Out of Spec Testing specializes in rigorous, repeatable evaluations of electric vehicles, delving deep into their capabilities and limitations. This channel is dedicated to providing comprehensive insights through a variety of challenges, including extensive range tests, detailed charging analyses, and realistic road trip simulations. Viewers can expect thorough assessments of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and other critical performance metrics.
The content meticulously examines electric cars across diverse scenarios, featuring head-to-head comparisons and real-world performance data. From highway range tests pushed to their limits to simulated long-distance journeys and cutting-edge charging technology assessments, Out of Spec Testing offers an authoritative perspective for electric vehicle enthusiasts seeking in-depth, data-driven reviews.
The content meticulously examines electric cars across diverse scenarios, featuring head-to-head comparisons and real-world performance data. From highway range tests pushed to their limits to simulated long-distance journeys and cutting-edge charging technology assessments, Out of Spec Testing offers an authoritative perspective for electric vehicle enthusiasts seeking in-depth, data-driven reviews.
Volkswagen ID. Buzz AWD 70-MPH Highway Range Test Driven Until It Dies
The Volkswagen ID. Buzz First Edition 4MOTION delivers a unique and characterful driving experience, though its highway range is a significant point of contention. While the vehicle excels in urban environments and offers a fun, nostalgic aesthetic, its highway range test at 70 mph yielded a disa...
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Zeekr 7X Privilege AWD Shows To Be An Insanely Good Road Tripper Despite Its Efficiency
The Zeekr 7X Privilege AWD proves to be a capable road-tripping machine, excelling in charging speed and comfort despite its efficiency shortcomings. ... moreIn the 10% challenge, it added a significant amount of range in just 15 minutes, demonstrating its 'charging monster' capabilities, even exceeding official figures. While its highway efficiency of 272 Wh/km (2.3 miles/kWh) is noted as 'pretty bad' and lower than some competitors, the vehicle compensates with a comfortable ride, quiet cabin, and impressive performance, including 630 horsepower. Notably, this Privilege AWD trim is not the most efficient variant, with the Long Range RWD offering better range. Despite its efficiency, the 7X achieved an impressive 234 km (145 miles) in the 10% challenge, outperforming several other notable EVs including a 2023 Lucid Air Grand Touring and a Porsche Taycan, solidifying its position as a top contender for electric SUV road trips. less
MotorTrend Called SuperCruise The Best Tech Of The Year! But Watch How It Performs In Our Test
This video from Out of Spec Reviews critically examines General Motors' Super Cruise system, despite MotorTrend's "Tech of the Year&quo... moret; award for 2025. The review highlights significant performance issues encountered during their testing, particularly on a challenging 'hogback' course. Key criticisms include problems with pre-mapping, inconsistent automatic lane changes, and overall reliability concerns. While the system aims for advanced driver assistance, the reviewer's experience suggests it falls short of expectations in real-world, demanding scenarios. The video implies that the award may not fully reflect the system's current practical capabilities, urging viewers to consider these limitations before relying on Super Cruise. less
Blazer EV SS 10% Road Trip Simulation Completely Derailed By Climate Control!
The Chevrolet Blazer EV SS was put through the 10% road trip simulation challenge, revealing significant issues primarily with its DC fast charging pe... morerformance when the climate control is active. Despite its impressive 615 horsepower and $65,000 price tag, the vehicle struggled to gain substantial range during the 15-minute charging window. The test highlighted a severe derating of charging speeds, dropping to as low as 77 kW at 30% state of charge, with only 28 kWh delivered in total. This resulted in a meager 57 miles of estimated range added, far below expectations. Efficiency on the highway was also noted as poor, achieving only 2.2 miles per kWh at 80 mph, partly attributed to the large 22-inch wheels. The reviewer found the climate control's impact on charging to be a major drawback, a problem confirmed in a supplementary test where charging rates significantly improved with climate off. While the interior was deemed decent for a Chevrolet, the charging performance and efficiency issues, particularly when climate control is engaged, are substantial criticisms for a vehicle intended for road trips. less
Volvo EX30 Pilot Assist Ultimate ADAS Test Improvements Needed
The Volvo EX30's Pilot Assist ADAS system undergoes a rigorous test on the challenging Hogback loop, revealing significant areas for improvement.... more While the EX30 offers a fun and premium driving experience with impressive acceleration, its highway driver assistance system, particularly the optional Pilot Assist, falls short. The system struggles with lane centering, frequently drifts towards lane lines, and has a concerning tendency to attempt to exit the highway unexpectedly. The emergency takeover function, while functional, is basic, lacking features like hazard lights or seatbelt yanks found in competitor systems. The reviewer notes the system's limitations, including a low 80 mph speed cap and a non-capacitive steering wheel that requires constant torque input. Despite its shortcomings in ADAS, the EX30 is praised for its design, compact size, and overall driving dynamics, though its high price point in the US market makes it a tough sell, especially when compared to competitors with more advanced driver assistance features. less
Volvo EX30 Blew Past My Expectations In The 10% Road Trip Simulation Challenge!
