego in a Rivian R1T. Despite a strong start and excellent en... moreergy efficiency (averaging 1.98 miles/kWh), the team ultimately finished third. Key challenges included the CCS charging infrastructure, which was slower than anticipated, and a suboptimal charging stop in Florida that cost them significant time. The Rivian's route planner was also criticized as 'terrible,' forcing the team to rely on manual planning with PlugShare. However, the R1T's overall driving dynamics, ride comfort, and UI were praised, with one participant stating it would be their choice for an EV purchase if funds were unlimited. The experience highlighted that cross-country EV truck travel is feasible in early 2024, though infrastructure and charging strategies remain critical factors for competitive times. The team emphasized their more comfortable, albeit slightly slower, charging stops compared to the faster, shorter stops of competitors. less
We Drove A Ford F-150 Lightning Across The Country! Here’s What Happened
The Ford F-150 Lightning team recounts their cross-country journey, highlighting the truck's exceptional comfort and spaciousness, making it a &q... moreuot;living room on wheels." Despite its luxurious interior and capable BlueCruise driver assistance system, the Lightning's charging performance proved to be its Achilles' heel. The team experienced significantly slower charging speeds compared to other EVs, particularly above 80% state of charge, leading to extended charging stops. This, coupled with an unexpected power loss incident where the truck ran out of battery despite indicating sufficient range, resulted in the team finishing last. While the F-150 Lightning offers a comfortable ride and access to the Tesla Supercharger network (with an adapter), its charging limitations and the peculiar battery recalibration requirement for continuous driving were major drawbacks on this demanding road trip. The team emphasizes that while the experience was challenging, it provided valuable insights into the truck's real-world performance under extreme conditions. less
It's Cheaper To Charge An EV With A Diesel Generator Than Public DC Fast Charging
In this episode of the Out of Spec Podcast, Kyle details a recent testing scenario where charging electric vehicles using a rented diesel generator pr... moreoved to be more cost-effective than utilizing public DC fast charging infrastructure. The team needed a mobile DC charging solution for extensive testing of multiple electric trucks, including the F-150 Lightning, Rivian R1T, Tesla Cybertruck, Silverado EV, and Hummer EV. Unable to find a suitable battery-powered mobile charging unit, they opted for a 56kW diesel generator and a 40kW Autel DC charger. Over two weeks, they dispensed 541 kWh, using 62.9 gallons of diesel, costing $212. This equates to approximately 8.6 kWh per gallon. The hosts highlight that while the rental cost of the generator was high, the fuel cost per kWh was significantly lower than public charging rates. They calculated that charging this amount via public DC fast charging, even with a discounted membership, would have cost $227.22, whereas using diesel cost only $54 (based on average home electricity rates) or $21.22 for the diesel fuel itself. The experiment revealed that the efficiency of charging via diesel generator (25% fuel-to-electricity conversion) was not drastically worse than the overall efficiency of a coal-fired power plant feeding the grid. The portability of the diesel generator was a key advantage for off-grid testing, though the ideal solution remains a towable battery pack with a DC fast charger. less
Kyle Is Finally Enthusiastic About Tesla FSD But Autopilot Enthusiast Is Not Impressed w/ v12
This episode of the Out of Spec Podcast features a lively discussion between Kyle and Andreas regarding their experiences with Tesla's FSD Beta v... more12. While Andreas initially expresses significant disappointment, citing issues like overly aggressive braking, uncomfortable creeping at red lights, and confusing turn signal usage, Kyle presents a starkly contrasting, overwhelmingly positive view. Kyle describes v12 as a "night and day difference" from previous versions, highlighting its smoothness, confidence, and human-like decision-making, to the point of being "sold" on the technology. Andreas, however, remains more reserved, noting that highway performance still seems to rely on an older stack and can be problematic. Both agree that despite improvements, it's not true autonomous driving and requires supervision. The conversation touches on pricing, with both finding the $200/month subscription reasonable but questioning the $12,000 purchase price. The core of v12's improvement is attributed to its new end-to-end neural net architecture, moving away from a code-based system. less
Fisker Owners Are Moving Through The 5 Stages Of Grief
This episode features an in-depth discussion with Fisker Ocean One owner Brian G, who shares his candid experiences navigating the "five stages o... moref grief" as an early adopter amidst the company's significant financial and operational challenges. Despite the looming uncertainty and the "fire sale" pricing of new models, Brian highlights the Ocean's enjoyable driving dynamics, comfortable interior, and surprisingly effective home service for repairs like vent and pillar replacement. He notes the recent v2.0 software update, which finally enables solar panel statistics, as a positive step, though many promised features remain undelivered. Brian's personal journey reflects a common owner sentiment: loving the product but deeply regretting the decision to buy into the startup due to severe mismanagement, particularly concerning title and registration delays. While acknowledging the vehicle's strong fundamentals and competitive specifications, the review underscores the critical risk of long-term support and service, making a purchase recommendation contingent on an owner's tolerance for risk and potential lack of future support. less
Jordan Drives The New 2025 Porsche Taycan! Driving Review, Upgrades, & Total Experience
