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...
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Aptera Completed Their First Real-World Efficiency Test, However…
This video critically examines Aptera's recent real-world efficiency test, expressing frustration with the company's transparency and report... moreing. While acknowledging Aptera's innovative concept and the reviewer's personal excitement for the vehicle, the core issue lies in the selective presentation of data. The road trip from Flagstaff to Imperial Valley, a significant 7,000 ft elevation loss, was not disclosed, which the reviewer argues heavily skewed the reported efficiency figures (around 8 miles per kWh). This omission, coupled with missing aerodynamic components and a heavier-than-production weight on the test vehicle, leads to skepticism about Aptera's lofty claims, particularly the long-touted 10 miles per kWh. The video highlights a pattern of vague specifications and a lack of detailed drive cycle information, raising concerns about whether Aptera is being fully transparent with potential customers and investors. The hosts express a strong desire to test the vehicle themselves to provide objective, comparable data. less
Austin Rivian Space Has Free Charging, Rooftop Terrace, Trail Access and More!
The Rivian Space in Austin, Texas, offers a unique and refreshing alternative to traditional car dealerships. The reviewer highlights its seamless int... moreegration with the local environment, featuring direct trail access, free charging, and a rooftop terrace with stunning city views. The space is designed to be modular and event-friendly, reflecting Rivian's commitment to community and adventure. A key takeaway is the non-salesy approach, focusing instead on education and experience, which has proven successful in driving sales. The reviewer is particularly impressed with the R1S Dune Edition display, the pet-friendly amenities, and the educational materials on EV road trips. While the Austin location's specific Dune-themed exhibit may be temporary, the overall concept of these spaces is lauded for enhancing the brand experience and making EVs more accessible. less
Living With The New Tesla Model Y! Pros, Cons, Plans & More
The reviewer, Jebs, shares his initial impressions of the new 'Juniper' Tesla Model Y, highlighting significant improvements in build qualit... morey, ride comfort, and cabin quietness compared to previous generations. He notes enhancements to the sound system, infotainment, and screen brightness, as well as the effectiveness of the new roof's insulation. A key letdown identified is the lack of battery or charging technology advancements, which he feels Tesla could have innovated further. Jebs also discusses the 'Launch Edition' trim, suggesting a cheaper RWD version might be more appealing to the average consumer. He contrasts the Model Y with the Model 3, recommending the Y for its practicality and space, and praises the overall refinement of the new generation, stating it's now a great car, not just a good EV. While acknowledging the absence of powertrain upgrades, he commends Tesla's focus on aerodynamic and efficiency improvements. less
Lucid Gravity Launch Event At The NYC Meatpacking Studio!
This video captures the Lucid Gravity launch event in NYC, focusing on consumer interaction and early impressions. The Lucid Gravity is presented as a... more highly anticipated electric SUV, building on the success of the Lucid Air. Key highlights include its spacious interior, capable of seating seven adults with ample luggage, impressive performance figures (0-60 in 3.4 seconds, 828 horsepower), and a remarkable EPA-rated range of 450 miles from a 123 kWh battery. The vehicle's efficiency is attributed to a holistic systems engineering approach, focusing on thermal efficiency and proprietary drive units. Charging capabilities are also a strong point, with support for 400 kW DC fast charging and a unique system to boost charging speeds on Tesla Superchargers up to 220 kW. The new Lucid UX 3.0 software stack, featuring a 34-inch 6K OLED display, is noted as a significant improvement. Early owners express deep satisfaction with their Lucid Airs, praising comfort, luxury, and brand community, with many anticipating the Gravity. While the video doesn't feature a full road test of the Gravity, the consensus from those who have experienced it, including Lucid's VP of Communications Nick Twork and early owners, is overwhelmingly positive regarding its driving dynamics and overall package. less
Nearly Two Months Wait To Get Rivian Service! Racing 60,000 Mile Warranty Expiration