The Volvo EX30 Twin Performance Ultra, despite being marketed as an urban commuter, surprisingly exceeded expectations in the 10% road trip simulation... more challenge. While the reviewer notes its premium price point ($48,000) and a relatively small usable battery capacity (64 kWh), the EX30 delivered a commendable 85.7 miles after a 15-minute charge at 80 mph. This result places it competitively with larger, more road-trip-focused vehicles like the Rivian R1S and Mercedes EQE SUV. The reviewer praised the car's minimalist design, excellent build quality, comfortable ride, and impressive headlights. However, criticisms were leveled at the driver assistance system's lane centering limitations (only up to 80 mph, which is problematic due to speedometer inaccuracy), the clunky one-pedal driving, and a somewhat disappointing charging curve that slows significantly after 50% state of charge. The reviewer also noted an odd vibration from the AC compressor and questioned the lack of battery preconditioning on US models. Overall, while not recommended as a primary long-distance road trip vehicle, the EX30 proved more capable than anticipated for occasional longer journeys. less
Does Mounting A Roofbox Backwards Actually Improve Efficiency?
This video investigates the efficiency impact of mounting a roof box forwards versus backwards on a 2024 Tesla Model 3 Performance. The test involved ... morethree legs: roof box mounted forwards, backwards, and finally, no roof box (with crossbars only). The reviewer found that mounting the Tuli Motion XT roof box backwards resulted in a negligible, and slightly worse, efficiency compared to mounting it forwards (a 1.3% difference). The primary takeaway is the significant efficiency penalty of using a roof box at all, with the Model 3 Performance experiencing approximately a 13% decrease in efficiency with the box installed compared to just the crossbars. The reviewer concludes that for this specific roof box, mounting it backwards is not only less efficient but also aesthetically questionable, and advises against it. less
This Car Has 1 Mile Of Rated Electric Range! Mercedes AMG GT63 PHEV Smokes EPA Rating
The 2025 Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance is put to the test in a "Coffee Run Challenge" to assess its real-world electric range, which th... moree EPA rates at a mere one mile. The reviewer found the car's electric system to be surprisingly capable, easily exceeding the EPA rating. While the car's battery capacity is small (4.8 kWh usable), the powerful 150 kW rear electric motor allows for brisk acceleration in electric mode, comparable to full EVs. A key positive is Mercedes' implementation of the accelerator pedal, which reserves a portion of travel for electric power before engaging the combustion engine, preventing harsh cold starts. The reviewer praised the car's ability to achieve over 9 miles of electric range in mixed urban driving, a significant improvement over the EPA estimate. However, the reviewer noted the car's limited usable battery buffer, with a significant portion reserved for performance, and expressed a desire for more user control over battery depletion. Despite the small electric range, the reviewer concluded that for short urban commutes, the electric capability is useful for avoiding cold starts and emissions from the V8 engine, making it a viable performance hybrid. less
Tesla Cybertruck Battery Capacity Test After 1 Year & 25,000 Miles
This video details a battery capacity test conducted on a Tesla Cybertruck Cyberbeast after one year and 25,000 miles of ownership. The primary goal w... moreas to measure battery degradation by comparing the usable energy pulled from the pack to an initial test performed when the truck was new. The reviewer notes that the initial test yielded 123 kWh, while the current test managed 116.2 kWh. This translates to an estimated degradation of 5.5% to 6.2%, which the reviewer considers impressive given the truck's hard usage, including frequent DC fast charging and cross-country trips. Despite the degradation, the reviewer highlights that the truck's overall battery health is better than expected, attributing this to a balanced charging strategy that included AC charging at lower states of charge when not in heavy use. The video also touches upon the impact of aftermarket off-road tires and a light bar on real-world range and efficiency, noting that these modifications, along with strong headwinds, significantly reduced the observed range during the test, making it less than ideal for efficiency comparisons but still suitable for capacity testing. less