The 2025 Porsche Taycan receives a significant mid-cycle refresh, enhancing an already impressive electric vehicle. The reviewer highlights substantia... morel improvements in efficiency, with base models now achieving up to 35% more range and the overall vehicle being more efficient than advertised figures. Performance is also up across the board, with quicker acceleration. A standout feature is the new Porsche Active Ride suspension, which uses hydraulics and air to actively bank the car into corners like a motorcycle and counteract braking/acceleration forces, providing a remarkably smooth and engaging ride on varied road surfaces. Other notable upgrades include faster charging speeds (up to 320 kW peak), reduced weight, standard air suspension on all trims, and an improved push-to-pass feature. While the design is largely similar to the outgoing model, the reviewer notes a slight preference for the previous generation's styling cues on lower trims. Criticisms are minor, focusing on the infotainment system's HVAC controls and the lack of tactile buttons, though Apple CarPlay integration may alleviate some of this. Overall, the Taycan continues to impress with its driving dynamics, luxury, and technological advancements, making even base models highly enjoyable. less
Kyle Charges Our Cybertruck At 330kW! The Fastest Charging Tesla We've Ever Seen
This episode delves into the Tesla Cybertruck's charging capabilities, specifically its performance on the CCS network. Initially, the Cybertruck... more presented interoperability issues with CCS chargers, requiring adapter workarounds and sometimes failing to initiate charging. However, following a software update (2024.8.7), the truck now charges successfully on CCS. Notably, the Cybertruck achieved a peak charging speed of 330kW on an Electrify America station, exceeding its performance on Tesla's Supercharger network. This is attributed to the Cybertruck's 800-volt architecture, which is better supported by higher-power CCS chargers than the current 500-volt limitation of most Supercharger V3 cabinets. While the peak charging speed is not sustained for long, it represents the fastest charging speed ever recorded for a Tesla. The hosts acknowledge the need for improved charging infrastructure to fully leverage the Cybertruck's capabilities and discuss the ongoing evolution of charging standards and Tesla's network opening up to other EVs. less
Kempower Is Using Silicon Carbide To Improve Charging Speed, Efficiency, And Reliability
This episode of the Out-of-Spec Podcast delves into Kempower's latest advancements, specifically their integration of silicon carbide (SiC) techn... moreology into their V2 power modules. The hosts and Kempower representatives highlight how SiC enhances charging efficiency, reliability, and continuous high-power output by reducing switching losses and heat generation. This translates to shorter charging times for drivers and better support for fleet applications, including medium and heavy-duty vehicles. The discussion also emphasizes Kempower's commitment to scalability, future-proofing, and modularity, allowing for easy upgrades and site expansion without requiring entirely new hardware. While the SiC technology offers performance benefits, the core design philosophy of Kempower, focusing on decentralized architecture, flexible configurations, and intelligent power management, remains a key differentiator. The conversation touches upon the backward compatibility of the V2 modules and their seamless integration into existing infrastructure, ensuring a smooth transition for users. The overall sentiment is highly positive, positioning Kempower as a leader in reliable and advanced EV charging solutions. less
Electrifying Fleets Is Pretty Complicated: The Unexpected Challenges With Startup CEO Ezra Goldman
This podcast episode delves into the complexities of fleet electrification, featuring Ezra Goldman, CEO of Upshift Cars. Upshift offers a unique subsc... moreription-based, partial car ownership model designed to improve the rental experience and reduce car ownership's environmental impact. Goldman highlights significant challenges faced by startups in this space, particularly concerning the operational hurdles of charging logistics and the unpredictable nature of EV billing and payments. However, the most substantial obstacle identified is the instability of residual values for electric vehicles. Price drops, like those seen with Tesla models, can decimate a fleet's financial viability overnight, making it difficult for finance partners to fund EV fleets. While charging and operational complexities are seen as solvable with technology and infrastructure, unpredictable residual values remain the primary roadblock, deterring investment and hindering widespread fleet electrification. The discussion also touches upon the difficulties in managing tax credits for startups and the impact of heavier EVs on tire wear, further complicating the economics. less
Electrifying Everything From Classic Cars To Modern Machines - Fellten’s EV Conversions
This episode of the Out of Spec Podcast features an in-depth discussion with Chris Hazell, CEO of Felten, a UK-based company specializing in EV conver... moresion systems. Hazell details Felten's journey from high-end vehicle builds and stunt car conversions for major film studios to developing standardized, OEM-level EV conversion kits. A key takeaway is Felten's commitment to rigorous testing and quality, exemplified by their practice of using their own converted vehicles for daily driving to identify and resolve issues before they reach customers. The company's focus is shifting towards manufacturing battery packs, offering training, and providing components, with a strategic expansion into a new manufacturing facility to enhance efficiency and control over module production. Felten's approach emphasizes standardization, cost reduction, and collaboration, aiming to make EV conversions more accessible and reliable for workshops and enthusiasts alike. less