The Kilowatts is a premier distributor dedicated to the world of electric vehicles (EVs). This channel delves deep into EV features, offers insightful reviews, and explores the vibrant culture surrounding electric car technology. From groundbreaking record attempts like the EV Cannonball Record to behind-the-scenes looks at major automotive events, The Kilowatts provides comprehensive coverage for enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
With a focus on the latest advancements and honest impressions, the channel features content such as the initial drives of Tesla's FSD Beta and discussions on emerging platforms like Tesla's car-sharing. The Kilowatts also celebrates achievements in the EV space, as seen in their EV Awards, making it an essential destination for anyone passionate about the future of automotive innovation.
With a focus on the latest advancements and honest impressions, the channel features content such as the initial drives of Tesla's FSD Beta and discussions on emerging platforms like Tesla's car-sharing. The Kilowatts also celebrates achievements in the EV space, as seen in their EV Awards, making it an essential destination for anyone passionate about the future of automotive innovation.
I Got Tesla's FSD Beta | Honest First Drive Impressions
The reviewer provides a candid first-person account of their initial experience with Tesla's FSD Beta 10.12.2 in a 2020 Model Y Performance. While acknowledging the raw production quality, the video effectively captures the learning curve and nuances of the system. The reviewer was generally impr...
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I Got Tesla's FSD Beta | Honest First Drive Impressions
The reviewer provides a candid first-person account of their initial experience with Tesla's FSD Beta 10.12.2 in a 2020 Model Y Performance. Whil... moree acknowledging the raw production quality, the video effectively captures the learning curve and nuances of the system. The reviewer was generally impressed with the FSD Beta's ability to navigate from a parking lot to a car wash without safety concerns or disengagements after the initial parking lot exit. Key observations include the system's aggressive lane changes, particularly during turns, and its tendency to make last-minute maneuvers, likened to an "impatient taxi driver." While these actions were not deemed unsafe, they were noted as uncomfortable and not how the reviewer would personally drive. The on-freeway performance was described as similar to regular Autopilot, but with slightly different visualization. A significant error was noted when the system misinterpreted a road separation on an overpass as a stop line. Despite some aggressive and occasionally awkward maneuvers, the reviewer concludes that the FSD Beta is progressing well and is more impressive than anticipated, highlighting significant visualization improvements. less
Kilowatt Hour Live - This Week in EVs (March 3, 2022)
This episode of Kilowatt Hour LIVE dives deep into the recent price adjustments by Rivian, sparking significant discussion among reservation holders a... morend industry observers. The panel expresses a mix of emotions, from frustration and betrayal to a cautious understanding of the business realities. While acknowledging Rivian's initial appeal and community focus, the price hike, even with the subsequent rollback for pre-March 1st orders, has shaken consumer trust. The conversation also touches upon Lucid's lower-than-expected delivery numbers, highlighting the challenges faced by EV startups in scaling production and software development. Ford's strategic business segmentation with 'Model e' is analyzed, with a focus on its potential implications for the dealer network and direct-to-consumer sales. Overall, the episode underscores the volatile nature of the EV market and the growing pains experienced by new manufacturers. less
Behind The Scenes of NBC's Charge Across America
This behind-the-scenes look at the 'Charge Across America' EV rally offers an in-depth perspective on the strategies and challenges faced by... more the winning team, The Kilowatts and MissGoElectric. The video highlights that the rally was a test of efficiency and strategy rather than pure speed, with points awarded for various objectives beyond just reaching the destination. The reviewer details the team's approach to charging, special stops, and navigating mid-event rule changes, particularly the impactful double-points day that nearly cost them the win. Key takeaways include the team's clever use of an Uber for a special stop to simultaneously charge and complete the objective, and their strategic decision to mislead competitors about their charge level on the final day. Despite facing less capable vehicles than some competitors, their meticulous planning and execution secured them the $10,000 prize. The narrative emphasizes the camaraderie and memorable experiences gained throughout the demanding 10-day event. less
The Kilowatts - EV Awards 2021
This video presents The Kilowatts' EV Awards for 2021, highlighting standout electric vehicles across various categories. The hosts engage in a l... moreively debate, showcasing a range of vehicles from budget-friendly options like the Nissan Leaf to premium choices such as the Lucid Air and Mercedes EQS. Key vehicles discussed include the Volkswagen ID.4 for value, the Tesla Model 3 Performance and Porsche Taycan for driving dynamics, and the Rivian R1T for its blend of utility and capability. The Tesla Model Y is frequently mentioned, particularly for its user experience and overall package, ultimately being chosen by one host as the best overall EV. The other host champions the Rivian R1T for its comprehensive offering of utility, sportiness, and capability. The discussion also touches on future vehicles like the Aptera and the challenges of urban driving with larger EVs. less
42hr 17min - The EV Cannonball Record (NY to LA)
This video documents an incredible feat of endurance and efficiency: setting a new EV Cannonball Record from New York to Los Angeles in 42 hours and 1... more7 minutes. The record was achieved using a rented, largely stock 2021 Tesla Model S Long Range, with only minor adjustments like slightly over-pressurized tires. The journey highlights the rapid advancements in EV technology and charging infrastructure, with the entire trip relying exclusively on Tesla Superchargers for a total of 6 hours and 31 minutes of charging time. While the video focuses on the record-breaking run itself, it promises a more in-depth review of the Model S in a future upload. The primary takeaway is the impressive capability of current EVs to undertake such demanding, long-distance journeys. less