This video highlights a significant concern for Rivian owners: the extended wait times for service appointments. The host details a nearly two-month d... moreelay to get his R1T into service before its 60,000-mile warranty expires. While the Rivian app's AI-driven service request process is praised for its natural language interaction, the scheduling availability is a major drawback. The host contrasts this with his experiences with Tesla service, which he generally finds more efficient. A key worry is whether Rivian will honor warranty claims for issues discovered during the long wait or after the warranty expires, especially if new problems arise. The video also touches on the potential for third-party repair shops to service Rivians, similar to Tesla, and the importance of right-to-repair initiatives. Despite the service concerns, the host expresses confidence in the Gen 1 R1T's overall quality and reliability, noting that major drivability issues appear to be prioritized and resolved quickly. less
DC Fast Charging Networks In 2025! Here's How Each Provider Is Doing
This video provides a comprehensive overview of the DC fast charging landscape in North America, focusing on the progress and future plans of major pr... moreoviders as of early 2025. The presenter debunks the narrative that federal funding is the primary driver of EV charging expansion, emphasizing the significant role of private enterprise. Key players like Electrify America, Mercedes-Benz High-Powered Charging, EVgo, and Tesla are analyzed, with updates on their network growth, new station types (e.g., flagship stations, solar canopies), and strategic partnerships. A new entrant, Ayana, formed by a consortium of major automakers, is highlighted for its focus on premium charging experiences and integrated amenities. The video also touches upon the impact of the revised NEVI program and the emergence of secondary players like BP Pulse and Walmart. Overall, the outlook for EV charging infrastructure in 2025 is presented as robust and rapidly expanding, driven by increasing EV adoption and private investment. less
R2 Progresses Towards Production! Rivian Expands The Factory In Normal
The latest update from Rivian focuses on the expansion of their Normal, Illinois factory, a crucial step towards the R2's production readiness. T... morehe hosts highlight that this 1.1 million square foot expansion, a 25% increase, will bring the plant's total capacity to 215,000 units annually. This move is seen as a strategic decision to expedite R2's launch, potentially bringing it to market sooner than if relying solely on the future Georgia facility. While the R2 is still slated for an early 2026 release, the progress suggests Rivian is on track, possibly even aiming for inventory roll-offs by the end of 2024 or early 2025, though this remains speculative. The discussion also touches upon the R2's potential as a high-volume seller, addressing the price barrier of the R1 models. A notable detail is the inspiration for Rivian's 'Launch Green' color, derived from the e-coating process for the R2, hinting at a potential return of this popular color variant. less
Nissan Failed Its Customers On EV Software
The Nissan Ariya's driving dynamics and value proposition, particularly with lease deals, are highlighted as strong points. However, the review h... moreeavily criticizes the vehicle's software, deeming it a significant failure for Nissan. Key issues include the inability to set a state of charge limit, lack of one-pedal driving, and critically, a non-functional or severely flawed EV route planning system. The navigation interface is described as outdated, resembling that of a 2012 Leaf, and struggles to find charging stations, often suggesting gas stations or Level 2 chargers for long-distance trips. Battery preconditioning is also poorly implemented, with separate, non-intuitive menus for cooling and heating. The reviewer concludes that the software is inexcusable for a 2025 model year vehicle, especially given its price point, and urges Nissan to adopt more robust solutions seen in competitors like Tesla, Mercedes, Porsche, Rivian, and GM. less
Towing Our Dead Cybertruck To The Service Center! Jumping The 48V System + Update On Repairs
The EVChannels team provides a candid update on their Tesla Cybertruck's ongoing issues, detailing a catastrophic failure that left the vehicle u... morendrivable. The narrative covers a series of significant problems, including rear motor failure, a recall for induction drive units, and a critical high-voltage system failure that resulted in pyrofuses blowing and the vehicle dying in the owner's garage. The process of getting the dead truck to the service center is meticulously explained, highlighting the multi-step procedure required to access and power the vehicle's systems. While the team acknowledges the Cybertruck's unique driving dynamics and utility, they express significant disappointment with the reliability of the tri-motor variant, suggesting the dual-motor version is a more sensible choice due to its quieter operation, better performance, and substantial cost savings. The review concludes with the owner's request for a buyback from Tesla due to the persistent issues and the vehicle's extended time in service, questioning the thoroughness of the Cybertruck's pre-market vetting. less
Former Tesla Employee That Helped Launch Original Model 3 Tries The New Highland!
