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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The Kia EV6 GT Lacks Highway Range But Makes Up For It With Fast Charging! 10% Road Trip Challenge
The Kia EV6 GT, a 2024 model, was subjected to a 10% road trip simulation challenge focusing on highway efficiency and fast charging capabilities. Des... morepite its designation as the least efficient EV6 variant with a 218-mile EPA range, the GT performed exceptionally well in the charging test, delivering 49.5 kWh in 15 minutes, which is among the highest for EGMP vehicles. This strong charging performance compensated for its significant drawback: poor efficiency. The vehicle achieved only 2.2 miles per kWh on the highway, a figure comparable to some inefficient EVs and trucks, attributed to its performance-oriented features like large wheels and powerful motors. However, the road trip simulation yielded a respectable 110 miles from a 10% state of charge, meeting the benchmark for a good road-tripping EV. The reviewer noted that while the GT is a performance model with inherent compromises, its rapid charging makes it a viable, albeit inefficient, option for road trips. less
Chevy Blazer EV AWD Needs A Bigger Battery! 70-MPH Highway Range Test In The Lowest Range Variant
The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV LT AWD, equipped with 21-inch wheels, delivers a disappointing 248 miles of range in a 70 mph highway test, falling short... more of its EPA estimate and tying with less expensive competitors like the VW ID.4. While the reviewer praises the Super Cruise system for its natural and comfortable operation, the vehicle's efficiency is criticized as poor, achieving only 2.7 miles per kWh. This result is considered unimpressive, especially given the vehicle's starting price around $47,000, which can climb to $56,000 with options. A notable issue encountered was the vehicle's inability to restart after running the battery completely dead, requiring a charge to 7% before it would power back on, a recurring problem with GM EVs. Overall, the Blazer EV AWD is presented as a vehicle with a significant range and efficiency deficit relative to its cost and competition. less
Here's How Well The Mercedes EQE SUV Would Charge On Our Simulated Road Trip Challenge
This video details a road trip charging challenge with the Mercedes EQE SUV 350+. The reviewer highlights the vehicle's comfortable ride, spaciou... mores interior, and advanced driver assistance systems, particularly praising its automatic lane changing capabilities. However, the reviewer notes a preference for the interior design over the glossy finishes and expresses disappointment with the lack of a front trunk and the absence of massage seats, especially given the $88,000 price point. The charging test revealed a peak of 170-175 kW, with the car gaining 47% charge in 15 minutes, adding 83 miles of range. The overall efficiency was rated at 420 Wh/mile (just over 2 miles/kWh) at 80 mph, which is considered decent but not class-leading, especially in colder temperatures and with wind. The reviewer concludes that while not the range king, the EQE SUV is a comfortable and capable road tripper with solid materials and a good charging experience for its segment. less
BMW's Flagship I7 EV Is Okay At Road Tripping - 10% Challenge
The BMW i7, specifically the eDrive50 variant, was tested on its road-tripping capabilities using the 10% Challenge. While the interior is praised for... more its luxury, comfort, and premium sound system, the vehicle's road trip performance fell short of expectations. Charging speeds tapered off quickly, with the reviewer expressing skepticism about the reported energy delivered by Electrify America. Real-world efficiency was poor, failing to reach the benchmark 100 miles for the challenge, achieving only 96.4 miles. Despite being BMW's flagship EV, it was outperformed by less expensive competitors and even its sibling, the i5. The reviewer noted that while it's a comfortable place to spend time, the charging and efficiency metrics suggest it's not a class leader for long-distance travel, especially given its premium price point. less
The Fiat 500e Has Weak Range But Charging Is Okay - 70-MPH Highway Range and 0-100% Charging Test
The Fiat 500e, specifically the Red Edition entry-level trim, proves to be a capable city car but falls significantly short on highway range. During a... more 70 mph highway test, the vehicle achieved only 123 miles, considerably less than its EPA estimate of 149 miles. The reviewer noted excessive cabin noise and a lack of comfort at highway speeds, reinforcing its urban-centric design. While its efficiency was deemed unimpressive compared to older models like the Chevy Bolt, the charging performance was a mixed bag. The 500e met its claimed 80% charge in 34 minutes, outperforming the Bolt in the initial charging phase for shorter charging sessions. However, the charging curve showed an unusual dip, and for longer trips, the Bolt ultimately replenishes more range over time. The reviewer concludes that while the 500e is a fun and stylish choice, likely best suited as a second or third car, its compromised highway capability and charging speed make it unsuitable as a primary vehicle for extensive travel. less