Tesla Car-Sharing Platform to Launch with V11? New S/X Camera, Supercharging & Cloud Driver Profiles
The reviewer speculates that Tesla is on the verge of launching its own car-sharing network, potentially preceding a full robo-taxi service. This theo... morery is supported by recent software updates and hardware changes, including a new in-cabin camera in the Model S and X, improved Supercharger billing receipts, and the implementation of cloud-based driver profiles. The enhanced Supercharger receipt system significantly simplifies the process for hosts managing rental fleets, reducing friction in billing for charging costs. The cloud storage of driver profiles is seen as a key enabler for a seamless user experience in shared vehicles, remembering settings like climate control and seating position. While the reviewer acknowledges the current limitations and slower-than-expected rollout of FSD beta, they believe these developments are strategic steps towards both car-sharing and eventual robo-taxi services, offering Tesla a new revenue stream. The introduction of the cabin camera is also highlighted as a potential tool for monitoring vehicle usage and addressing potential damage in a shared environment. The reviewer anticipates a potential launch tied to the upcoming Version 11 software update, possibly within the next two to three months. less
Out Of Spec's Surprise EV Cannonball - How They Did It On Electrify America In A Taycan In Winter
The Out Of Spec Motoring team discusses their groundbreaking EV Cannonball Run record, achieved in a Porsche Taycan on the Electrify America network d... moreuring winter. The primary motivation was to challenge the notion that only Teslas on the Supercharger network can achieve such feats, proving the capability of the CCS infrastructure. Key takeaways include the Taycan's superior highway efficiency (especially in range mode) and faster charging capabilities compared to some Teslas, despite less favorable winter conditions and summer tires for the initial leg. The team highlighted the relentless urgency and focus required for such an endeavor, the discomfort of long hours in sport seats, and the critical role of real-time route planning due to the Taycan's navigation issues and the network's unpredictability. Ultimately, the run served as a crucial stress test and validation for the CCS network, demonstrating its viability for extreme long-distance EV travel. less
Kilowatt Conversations - Watts Ahead for The Kilowatts in 2021: EVs, Car-sharing, & Youtube Q&A
The Kilowatts team discusses their 2021 business strategy, focusing on their EV rental car service and YouTube channel. They highlight the acquisition... more of two new 2021 Tesla Model 3s, one a standard range rear-wheel drive without FSD and the other a dual-motor all-wheel drive with FSD, for A/B testing and data collection. The hosts express enthusiasm for expanding their fleet with vehicles like the Mustang Mach-E and Rivian R1T/R1S, while acknowledging the higher price point of the Lucid Air might limit its rental appeal. They detail their operational approach on Turo, including the use of key cards and app access, the benefits of custom wraps for differentiation and booking rates, and the process for handling supercharging costs. The discussion also touches on future plans, including potential Cybertruck rentals and the development of an audio podcast format. less
Kilowatt Conversations - Electric Vehicles in 2021 and Beyond w/ Two Bit da Vinci
This livestream discussion between The Kilowatts and Two Bit da Vinci offers a comprehensive overview of the current EV landscape and a look towards f... moreuture models. The hosts express strong enthusiasm for Tesla, particularly the Model 3 Performance, praising its value, handling, and acceleration, while noting a preference for the older center console design. The Model Y is recognized as a strong seller due to its utility. The conversation touches on competitors like the Ford Mustang Mach-E, praising its design and Ford's commitment, and the Audi e-tron, noting its struggles with supply chain and reliability perceptions. The VW ID.4 is discussed as a practical option with competitive pricing, though concerns about dealership markups are raised. The Porsche Taycan is lauded for its performance, with real-world range exceeding EPA estimates, and the Lucid Air is highlighted for its luxury and exclusivity, potentially challenging the premium segment. The hosts also discuss the practicality of the Hyundai Kona and the need for larger, family-oriented EVs like the upcoming Rivian R1S and Tesla Cybertruck, while acknowledging the challenges new startups face in building brand loyalty. The discussion concludes by critiquing compliance cars like the BMW i3 and Mini Cooper, advocating for a more integrated electric approach from legacy automakers. less
Tesla Battery Day - 20 Minute Supercut
This video provides a comprehensive 20-minute summary of Tesla's Battery Day event, focusing on the technical advancements in battery technology.... more The core message revolves around Tesla's strategy to drastically reduce battery costs and increase production scale through innovations like the new 4680 tabless cell design, dry battery electrode manufacturing, and structural battery packs. Key takeaways include a projected 56% reduction in battery cost per kilowatt-hour and a 10x increase in energy density. These advancements are expected to enable a $25,000 Tesla vehicle within three years and significantly improve vehicle range (up to 16% from cell design alone, and potentially more with anode and structural pack improvements). The video also highlights Tesla's ambition to achieve terawatt-hour scale battery production by 2030 and mentions the Plaid Model S's impressive Laguna Seca lap time. While the technical details are dense, the presentation effectively communicates Tesla's roadmap for accelerating sustainable energy adoption. less