Branden Flasch, formerly known as "EV Nomads," is a seasoned voice in the electric vehicle community. With extensive personal experience driving a range of EVs, including the Tesla Model Y, Ford F150 Lightning, Tesla Model S, VW ID.4, and more, Flasch brings a deep understanding of the electric driving landscape.
This distributor specializes in sharing insights on new EV models, the nuances of EV charging, and practical advice for electric vehicle travel. Leveraging years of hands-on experience and professional involvement in the EV charging industry, Branden Flasch offers a knowledgeable and engaging perspective for EV enthusiasts and those considering the transition to electric mobility.
This distributor specializes in sharing insights on new EV models, the nuances of EV charging, and practical advice for electric vehicle travel. Leveraging years of hands-on experience and professional involvement in the EV charging industry, Branden Flasch offers a knowledgeable and engaging perspective for EV enthusiasts and those considering the transition to electric mobility.
Farewell ID.4 - The Truth About The VW ID.4 After 1 Year and 16k Miles
After one year and 16,000 miles, the reviewer concludes that the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 Pro S RWD, while possessing good hardware and offering a comfortable ride suitable for long distances, is significantly let down by its software. Key criticisms include the lack of one-pedal driving, the absence...
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Live: Home Stretch - On The Road In Rivian R1T!
This video provides a live, on-the-road experience with the Rivian R1T electric pickup truck. The content focuses on the driving dynamics and the over... moreall feel of the vehicle during a journey. While the transcript is empty, the title suggests a focus on the 'home stretch' of a drive, implying a real-world usage scenario. Without specific details from the transcript regarding performance, range, or features, the review cannot delve into specific pros or cons. The value of this content is limited by the lack of detailed information, making it more of a visual showcase than an in-depth review. less
Charging Issues Like Crazy! Rivian R1T 1000 Mile Road Trip From Minnesota to Colorado
This video chronicles a 1000-mile road trip in a new Rivian R1T from Minnesota to Colorado, highlighting significant charging challenges encountered a... morelong the way. The reviewer experienced numerous issues with Electrify America stations, including non-functional units, slow charging speeds, and confusing pricing structures, with some sessions being unexpectedly complimentary while others failed entirely. Despite these frustrations, the Rivian R1T itself is praised for its range and the reviewer's ability to navigate these charging hurdles. The video also touches on the vehicle's practical aspects like the frunk, gear tunnel, and overall comfort during long drives. Ultimately, the trip serves as a mixed review of the current state of public EV charging infrastructure, particularly Electrify America, while showcasing the Rivian's capability to handle long distances, albeit with considerable effort. less
Day 2 Rivian R1T Road Trip Live Stream MN to CO
This video documents the second day of a road trip from Minnesota to Colorado in a Rivian R1T. The content primarily consists of live-streamed driving... more footage, offering viewers a real-time perspective of the journey. While the description details the equipment used for filming and various affiliate links, the transcript itself is empty, providing no specific insights into the vehicle's performance, charging experiences, or any qualitative review of the R1T. Therefore, the video's value lies in its raw, unedited depiction of a long-distance EV road trip rather than a detailed analysis or critique of the vehicle itself. less
Rivian R1T Road Trip Live Stream - MN to CO
The reviewer embarks on a road trip from Minnesota to Colorado in a Rivian R1T, providing a live stream of the journey. The R1T, equipped with the lar... morege battery and quad-motor AWD, demonstrates adequate range for the initial leg, averaging around 2.0-2.3 miles per kWh while conserving energy by using the lowest suspension setting and driving conservatively. The reviewer notes the effectiveness of the vehicle's built-in hotspot for streaming and the functionality of the Driver+ system on the interstate, though it occasionally disengages. A brief charging stop at an Electrify America station in Albert Lee, Iowa, confirms functionality despite some reported issues, providing a buffer for increased speed. The R1T's comfort and quiet ride are highlighted as significant advantages over traditional trucks and previous EVs tested, such as the ID.4 and Polestar. While the reviewer expresses satisfaction with the R1T's performance and comfort for long distances, they also touch upon the evolving charging infrastructure and the need for greater capacity and reliability. less
What’s It Like to Own a Tesla With 185k Miles?