Lucid Gravity DC Fast Charge Testing, Analysis & Comparisons! 400kW + Tesla Supercharger Performance
The Lucid Gravity demonstrates exceptional DC fast charging capabilities, particularly at high-power stations, peaking at 405 kW. The vehicle's t... morehermal management system is a significant improvement over the Lucid Air, ensuring consistent charging performance without the unpredictable fluctuations previously seen. A key highlight is its ability to maintain over 300 kW for approximately 10 minutes, adding substantial range quickly. Even when charging at Tesla Superchargers, the Gravity performs impressively, leveraging its unique boosting technology to deliver speeds competitive with native Tesla vehicles, despite the lower voltage limitations of the Supercharger network. The vehicle's battery pack, with a 123 kWh usable capacity, is designed for consistency and longevity, with Lucid prioritizing range and charging speed through a co-developed Panasonic 2170 cell. While not the absolute fastest charging EV on the market, its combination of peak power, efficiency, and a robust charging experience positions it as a leading option, especially within the SUV segment. less
Nissan Ariya Small Battery (63 kWh) 0-100% Charging Test
This video provides a detailed charging analysis of the Nissan Ariya with the smaller 63 kWh battery. The reviewer, Ryan, highlights that the peak cha... morerging speed reaches approximately 130 kW, which is considered decent when compared to competitors like the Chevy Bolt, Kona, and E-NV200, all of which have similar battery sizes but significantly slower charging speeds. However, the Ariya's charging curve tapers off relatively quickly after 20% state of charge, dropping to around 112 kW by 30% and continuing a steady decline. A notable aspect is its performance above 80% state of charge, where it maintains a respectable 40 kW at 93%, outperforming many rivals. The charging process to 100% is lengthy, particularly the final few percent, which the reviewer attributes to a small top buffer and cell balancing. While adequate for road trips, especially compared to slower EVs like the Bolt, the Ariya is not positioned as a road trip monster and may lead to longer charging stops. The reviewer also contrasts this with the larger battery Ariya, which holds its peak charging speed for a much longer duration. less
The Nissan Ariya Has Frustrating Software Simply Not Made For An EV
The Nissan Ariya's software experience is a significant disappointment, according to this review. While the vehicle itself offers a quiet and ple... moreasant interior, the infotainment system is described as a "mess" and "rough." Key criticisms include the lack of essential EV features like route planning with charging stops, the inability to set a charge limit (a workaround via charge timers is noted but considered insufficient), and a generally sluggish and unintuitive user interface. The reviewer highlights issues with display quality, responsiveness, and the confusing separation of settings and apps. Despite some customization options for widgets, the overall user experience is deemed convoluted and lacking critical EV functionalities, especially when compared to competitors like the Tesla Model Y. The reviewer suggests that for a better experience, users should rely on Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, effectively bypassing the native system. While the car might be a viable city car or attractive through lease deals, its software is a major drawback for road trips and EV enthusiasts. less
New vs Old Tesla Model Y Highway Range Test! This Isn't What We Expected
This video presents a highway range test comparing the new 2026 Tesla Model Y 'Juniper' against a late 2024 Model Y, a 2021 Model Y, and a 2... more024 Model 3 Long Range AWD. Despite strong winds impacting overall results, the test aimed to highlight efficiency differences. The reviewer notes significant improvements in the new Model Y, particularly in ride quality, NVH, and driving dynamics, suggesting it's a substantial upgrade. While the exact range figures were compromised by weather, the comparison provided valuable insights into real-world efficiency, with the older Model Y and its larger wheels showing the least efficiency. The test procedure involved driving from 100% to 0% state of charge at a constant 70 mph, with results indicating the new Model Y and Model 3 performed considerably better than the older Model Y variants under these conditions. less
High Mileage 2019 Tesla Model S Takes On The Road Trip Simulation 10% Challenge
