Everything Electric CARS

Who Towed The Electric Car? The GM EV1 Road-Trip! | Fully Charged

This episode of Fully Charged documents a unique road trip from Oklahoma to Austin, Texas, towing the legendary GM EV1. Chelsea Sexton, a key figure f... morerom the EV1's era, provides an in-depth look at the car's innovative features, many of which foreshadowed modern EVs, such as its aerodynamic design, heated windshield, and inductive charging. The review highlights the EV1's significance as the 'grandfather of electrification' and its role in inspiring the modern EV movement. While the transcript doesn't explicitly state pros and cons of the EV1 itself (as it's being towed), it emphasizes its historical importance and pioneering technology. The towing experience with the Audi e-tron is presented positively, showcasing its capability and the convenience of modern charging infrastructure, with average charging speeds of 147 kW. The narrative underscores the power of community and advocacy in driving the EV industry forward. less

Positives and Negatives of the Tesla Model 3 at 10k Miles

After 10,000 miles, Robert Llewellyn offers a candid review of his Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD. Positives include its exceptional energy efficiency, ... moreachieving over 5 miles/kWh in summer and around 3.5-3.75 miles/kWh in wet winter conditions, translating to very low running costs. The cruise control and the unparalleled Supercharger network are highlighted as standout features, offering reliability and extensive coverage across Europe. The navigation system is also praised for its ease of use and clarity. Negatives are minor but noted: some may be bothered by panel fit and finish, though it doesn't affect him. He also experienced a spontaneous crack in the rear window/roof glass, which Tesla repaired without issue, attributing it to a known batch fault. The traditional boot design, while functional, is less practical than a tailgate, and can allow drips when opened in heavy rain. Despite these points, Llewellyn expresses immense satisfaction and looks forward to extensive driving once lockdown restrictions ease, emphasizing the car's overall remarkable nature. less

A Beginners Guide to Electric Cars with Maddie Moate

This video serves as a comprehensive beginner's guide to electric vehicles, presented by Maddie Moate. It effectively demystifies the process of ... morechoosing and living with an EV, addressing common anxieties for newcomers. Key topics covered include understanding charging speeds (slow, fast, rapid), the benefits of home charging points, and navigating public charging infrastructure, with Zap-Map highlighted as a valuable resource. The review emphasizes the importance of test drives and explores leasing as an accessible entry point. Moate shares her personal journey, culminating in the selection of a Kia Niro on a short-term lease, chosen for its range and suitability for a novice. The series also touches upon the growing importance of choosing renewable energy suppliers and the potential of home battery storage. While the initial public charging experience presented some challenges, the overall tone is encouraging, highlighting the growing accessibility and ease of EV ownership. less

Fully Charged News Update - Live From Studio 1

This 'Fully Charged News Update' provides a diverse range of clean tech stories, moving beyond just electric vehicles to explore broader sus... moretainability solutions. The host highlights the CASE 580 V, the construction industry's first all-electric backhoe loader, noting its 480-volt system, 90 kWh battery, and 220-volt 3-phase charging capability. The review also delves into innovative energy storage with an aluminum heat battery developed by Swedish company Ello, capable of storing gigawatt-hours of energy and boasting a potential lifespan of 62,000 years. Sales figures for the Audi e-tron and Porsche Taycan are presented positively, indicating a growing market for premium EVs. The episode touches on the French crackdown on modified e-bikes and scooters, emphasizing safety concerns. While the host acknowledges the limitations of current EV range and charging infrastructure, he expresses optimism about future developments like rapid charging hubs and advanced battery technologies, including solid-state and diamond batteries. The overall tone is enthusiastic about the transition away from burning fossil fuels, with a strong emphasis on the 'stopping burning stuff' ethos. less

1 Million Teslas, Solar New Builds, Autonomous E-Flight & EV Service Stations | Fully Charged News

This episode of Fully Charged News delivers a data-rich overview of significant developments in the EV and renewable energy sectors. The host expresse... mores excitement over Tesla reaching its one millionth vehicle production milestone, highlighting the company's resilience against critics. The review touches upon the UK's policy shift to encourage onshore wind energy, emphasizing its cost-effectiveness and necessity for meeting carbon targets. A key focus is on energy storage, with examples ranging from solar-integrated apartment buildings with individual batteries to the transformative potential of Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology. The V2G discussion highlights Nissan's early lead with the Leaf but notes the emerging CCS-compatible solutions from Honda and IBM's advancements in cobalt-free batteries. The episode also covers the groundbreaking development of autonomous electric aircraft test flights in New Zealand, with the host expressing optimism about their safety compared to autonomous cars. Finally, the upcoming Gridserve charging hub, featuring 350kW chargers under a solar canopy and integrated battery storage, is presented as a crucial step towards scalable EV infrastructure. less

The Eco-Friendly Police Force

This episode of Fully Charged explores Gloucestershire's pioneering initiative to transition its police fleet to electric vehicles. The force has... more moved beyond token gestures, now aiming for 21% of its fleet to be fully electric, comprising 65 Nissan Leafs and 9 electric vans, totaling 74 vehicles. A significant investment has been made in charging infrastructure, with 87 charging points across 16 locations, enabling effective deployment even in rural areas. The transition began with first-generation Leafs and progressed through second-generation models, with officers initially apprehensive but now largely won over by the technology's capabilities. The review highlights the logistical challenges, particularly concerning charging infrastructure at older police stations, and the shift from departmental vehicle ownership to a pooled electric fleet. While currently used for general duties and not high-speed response, the aspiration is to expand to pursuit vehicles. The financial benefits are substantial, with projected annual savings of around £137,000 from fuel and servicing, alongside a reduction of approximately 190 tons of carbon per year. The initiative is presented not just as an environmental effort but as a way to make Gloucestershire an 'employer of choice' and a 'green and pleasant county.' less