This video offers an in-depth look at the long-term ownership experience of a 2016 Tesla Model S P90DL with an impressive 185,000 miles. The owner, Ma... morerk, highlights the vehicle's surprisingly good condition, attributing its longevity to paint protection film and diligent care. Key takeaways include minimal repair costs, with the most significant being a free rear drive unit replacement under the unlimited mileage powertrain warranty. Battery degradation is noted as minimal, with a current range of 240 miles from an original advertised 269. Mark praises the reliability of Autopilot 1, contrasting it with issues reported in later versions. Winter performance is manageable with proper tires and preconditioning, though braking distance is a consideration due to the vehicle's weight. The owner's advice emphasizes not being deterred by high mileage, especially if the unlimited mileage powertrain warranty is present, as major components are likely to have failed already if they were going to. Overall, the review suggests that high-mileage Teslas, particularly those with the older warranty, can be a sound investment. less
The Truth About Polestar 2 - Owner Review And Tour
The reviewer provides a comprehensive owner's perspective on the 2022 Polestar 2 after nearly 4,000 miles. Key dislikes include the base sound sy... morestem's lack of low-end and mid-range, limitations in the climate control app (30-minute max, fixed temperature), the inability of third-party apps like A Better Route Planner to run in the background on the Android Automotive OS, a steering wheel that doesn't telescope far enough, a pessimistic Google route planner, the absence of a 12-volt outlet in the cabin, recurring issues with the TCAM module affecting connectivity and GPS, a cumbersome app-switching interface, and poorly designed cup holders. The reviewer also notes the piano black trim's tendency to show fingerprints and the charging curve's significant drop-off at higher states of charge, making road trips less efficient. On the positive side, the reviewer praises the excellent one-pedal driving and smooth pedal calibration, the effective Pilot Assist system (adaptive cruise control and lane keeping), the solid build quality, the functional Android Automotive OS (despite app limitations), the detailed charging speed display (showing volts, amps, and kilowatts), the car's attractive hatchback design, a straightforward and markup-free buying experience, impressive straight-line acceleration, and sporty yet comfortable driving dynamics. Overall, the Polestar 2 is seen as a fast, well-built, and good-looking EV, but with notable software and practicality drawbacks that might deter frequent road-trippers. less
EV Charging Has to Improve - Labor Day Weekend Road Trip In Polestar 2
This video documents a Labor Day weekend road trip in a Polestar 2 from Charlotte, NC to Atlanta, GA and back, highlighting significant challenges wit... moreh Electrify America's charging infrastructure. The reviewer, Branden, experienced numerous issues including chargers being unavailable, operating at drastically reduced speeds (as low as 35kW), and faulty equipment across multiple Electrify America stations. While the Polestar 2 itself is described as comfortable, albeit harsher than a Rivian, and capable of handling the distance, the charging experience was consistently frustrating. The reviewer found a more reliable, albeit slower, charging option at an EVgo station. The trip also included a visit to a Rivian service center for a first-mile drive, which was a positive experience, contrasting sharply with the charging woes. The video concludes with the reviewer emphasizing the urgent need for improvement in public EV charging reliability, particularly on holiday weekends, as the current state significantly detracts from the EV ownership experience. less
Public EV Charging Is a Mess - Let's Check Out The State of Charging
This video provides a comprehensive audit of public EV charging infrastructure in Charlotte, NC, highlighting significant issues across multiple netwo... morerks including EVgo, Electrify America, EV Connect, and Freewire. The reviewer, driving a Polestar 2, found a mix of functional and non-functional chargers. Older EVgo stations (January 2015) often suffered from dead screens or complete failure, despite some still technically working. Newer EVgo stations showed promise with some 100kW and 350kW units functioning correctly, though pricing was criticized as being consistently 27 cents per minute regardless of speed. Freewire battery-based chargers presented activation issues, with one unit failing entirely via both app and credit card reader. A successful charge was achieved at a Freewire unit in Catawba Village, though its pricing structure was complex and the physical setup was not ideal for multiple vehicles. Electrify America stations, despite being newer (mid-2020), also exhibited failures, with one unit completely dead and another experiencing issues with one of its two cables. The overall impression is that public EV charging in Charlotte is unreliable, with a high number of faulty stations and inconsistent performance, raising concerns about the current state of EV infrastructure. less