This video tests a 2019 Tesla Model S with a remarkable 250,000 miles on the odometer, focusing on its performance in the '10% Challenge' ro... moread trip simulation. The reviewer, Ryan, highlights the car's surprisingly good condition and comfort despite its high mileage, noting that most interior components and software function well. However, the test reveals significant drawbacks: the charging speed is abysmal, peaking at only 130 kW and tapering quickly, resulting in a very slow 0-100% charge time of nearly 3 hours. Efficiency is also disappointing, with a calculated 2.4 miles per kWh, making it the least efficient sedan tested. Consequently, the 10% Challenge yielded a poor result of only 53 miles. While acknowledging the car's impressive longevity and comfort for its age and price (under $10,000 with incentives), the reviewer concludes that its slow charging and poor efficiency make it a weak performer in road trip scenarios, with potential repair costs being a significant concern. less
250k Mile Tesla Model S Range Test! 2019 Standard Range Run At 70-MPH Until Dead
This video presents a comprehensive range test of a 2019 Tesla Model S Standard Range with an impressive 250,000 miles on the odometer. The reviewer h... moreighlights the vehicle's dual-motor AWD setup and the "range mode" feature, which disconnects the rear motor for increased efficiency. Despite adverse conditions including strong winds (up to 30+ mph) and temperatures in the 40s and 50s Fahrenheit, the Model S achieved a respectable 203 miles at a consistent 70 mph, consuming 57.8 kWh for an average of 3.6 miles per kWh. The reviewer notes that the car still felt good for its mileage, though signs of wear were present. A key takeaway is the battery degradation, estimated at approximately 23% over 250,000 miles, which is considered impressive given the heavy usage, including frequent fast charging. The video concludes that while the raw range figure might not be class-leading by today's standards, the longevity and efficiency of the aging battery are remarkable, especially considering the car's low purchase price and remaining warranty. less
Cold Conditions Really Hurt The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 Range! 70-MPH Highway Range Test
The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 underwent a 70-MPH highway range test in cold Colorado conditions (around 40°F), resulting in a real-world range of 231 miles... more. This figure falls short of the EPA's 290-mile estimate for the AWD SE trim, but is considered usable and places it in the middle of the crossover segment. Efficiency was also a concern, averaging 2.9 miles per kWh, which is on par with some performance crossovers despite the Ioniq 5 not being one. The reviewer noted that the new larger 84 kWh battery (up from 77.4 kWh) and other updates did not significantly improve upon the range of previous models under these conditions. Positives include the new infotainment system and the row of physical buttons for essential controls, including a much-welcomed volume knob. However, the reviewer expressed disappointment with the middling range and efficiency, suggesting the Ioniq 5 consistently underperforms in this regard compared to its platform sibling, the Kia EV6. less
New Rivian R1T Takes On Our Driver Assistance Test! Pre-mapped Routes Bring Problems
The Rivian R1T's second-generation tri-motor AWD system demonstrates impressive capabilities when its Highway Assist is operational, particularly... more in its smooth lane changes and minimal driver nagging. However, the system's heavy reliance on pre-mapped roads proves to be its significant Achilles' heel. Construction zones, which are frequent and persistent, consistently caused disengagements and rendered the system unavailable, leading to a frustrating user experience and a substantial point deduction. While the hardware is praised for its potential and the interior design is lauded, the driver assistance system's limitations, especially compared to less expensive vehicles or Tesla's FSD, make it difficult to recommend as a primary reason for purchase. Future software updates are anticipated to improve functionality, including hands-free operation and non-pre-mapped capabilities, which could significantly alter its performance and appeal. less
All Terrain Tires Barely Slow The Rivian R1T Max Pack - 10% Challenge Road Trip Simulation