This video features a former Tesla employee who helped launch the original Model 3, providing a unique perspective on the new Highland refresh. The re... moreviewer highlights significant design improvements, noting the new Model 3 now shares styling cues with the Model S and looks 'great' compared to the original's 'good' aesthetic. Interior changes are also praised, particularly the addition of a rear screen and ambient lighting, addressing previous criticisms of the Model 3's lack of rear passenger amenities. However, the removal of USB ports in the front and the controversial elimination of the heated middle rear seat are noted drawbacks. The reviewer expresses a strong preference for traditional steering stalks over the new button-based controls and the auto-shift feature, finding them less intuitive and potentially problematic. While acknowledging the RWD Model 3's decent acceleration (nearly 300 horsepower), the reviewer notes that the 'instant torque' appeal of EVs has diminished for the general public. The discussion also revisits early EV adoption challenges, such as range anxiety and the complexities of Autopilot/FSD naming conventions. The FSD system's performance is shown to be improved but still imperfect, with instances of incorrect navigation and system stalls. Despite some criticisms, the reviewer concludes that the new Model 3 offers a much-improved, quieter, and more comfortable driving experience, making it a compelling option. less
New Model Y Is Less Efficient Than The Old One In Our Range Test?! What Could Have Happened…
The EVChannels review of the Tesla Model Y 'Juniper' (new generation) highlights a surprising outcome from a recent highway range test: the ... morenew model exhibited slightly worse efficiency than its predecessor. While the 'Juniper' model did travel further, this was attributed to a marginally larger battery capacity rather than improved efficiency. The test, conducted under consistent conditions with dual-motor, long-range variants, revealed the new Model Y consumed 275 Wh/mile compared to the older model's 271 Wh/mile. The review notes that while the 'Juniper' offers significant improvements in comfort, NVH, and features like cooled seats, its efficiency and charging performance remain largely unchanged and uncompetitive compared to some rivals. The primary disappointment is the lack of measurable efficiency gains on the highway, contrary to expectations set by the Model 3 'Highland' update. The consensus is that for buyers prioritizing range and charging speed, upgrading from the previous generation may not be justified. less
Walmart Is Building Their Own Electric Car DC Fast Charging Network And Here's The Progress So Far
This video provides an in-depth look at Walmart's ambitious venture into building its own DC fast-charging network, branded as Walmart Energy. Th... moree discussion highlights the distinction between Walmart's new initiative and previous arrangements with third-party providers like Electrify America. Key takeaways include the project's scale, aiming to place chargers within 10 miles of 90% of the US population, and the phased rollout strategy, starting with beta sites and now moving into full deployment in markets like DFW and potentially Phoenix. The review also touches upon the hardware choices, with a pivot from ChargePoint to Alpitronic Hyperchargers and the potential inclusion of ABB units, suggesting an agile approach to vendor selection. The overall sentiment is highly positive, with the reviewer expressing confidence in Walmart's ability to execute this plan, viewing it as a potentially game-changing development for EV charging infrastructure in the United States. less
BYD Charging Is Now Insane! 1,000kW DCFC Performance Demonstration
BYD has unveiled a groundbreaking 1000V, 1000A EV platform, dubbed the 'Super E' platform, set to debut in the next generation of their Han ... moreand Tang models. This technology promises charging speeds that rival or even surpass gasoline refueling times, with a claimed 10-60% charge in just 4.5 minutes. The demonstration showcased a remarkable 10-second charge adding 12 miles of range, and sustained 1MW charging for a significant period. The accompanying Ultra Fast DCFC stations, capable of 1,360kW, further underscore BYD's aggressive push into high-performance charging infrastructure. While the technology is impressive, questions remain regarding long-term battery degradation due to the extreme heat generated by 1000A current. The reviewer highlights that BYD, often seen as a legacy automaker, is rapidly innovating, potentially leapfrogging competitors and significantly advancing the EV charging landscape, especially when compared to the current state of charging infrastructure in the United States. less
Here's How Cadillac’s Lead Designers Reinvented The Escalade With The IQ
This video offers an in-depth look at the design philosophy behind the Cadillac Escalade IQ and its extended IQL variant, featuring interviews with th... moree lead exterior and interior designers. The exterior design emphasizes a sleeker, more aerodynamic profile (achieving a drag coefficient of 0.321) compared to its ICE predecessor, while retaining iconic Cadillac DNA. Key features include a seamless exterior design, flush glass, and a dramatic approach animation. The interior is highlighted by a panoramic pillar-to-pillar screen, luxurious materials, and a focus on creating a futuristic, spacious, and calming atmosphere, inspired by modern architecture and nature. The designers discuss balancing traditional Escalade luxury with EV platform advantages, offering distinct personas for the IQ and IQL, and maintaining brand identity across the EV lineup. Practical considerations like automatic doors with safety sensors and the unique 'peninsula' console are also detailed. less