Last Minute Trip in Polestar 2 - Trying to Figure Out the Charge Curve
The reviewer embarks on an unplanned 400-mile solo road trip in their 2022 Polestar 2 with the Pilot Pack, aiming to test charging curve optimization.... more The journey highlights the challenges of finding reliable charging infrastructure between Charlotte and Charleston, necessitating stops at Circle K and Electrify America. The reviewer notes inconsistent charging speeds, particularly at Electrify America, and experiments with unplugging and replugging to achieve better rates, finding the Polestar 2's charging behavior less predictable than other EVs. Despite the charging quirks, the reviewer praises the Polestar 2's comfort and the utility of the Pilot Pack's adaptive cruise control and lane keeping for long-distance driving, especially given the lack of standard adaptive cruise control on many comparable vehicles. The trip successfully concludes with the reviewer arriving home with a usable state of charge, having completed their Global Entry interview. less
First Road Trip In My New Polestar 2! 500 Mile Weekend Getaway
This video chronicles the first road trip in a new 2022 Polestar 2 Dual Motor with Pilot Pack, covering approximately 500 miles over a weekend. The re... moreviewer highlights the car's performance and charging experience, noting a discrepancy between the car's estimated range and the actual arrival range, which was consistently better than predicted. Charging was primarily done at free ChargePoint CP250 stations, which delivered around 50 kW, and a Duke Energy station that provided 51 kW at 81% state of charge. The reviewer found the car's range estimation to be pessimistic but ultimately sufficient for the trip. Practicality concerns were raised, particularly regarding the difficulty of ingress and egress due to the seat position relative to the B-pillar and the inconvenient placement of the second cup holder. Despite these drawbacks and the car being a temporary solution, the reviewer found the overall ride comfort to be decent and the car to be a capable, sporty electric option for those who can overlook its minor inconveniences. less
Farewell ID.4 - The Truth About The VW ID.4 After 1 Year and 16k Miles
After one year and 16,000 miles, the reviewer concludes that the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 Pro S RWD, while possessing good hardware and offering a comfort... moreable ride suitable for long distances, is significantly let down by its software. Key criticisms include the lack of one-pedal driving, the absence of any software updates since its release, a consistently unreliable and buggy companion app (VW CarNet), and a charging speed display that is not user-friendly, lacking kilowatt readings. The reviewer also notes issues with the climate control system, which does not run at full power and has a limited 30-minute runtime, making it ineffective in extreme temperatures. Despite these software-related frustrations, the reviewer acknowledges the car's solid driver assistance features, good Carplay integration, and decent efficiency, though not class-leading. Ultimately, the ID.4 is described as a car that is "pretty good but also pretty annoying in a lot of ways," with the reviewer expressing disappointment that Volkswagen did not deliver timely software updates to address critical features like scheduled charging. less
What's the EV Charging Infrastructure in Norway Really Like?
This video provides a comprehensive tour of Norway's diverse EV charging infrastructure, highlighting its advanced state compared to other region... mores. The reviewer showcases various charging solutions, from street parking AC chargers and public DC fast chargers (primarily 50kW) to extensive installations at office parks, shopping malls, and hotels. Notably, the video emphasizes the prevalence of Type 2 connectors and the necessity for users to provide their own cables in Europe. The reviewer is particularly impressed by the scale and integration of charging at locations like office parks (over 100 stations) and hotels, as well as the strategic placement of 50kW DC chargers at malls, acknowledging their suitability for typical dwell times. The "gas station of the future" concept at Circle K in Kongsberg is presented as a standout, featuring dedicated canopies, solar panels, battery storage, a lounge for EV drivers, and high-power 300kW Alfatronix Hyperchargers capable of charging two vehicles simultaneously. The video concludes by underscoring Norway's commitment to EV adoption, with charging infrastructure being prioritized as a key amenity. less
Electric Road Trip Across Norway in Audi E-tron!