The Rivian R1T Max Pack, equipped with 20-inch all-terrain tires, was subjected to the '10% Challenge' road trip simulation test. Despite th... moree less efficient tire setup, the R1T achieved a respectable 84 miles, nearly matching previous tests that used road tires. This result is considered a win by the reviewer, especially given the expectation of worse efficiency with all-terrain tires. The charging session delivered 49.2 kWh in 15 minutes, which is comparable to other Rivian models and competitive with vehicles like the Kia EV9 and Hyundai Ioniq 6, though it lags behind some other electric trucks. Comfort is a strong point, with comfortable seats, manageable wind noise, and an excellent ride quality thanks to significant wheel travel and the cushioning effect of the large sidewall on the all-terrain tires. While the overall efficiency is still considered disappointing compared to ideal benchmarks (like 100 miles for a good result), the R1T's ability to maintain similar efficiency to older models, even with less optimal tires and in potentially warmer conditions due to its new heat pump, is a notable positive. less
The 2025 Rivian R1T Tri-motor Max Pack Does Its Best With All Terrain Tires! 70-MPH Range Test
The 2025 Rivian R1T Tri-motor Max Pack, equipped with all-terrain tires, achieved a real-world highway range of 298 miles at 70 mph. While this result... more slightly surpasses a previous test of an older R1T with similar tires (289 miles), the reviewer expressed disappointment due to a decrease in efficiency, achieving 2.1 miles per kWh compared to the older model's 2.3 miles per kWh. This is particularly notable as the 2025 model features a new heat pump, which was expected to improve efficiency in the mild winter conditions (around 50°F). The reviewer speculates that either wind conditions were slightly worse than perceived, or the heat pump's energy savings were minimal given the large battery and overall vehicle inefficiency. Despite the efficiency concerns, the R1T's ride comfort, sound system, and overall luxury were praised. However, the lack of Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and the driver assistance systems' occasional unreliability were noted drawbacks. Compared to competitors, the R1T's range falls behind the Silverado EV but is competitive with the Cybertruck and superior to the F-150 Lightning and Hummer EV. less
The Ioniq 5 and EV6 Don't Charge Fast at Tesla Superchargers: Tesla vs. Electrify America
This video thoroughly investigates the charging performance of the 2024 Kia EV6 GT and the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N when using Tesla Superchargers versu... mores Electrify America's 350 kW CCS chargers. The primary finding is that while both vehicles achieve their claimed 10-80% charge in approximately 18-21 minutes on a 350 kW charger, their performance on Tesla Superchargers is significantly slower. The Ioniq 5 N, despite having a larger battery, charges about 30 kW faster than the EV6 GT on Tesla chargers, resulting in a 19-mile range advantage after 25 minutes. A notable issue identified is the "Korean Siesta" on the EV6 GT at Tesla chargers, a behavior absent in the Ioniq 5 N. The reviewer highlights that the 800-volt architecture of these Hyundai/Kia vehicles is incompatible with Tesla's 400-volt charging infrastructure, forcing them to use a workaround involving running motors in reverse, which limits charging speeds. The video concludes that while the Ioniq 5 N offers minor improvements like a battery preconditioning button and slightly better charging, the overall benefits may not justify the price increase over used models, especially considering the significant speed advantage of 350 kW CCS chargers. less
The Silverado EV LT Extended Range Impresses Us In Cold Weather! 70-MPH Highway Range Test
The Chevrolet Silverado EV LT Extended Range was subjected to a rigorous 70 mph highway range test in challenging cold-weather conditions (20s Fahrenh... moreeit) with moderate wind. Despite these adverse factors, the truck achieved a respectable 310 miles of range, with an efficiency of 1.7 miles per kilowatt-hour. The reviewer highlighted the truck's "heat scavenging" feature for cabin heating and praised the Super Cruise system for its comfort and performance on pre-mapped highways, though noting its limitations. The vehicle's 170 kWh battery, while not the largest available, proved capable, and the reviewer was pleasantly surprised by the ease of charging after running the battery down, a common issue with GM EVs. While the 310-mile result is considered disappointing by some standards, the reviewer emphasizes that it's a solid outcome given the poor conditions, potentially outperforming the Hummer EV and rivaling the Rivian Max Pack in real-world scenarios. The as-tested price of $85,000 was noted as significant. less