The Model S Plaid Flexes Its Capabilities In Our 10% Challenge
The Tesla Model S Plaid undergoes the '10% Challenge' road trip simulation, demonstrating a surprising blend of extreme performance and prac... moretical efficiency. While its 1000-horsepower capability is undeniable, the review highlights its respectable charging performance, reaching peak speeds of 250+ kW, though it tapers off as expected. The standout revelation is the Plaid's efficiency, achieving 2.9 miles per kWh, a figure that rivals the Lucid Air and surpasses many other EVs, including the Mercedes EQS and even some Tesla Model Y variants. This efficiency is particularly impressive given its performance credentials. The test concludes with the Model S Plaid covering an impressive 132 miles from a 15-minute charge starting at 10% state of charge, a result deemed solid and better than many competitors. The reviewer suggests a Long Range variant would likely perform even better, indicating room for further efficiency gains within the Model S family. less
2024 Polestar 2 Performance 70-MPH Highway Range Test
The 2024 Polestar 2 Performance receives a thorough highway range test, revealing significant improvements over its predecessor. Ryan highlights the u... morepdated rear and front motors, particularly the new induction front motor designed for improved highway efficiency, as the key drivers of this enhancement. Despite facing a 10-15 mph crosswind, the vehicle achieved an impressive 255 miles at 70 mph, exceeding its EPA rating and showing a nearly 15% range increase compared to the 2021 model. This gain is attributed almost entirely to the new motor technology, as the battery and other factors remained consistent. While the reviewer praises the comfortable seats, quiet cabin, and solid technology, he notes the stiff suspension dampers (requiring wheel removal for adjustment) and a steep price point of $69,500, which does not qualify for federal tax credits. The vehicle also exhibits aggressive 'turtle mode' limitations at low states of charge, impacting usability below 8% battery. Overall, the 2024 Polestar 2 Performance offers a compelling, albeit expensive, package with notable real-world range gains. less
Updates Improve Toyota bZ4X Road Trip Ability! However It Still Underperforms In Our 10% Challenge
The 2024 Toyota bZ4X, in its Limited AWD trim, faces significant challenges in road trip capability, despite some minor updates. While the vehicle off... moreers a comfortable interior and decent infotainment, its performance in the 10% Challenge was disappointing. The reviewer highlights a peak charging speed of only 100 kW for the AWD variant, delivering a mere 24.0 kWh in 15 minutes, which is among the lowest recorded. Furthermore, the bZ4X exhibited poor efficiency, achieving 2.4 miles per kWh. This combination resulted in a meager 58 miles driven in the challenge, placing it near the bottom of tested vehicles. A notable drawback is the controversial DC fast charging limit, which can severely restrict charging speeds after multiple sessions. While good lease deals may make it a viable second car for city use, its road trip performance is severely hampered, making it a questionable choice for longer journeys. less
Here's How Far The Chevy Silverado EV RST Goes In Cold & Windy Conditions At Highway Speeds
The Chevrolet Silverado EV RST underwent a rigorous 70 mph highway range test under challenging conditions, including strong winds (25-40+ mph), cold ... moretemperatures (40s-50s F), and a brief period of snow. Despite these adverse factors, the truck achieved an impressive 378 miles of range, falling short of the EPA estimate of 440 miles but significantly outperforming other electric trucks in similar tests. The reviewer highlighted the excellent performance of the Super Cruise system, which handled the difficult conditions adeptly. However, a major drawback identified is the vehicle's inability to restart after being discharged to 0% state of charge, requiring a recharge to at least 7% (approximately 15 kWh) before it will turn on, a process described as inconvenient. Efficiency was also a concern, with the RST achieving only 1.7 miles per kWh, worse than the Silverado EV Work Truck (2.0 mi/kWh) due to its larger wheels and less favorable conditions. less