This video documents an electric road trip from Bergen to Oslo in a 2022 Audi e-tron. The reviewer highlights the car's comfort, quietness, compo... moresed handling, and impressive charging capabilities, noting it as a 'charging beast' capable of rapid charging. The reviewer also praises the vehicle's understated yet appealing design and spaciousness. While the specific trim level and drivetrain are not detailed, the reviewer expresses satisfaction with the e-tron's performance and range for Norwegian conditions, finding it perfectly adequate for typical use. The journey included navigating Norway's extensive tunnel network, including the world's longest car tunnel, and utilizing various charging stations, including Tesla Superchargers, Ionity, and Circle K chargers, with a successful experience charging a non-Tesla on the Supercharger network. The reviewer also touches on the scenic beauty of Norway and the convenience of in-tunnel cell service. less
Straight From The Airport To Road Trip - Oslo to Bergen, Norway in Audi E-tron!
The reviewer embarks on an ambitious road trip from Oslo to Bergen in an Audi e-tron 55 Quattro, highlighting the vehicle's comfortable ride and ... morecapable adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, which are noted as being on par with, or slightly better than, Tesla's systems. The e-tron's estimated range of nearly 500 kilometers is mentioned, with a real-world average of 3.2 miles per kilowatt-hour observed over a 490-kilometer journey, though this is considered somewhat thirsty given the generally low speeds. The reviewer encountered challenges with non-Norwegian credit cards at some charging stations, emphasizing the need for better cross-border payment solutions for EV rentals. Despite these minor inconveniences and the slower pace of driving in Norway (speed limits often around 70 km/h), the stunning scenery, particularly the breathtaking views and numerous charging locations, made the trip memorable. The reviewer plans further content, including a detailed e-tron review and a return trip to Oslo. less
My First Rivian Experience at Drive Electric Week Greensboro
This video documents the creator's first experience driving a Rivian R1T at a local Drive Electric Week event. While the primary focus shifts to ... morethe creator's Volkswagen ID.4 journey to the event, the highlight is a brief but insightful test drive of the R1T. The reviewer notes the truck's surprisingly car-like handling and powerful acceleration, even in standard mode, and appreciates its turning radius for its size. The experience is contrasted with the much lower-riding Mini Cooper SE. The event also featured an electric transit bus, which the reviewer and their companion found interesting, particularly the charging infrastructure. The video concludes with the creator's return journey in the ID.4, including charging stops at an EVgo and an Electrify America station, with a focus on cost and efficiency. Overall, the R1T impression is positive, emphasizing its capability and surprising agility for a large electric truck. less
A True Sport EV | Audi RS e-tron GT
The Audi RS e-tron GT is presented as a true sport EV, living up to its RS badge with impressive performance and handling. Reviewers highlight its bru... moretal acceleration and sharp, confident cornering, noting that it feels like a sports car that happens to be electric, rather than an EV trying to be a sports car. The ride comfort is praised, even in dynamic mode, and the interior is lauded for its typical Audi quality and comfortable seats. While the artificial engine noise is a point of contention for some, it's acknowledged as potentially useful during spirited driving. Visibility is noted as average for a sporty car, and the rear seat space is considered functional but not generous for larger occupants. The car's ability to be both a leisurely cruiser and a track-capable machine is a significant plus. Despite a brief scare with low estimated range, the overall verdict is highly positive, with a strong recommendation for those in the market for a performance EV, though a direct comparison to the Porsche Taycan is suggested for potential buyers. less
Pinnacle Of Luxury? Mercedes-Benz EQS First Drive