Silverado EV LT 20-Module 10% Challenge! Thirsty But Charges Fast
The Chevrolet Silverado EV LT Extended Range was subjected to the '10% Challenge,' a road trip simulation test. The vehicle achieved a remar... morekable charging speed, delivering the most energy ever recorded in this test, even surpassing the Porsche Taycan. This performance was achieved with the 180 kWh, 20-module battery pack, which is not the largest available. However, the Silverado EV's efficiency proved to be its significant downfall, registering as the least efficient vehicle tested to date. Despite the exceptional charging capabilities, the truck managed only 90 miles on a 15-minute charge at 80 mph in cold conditions, with an indicated efficiency of 1.4 miles per kWh. While the rapid charging is a major positive, the poor efficiency, particularly for a truck, limits its overall effectiveness in this specific test scenario. The reviewer suggests that while excellent charging can compensate for poor efficiency to a degree, there's a limit, and the Silverado EV reached it. less
Hummer EV Highway Range Test! Over 200kWh Of Batteries Driven From Full To Dead
In this comprehensive highway range test, the GMC Hummer EV 3X, equipped with the off-road package and its massive 215 kWh battery, was pushed to its ... morelimits. The reviewer found the vehicle's sheer size and power to be impressive, noting the significant torque and horsepower. However, the Hummer EV's efficiency is its Achilles' heel, with the test yielding a final highway range of 323 miles (328 miles including the final 5 miles it could no longer maintain 70 mph) at an average of 1.4 miles per kWh. This figure, while substantial due to the enormous battery, falls short of expectations given the vehicle's energy consumption, especially when compared to more efficient EVs. The reviewer highlighted Super Cruise as a positive, praising its less intrusive nature compared to Tesla's FSD, though noting minor issues with turn signal auto-cancellation. Road and wind noise were deemed acceptable but not class-leading. A significant portion of the video detailed the challenges of running the battery completely dead, including the need for a physical battery disconnect and the slow initial charging speeds. Ultimately, while the Hummer EV offers a unique, albeit inefficient, experience, its practicality for long-distance road trips is questionable due to its energy demands. less
Volkswagen ID. Buzz AWD 70-MPH Highway Range Test Driven Until It Dies
The Volkswagen ID. Buzz First Edition 4MOTION delivers a unique and characterful driving experience, though its highway range is a significant point o... moref contention. While the vehicle excels in urban environments and offers a fun, nostalgic aesthetic, its highway range test at 70 mph yielded a disappointing 214 miles, falling short of the EPA estimate. The reviewer highlights the van's excellent packaging, comfortable interior, and impressive sound system as major positives. However, criticisms include the lack of one-pedal driving, a sometimes frustrating infotainment system with finicky screen controls, and the absence of a heat pump in the US model, which impacts cold-weather performance. Despite the range limitations, the reviewer concludes that the ID. Buzz is a charming city cruiser and acceptable for road trips if charging stops are planned, especially for families prioritizing style and practicality over outright range. less
The Lucid Air Touring Has A Surprising Result In Our Road Trip 10% Challenge, Twice!
Shane's Lucid Air Touring undergoes the '10% Challenge' twice in cold weather conditions, yielding surprising and somewhat disappointin... moreg results. The first attempt at an Evo charger saw the car achieve 91.7 miles and 2.72 miles/kWh after a 15-minute charge, hindered by potential station limitations and 37°F temperatures. The second attempt at an Electrify America station, in colder 27°F conditions, resulted in a worse outcome: 78.9 miles and 2.44 miles/kWh. Despite the 800-volt architecture, the charging performance and real-world efficiency, especially in the cold and with larger wheels, did not meet expectations, falling short of the Grand Touring variant and even comparable to some Tesla Model 3s. The reviewer expresses disappointment, attributing the poor results to a combination of cold weather, the specific wheel/tire setup, and potentially suboptimal charging sessions, vowing to retest in warmer conditions. less