Cadillac Optiq EV Has To Appeal To Younger Buyers, Here’s How They Did It
Cadillac's Optiq aims to attract a younger demographic, a significant departure from its traditional 54-year-old buyer. The design team focused o... moren a sporty, youthful, and engaging persona, leveraging the EV architecture for optimal proportions with wheels pushed to the corners. The Optiq offers distinct Luxury and Sport trims, differentiating through dark versus bright exterior accents, a trend appealing to younger buyers. Key design elements include a unique grille pattern, signature vertical lighting animations that are consistent across the brand, and a fast windshield angle enabled by innovative front wipers. The rear design is notably clean, omitting a rear wiper thanks to aerodynamic channeling and a rear camera mirror. Inside, the CMF designer highlighted expressive, fashion-inspired interiors with unique color palettes like 'Autumn Canyon' and the innovative use of recycled materials, including a "paperwood" trim made from newspaper and a "collection fabric" from recycled polyester yarn. While the design prioritizes a youthful appeal, it maintains core Cadillac brand cues like the shield grille and vertical lighting signatures, ensuring brand cohesion. less
Breaking Down In My Electric Mercedes
The Mercedes B-Class Electric Drive, acquired for a mere $3,000, experienced a dramatic breakdown during a drive, displaying a 'don't shift ... moregears' warning and refusing to move. Fortunately, a simple restart resolved the immediate issue, allowing the car to continue its journey. The hosts speculate the problem might be related to the non-functional high-voltage heater or a potential isolation issue. Despite this alarming incident, they praise the car's surprisingly good steering, quick ratio, reasonable pickup, and overall driving experience, even suggesting it could serve as a daily driver despite the inherent risk of failure. Post-incident diagnostics revealed numerous trouble codes, including communication errors and a persistent malfunction with the AC system's water pump, which likely explains the non-working heater. While the exact cause of the breakdown remains uncertain, potential culprits include a faulty gateway or an "anoboy" issue, though the car has since been functioning normally. The video highlights the unpredictable nature of older, budget EVs and the importance of diagnostic tools. less
Rivian Expands Autonomous Features With Hands Free Driving
The Out of Spec Podcast episode features Jose from RivianTrackr discussing Rivian's latest software update, 2025.06, which introduces 'Enhan... moreced Highway Assist' for Gen 2 vehicles. This feature allows for hands-free driving on pre-mapped roads, relying on a driver-facing infrared camera in the rearview mirror for attention detection. While praised as a significant step forward and a fun experience, the system is currently limited to mapped highways and requires the driver to remain attentive. The discussion highlights the ongoing challenge of pre-mapped road dependency, comparing Rivian's progress to competitors like GM and Ford. Future plans include expanding hands-off capabilities to more highways and select surface roads, with a potential for 'eyes-off' features in controlled conditions. The episode also touches on other updates like wheel swaps and performance upgrades, and importantly, warns that many advanced autonomy features may eventually come with a subscription cost. less
EV Repairs Are Now As Cheap As ICE Repairs! Here's What The Data Says
The Out of Spec Podcast, featuring Isaiah, delves into recent data from Mitchell, a collision repair software provider, revealing that the average rep... moreair cost for electric vehicles (EVs) is now comparable to that of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. While EV claims frequency has increased, the average repair severity for repairable EVs ($623 USD) is close to that of newer ICE vehicles ($612 USD). The analysis highlights that increased total loss rates for EVs are largely driven by rapid depreciation and the insurance industry's approach to high-voltage battery repairs, rather than inherently higher repair costs for minor damages. The podcast also touches on the growing complexity of modern ICE vehicles, suggesting they are also becoming more intricate to repair. Despite the data, the speaker notes that some insurance adjusters may still be hesitant to work with EVs due to their newer technology. Overall, the episode concludes that EV repair costs are becoming more aligned with ICE vehicles, a positive sign for EV adoption. less
Living With A Chinese EV In The UK: BYD Atto 3 Ownership Experience, Charging, & Why He Picked It
Sean, a BYD Atto 3 owner in the UK, shares his ownership experience, highlighting the vehicle's quirky yet spacious interior and clean exterior d... moreesign as major draws. He praises the car's solid build quality, noting the absence of rattles or issues after 14 months of ownership, and appreciates BYD's strategy of offering well-kitted trims across its range. However, the primary drawback identified is the slow 89 kW charging speed, which significantly impacts road trip capability, especially when compared to competitors. The lack of one-pedal driving is also noted as a missed opportunity for transitional EV buyers. Despite these criticisms, Sean finds the Atto 3 to be a fantastic all-around car, particularly for families, with excellent interior space and a comfortable ride, making it a compelling option in the growing UK EV market. less