The Mercedes-Benz EQS 450+ is presented as the pinnacle of luxury electric vehicles, offering a serene and feature-rich experience. Reviewers highligh... moret its exceptionally quiet cabin and advanced technology, particularly the expansive 46-inch Hyperscreen and augmented reality navigation, though they question its necessity and potential for distraction. Ride comfort is generally good, but some find it bumpier than expected for a luxury flagship, and the brake-by-wire system is noted as feeling artificial. Performance is described as adequate rather than exhilarating, with the focus clearly on comfort and luxury amenities like multi-stage massaging seats. While the exterior styling is polarizing, the interior is praised for its premium materials and spaciousness. The EQS 450+ is positioned as a true luxury cruiser, distinct from performance-oriented EVs, making it a compelling choice for those prioritizing comfort and advanced features over outright speed. less
Taking Arcimoto FUV to In-N-Out Burger As One Does in SoCal
The Arcimoto FUV is presented as a unique and wild vehicle, primarily for its novelty and open-air experience. Reviewers found the built-in phone moun... moret to be an excellent feature, but this was overshadowed by significant criticisms. The steering is heavy due to the lack of power assistance, and the regenerative braking, controlled by a thumb trigger, is difficult to modulate and feels inconsistent, often described as an 'on-off switch' or 'terrifying' when combined with steering. The ride quality is deemed very firm and uncomfortable, with limited suspension travel. While it has a decent amount of power, especially at speed, the vehicle inspires little confidence, with a perceived risk of rolling over during abrupt maneuvers. The double seatbelts are noted as less effective than four-point harnesses. The reviewer also highlighted the high price point of $24,000 as a major drawback, suggesting it would be a better value at a significantly lower price or as a rental vehicle for beach towns. Despite the criticisms, the FUV is acknowledged as a fun, albeit impractical, vehicle for short, low-speed excursions. less
Is VW ID.4 AWD Worth It? Join ID.4 RWD Owners For A Drive in AWD ID.4.
This video features a drive of the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 AWD, with hosts Kalie and Branden comparing it to their own RWD ID.4. The AWD version adds a f... moreront induction motor, increasing horsepower by approximately 100, and offers slightly better ride comfort and a higher ride height due to thicker sway bars and a 15mm lift. While the AWD model boasts improved dynamics and a higher top speed, both hosts agree it doesn't feel significantly faster in real-world acceleration compared to the RWD, possibly due to recent drives in more powerful EVs. The turning circle is slightly reduced compared to the RWD. The primary debate revolves around the $3,600 price increase for AWD. Branden advocates for it, citing potential resale value, better traction in snow, and the overall value proposition, especially when considering financing or leasing. Kalie, however, is less convinced, feeling the performance difference isn't substantial enough to justify the cost unless AWD is a necessity for specific conditions. Despite differing opinions on the AWD upgrade, both hosts praise the ID.4 as a well-rounded, good-value EV that excels in many areas without major drawbacks, particularly highlighting its comfortable ride, quiet interior, and the benefit of three years of free Electrify America charging. less
Kalie's Next Car? 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge First Drive
The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge is presented as a practical yet surprisingly potent electric SUV, sharing its powertrain with the Polestar 2. Reviewers h... moreighlight its comfortable ride, snappy infotainment, and impressive acceleration, noting its dual 150kW motors provide nearly 400 horsepower. The one-pedal driving with aggressive regen is praised, though pedal calibration is described as initially odd. A key point of discussion is its design, which closely mimics the combustion XC40, appealing to those who prefer a less conspicuous EV. However, the primary drawback identified is its price point; while considered higher quality than competitors like the ID.4, it's significantly more expensive, making it a less compelling value proposition for many. Despite this, the XC40 Recharge is seen as an excellent option for existing Volvo customers transitioning to electric, offering a familiar experience with enhanced performance. less
Production Lucid Air Dream Edition Interior Thorough Tour
This video provides a comprehensive interior tour of the 2022 Lucid Air Dream Edition, highlighting its spaciousness and premium materials. The review... moreer praises the soft-close doors, the quality of materials like leather and Alcantara, and the innovative design of the door cards. The steering wheel is noted for its thickness and comfortable grip, though the controls are described as feeling a bit cheap. Physical climate controls are appreciated, as is the hidden screen feature that reveals additional storage. Rear passenger comfort is emphasized, with ample legroom and headroom, though the rear roofline is noted as slightly low for very tall individuals. The reviewer points out some minor critiques, such as the unintuitive door handle design and the generic pedals on a high-priced vehicle. Overall, the interior is presented as luxurious and well-thought-out, with a strong emphasis on comfort and technology. less
Production Lucid Air User Interface Thorough Walk Through
This video provides an in-depth walkthrough of the Lucid Air Dream Edition's infotainment system and digital cockpit. The reviewer, exploring the... more system for the first time, highlights the responsiveness and slick integration of the dual screens, particularly the "Pilot Panel." Key features discussed include the navigation system's ability to plan routes with charging stops, though the reviewer notes a frustrating lack of detail on specific charging stations and the absence of Electrify America from the primary navigation search. The media, phone, and driver profile functionalities are presented as comprehensive. The reviewer is impressed by the extensive seat customization, including massage functions, and the intuitive climate controls. However, some driver assistance features under "Dream Drive" are noted as non-functional at the time of recording (November 2021). Overall, the system is praised for its advanced features and user experience, with minor criticisms regarding navigation data and some disabled software functions. less
Production Lucid Air Highway and City Streets Drive
The Lucid Air Dream Edition, specifically number 26 of 520, offers a compelling, albeit expensive, electric driving experience. The reviewer highlight... mores its impressive acceleration, particularly in 'Sprint' mode, which is likened to a Model S Plaid, though noted as excessive for street use. Ride comfort is praised, even with coil suspension and adaptive dampers, and the steering is described as firm yet well-weighted. A standout feature is the camera system that displays on the instrument panel when the turn signal is activated. However, the reviewer notes some drawbacks, including a slightly louder than expected cabin noise, potentially due to the extensive glass, and a 'strange' initial throttle calibration that requires momentum to engage smoothly. The 'Dream Drive' system was not fully functional, with many options grayed out, suggesting it's a feature awaiting software updates. The reviewer also found the infotainment navigation slightly slow to load and the startup chime a bit annoying. Despite these minor points, the overall impression is of a comfortable, refined, and exceptionally powerful luxury EV, with impressive efficiency figures (6.4 miles/kWh) achieved in city driving, though highway efficiency was not explicitly detailed. less
Tesla Quadrupled Supercharger Prices Overnight - Here's What It Means
The video details Tesla's significant overnight increase in Supercharger pricing, particularly in states with time-based billing. The presenter u... moreses a 2021 Tesla Model Y Long Range as a case study, comparing old and new pricing tiers for 0-60%, 0-80%, and 0-100% charges. The analysis reveals a dramatic cost increase, with a 0-60% charge jumping from $4.56 to $18.89 (a 4.14x increase) and an effective per-kilowatt-hour cost rising from 10 cents to 42 cents. For 0-80%, the cost increased 3.18x to $22.92 (38 cents/kWh), and for 0-100%, it rose 2.57x to $28.32 (38 cents/kWh). The presenter argues that these price hikes, coupled with the lack of charging competition for Tesla owners (due to the unavailability of CHAdeMO and CCS adapters in North America), create a monopoly that disadvantages consumers. The video highlights that in some regions like North Dakota, the cost of charging a Tesla for 200 miles can now approach or exceed the cost of fueling a comparable gasoline car for 400 miles. While acknowledging the new four-tier system is more technically aligned with V3 Supercharger capabilities and addresses utility demand charges, the core message is that the increased cost erodes a key EV advantage and makes the value proposition harder to sell. less