Here’s What Chevy Learned After Competing With Their First EV Race Truck
This interview with Chevy's Sports Competition Manager, Tim Demetrio, offers a unique perspective on the Silverado EV ZR2 concept race truck'... more;s performance at the Mint 400. The discussion highlights Chevrolet's strategic approach to EV racing, focusing on durability, performance, and the valuable data gathered from extreme off-road conditions. Key takeaways include the successful application of electric powertrains in demanding environments, the insights gained for future production models, and the overall positive impact of this competition on brand perception and technological advancement. While not a traditional vehicle review, the conversation effectively communicates the brand's commitment to EV innovation and its readiness to push boundaries in motorsports. less
Toyota’s Global EV Lineup Is Wildly Better Than What We Get In The US
The Toyota bZ3X, launched in China, presents a compelling value proposition with its estimated $15,000 starting price, attracting 10,000 orders within... more its first hour. However, the review highlights that this affordability comes at the cost of Toyota's own development, as the bZ3X heavily relies on GAC Group for its powertrain and technology. While it boasts a modern 14.6-inch infotainment screen and capable ADAS features, its performance is modest with only 200 horsepower and a 0-60 mph time of 7-8 seconds. The reviewer notes that CLTC range figures of 267-379 miles are likely optimistic, with a real-world estimate of 250-300 miles. The bZ3X is positioned as a value-oriented option, potentially serving as a fleet vehicle or appealing to younger Chinese buyers, but it underscores Toyota's lagging EV innovation compared to Chinese competitors. The video also touches upon other Toyota EVs not available in the US, such as the Urban Cruiser and Proace van in Europe, further emphasizing a global EV lineup disparity. less
Ford Improves F-150 Lightning Charging With New OTA Update
Ford has implemented a significant charging improvement for the 2022 and 2023 F-150 Lightning models via an over-the-air update. The update, version 1... more0.3.0, boosts the peak DC fast charging amperage from 450A to 500A and reworks the initial charging curve. This results in a notable time saving, estimated at around five minutes for a 10-80% charge, and potentially more for shorter charging sessions like 10-50%. The peak charging power can now reach up to 190 kW. This enhancement brings older models in line with the charging capabilities of the 2024 Lightning. While Ford did not publicly announce this update, it was discovered and is now being reported. The decision to delay this improvement is attributed to legacy automakers' cautious approach to battery longevity and potential warranty concerns, especially with the Lightning being a first-generation full EV for Ford. The discussion also touches upon the trade-offs between increasing amperage versus voltage for charging, with higher voltage being a more sustainable strategy for thermal management and battery health. The potential for similar improvements on the Mustang Mach-E is also considered, though no confirmation is available. less
Crazy Silverado EV Race Truck! Pushing Factory Parts To Their Limits In The Mint 400
The Out of Spec Podcast crew discusses Chevrolet's Silverado EV ZR2 race truck, built for the Mint 400. While not a production vehicle, it utiliz... morees 98% production components, notably the tri-motor powertrain from the Hummer EV, producing an impressive 1,100 horsepower and 1,200 lb-ft of torque (though GM's advertised 11,500 lb-ft is criticized as misleading). The truck is exceptionally heavy, exceeding 10,000 lbs with modifications like a roll cage and three racing seats. Key features include a new multi-valve suspension offering 13 inches of travel and 37-inch off-road tires. The hosts express excitement for EVs in motorsports, highlighting how such development can trickle down to consumer vehicles. They note the extreme inefficiency during racing (0.4-0.5 miles per kWh) but praise the truck's capability and its potential to change perceptions about electric off-road performance. less
Cadillac Escalade IQL Revealed! Not That Much Bigger But It’s The One To Get
The Cadillac Escalade IQL is revealed as the longer, more spacious variant of the Escalade IQ, offering a compelling alternative for those seeking ult... moreimate American excess. While the wheelbase remains the same as the standard IQ, the IQL boasts a squared-off rear and increased overall length, which the reviewers strongly prefer for styling and perceived practicality, especially for cargo and passengers. Despite the larger size, it retains the standard IQ's estimated 460 miles of range and features a massive 205 kWh (usable 217 kWh) battery. The vehicle comes in four trims: Luxury, Sport, Premium Luxury, and Premium Sport, with differences in accents, charging speed, and interior features. The reviewers highlight the IQL's excessive nature, including its immense weight (over 9,400 lbs) and impressive acceleration (4.7 seconds 0-60 in Velocity Max mode). While acknowledging the Lucid Gravity as a more efficient and 'smart' choice, they find the IQL's sheer scale and opulence appealing, positioning it as the "big baller choice" and the "ultimate Uber Black vehicle." The primary critique is the questionable product differentiation between the IQ and IQL, given their similar specs and only a $3,000 price gap, leading them to conclude the IQL is the one to get. less