Robert's Round-Up of the Top 30 EVs

Robert Llewellyn provides a comprehensive overview of the electric vehicle landscape in 2020, highlighting approximately 30 available or soon-to-be-re... moreleased models. The review emphasizes Tesla's continued dominance in development, with mentions of the Model S, X, 3, and the upcoming Model Y and Cybertruck. Llewellyn notes the significant global sales of the Model 3 and Nissan Leaf, signaling the growing mainstream adoption of EVs. Established automakers are now responding, with the Ford Mustang Mach-E, VW e-Golf, e-Up!, and the highly anticipated ID.3 being discussed. The review praises smaller, city-focused EVs like the Honda e, Peugeot e-208, and Vauxhall Corsa-e for their practicality and appeal. While acknowledging the high cost of some premium EVs like the Audi e-tron and Mercedes EQC, the reviewer highlights their impressive capabilities, including towing and advanced features. The piece also touches upon the future potential of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, exemplified by the Hyundai Nexo, while noting infrastructure challenges. Overall, the video serves as an extensive guide for potential EV buyers in 2020, covering a wide spectrum of vehicles from affordable city cars to luxury SUVs. less

Mini-E Factory Tour + First Drive

The Fully Charged team provides an in-depth look at the Mini-E, starting with a factory tour highlighting its manufacturing process, including robotic... more assembly and battery integration. During the first drive, the reviewer praises the Mini-E's smooth takeoff and overall drivability, noting its "extremely adequate" performance for 99% of car journeys. The realistic range is estimated at around 120-130 miles, which, while modest by current standards, is deemed highly usable for typical daily use, especially with home charging. A key criticism is that the car feels built around a petrol car's architecture, limiting front storage and compromising battery packaging. The reviewer also notes the lack of adaptive cruise control and less informative regenerative braking display compared to competitors. Despite these drawbacks, the reviewer acknowledges the Mini-E's iconic brand appeal and calls it the "best Mini they've ever made," though they would personally opt for the i3 for its superior electric-specific engineering and greater range. less

Dirty Gas, Hot Fluids and Zero Cobalt Batteries | Fully Charged

This episode of Fully Charged News delves into critical developments beyond the automotive sector, focusing on energy generation and battery technolog... morey. The host highlights the UK's record-breaking wind energy production, exceeding 44% of national consumption during recent storms, and discusses the implications for wholesale energy prices, even leading to consumers being paid to use electricity. A significant portion of the episode explores advancements in geothermal energy, particularly the drilling for supercritical geothermal fluids in Italy, which offers a potential for continuous, fuel-free power generation. The discussion also critically examines the environmental impact of natural gas extraction, emphasizing methane leaks from wells and the greater harm compared to CO2. Finally, the show touches upon the future of electric vehicle batteries, with Tesla reportedly in talks to develop cobalt-free Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) batteries. While current LFP batteries have lower energy density than NCA/NMC chemistries, advancements suggest they could reach nearly 200 Wh/kg, offering a cheaper, cobalt-free alternative. The episode underscores the rapid evolution of battery technology and its decreasing costs. less

Maddie Goes Electric, Episode 6: Living With An Electric Car (Round-up With Robert)

In the concluding episode of 'Maddie Goes Electric,' Maddie Moate shares her comprehensive experience living with her first electric car, th... moree Kia e-Niro. She highlights the initial anxieties surrounding range and charging, which were largely dispelled by the e-Niro's substantial battery capacity and the convenience of home charging. While Maddie found the car itself enjoyable to drive, praising its interior and comfortable ride, she encountered some confusion with public rapid charging infrastructure, particularly with connector types and app usability. Despite these minor frustrations, Maddie expresses a strong commitment to remaining electric, citing environmental beliefs and the superior driving experience. She also touches on the higher leasing costs of the e-Niro, suggesting that for those with less demanding range needs and home charging, more affordable options like the Renault Zoe are viable. The episode concludes with Maddie's advice to new EV buyers: focus on essential knowledge like cable types and charging times, rather than getting bogged down in technicalities. less

Maddie Goes Electric, Episode 5: Long Journeys in an Electric Car (A Beginner's Guide)

This episode of 'Maddie Goes Electric' chronicles Maddie Moate's first significant long-distance journey in her leased Kia e-Niro, acco... morempanied by Greg Foot. The primary focus is on navigating the practicalities of EV travel, specifically addressing range anxiety and the process of rapid charging. Initially, Maddie expresses concern about reaching their destination, Otley, without charging. However, route planning with Zap Map reveals the e-Niro has sufficient range for the one-way trip, though charging is necessary for the return and local driving. Their first attempt at rapid charging at Ferrybridge services proves problematic, with an incorrect connector choice leading to a slow charge and a disappointing 50-mile range gain. The following day, they successfully locate a free rapid charger in Otley, provided by West Yorkshire Council, and after some initial confusion with network registration and connector types, they achieve a more satisfactory charge rate of 39-40 kW, estimating an hour to reach 80%. The episode highlights the learning curve involved in EV charging, emphasizing the need to understand different network providers, apps, and connector types. Despite initial setbacks, the journey ultimately demonstrates that long-distance EV travel is achievable with proper planning and a willingness to learn. less

Maddie Goes Electric, Episode 4: Clean Energy for Your Electric Car (A Beginner's Guide)

This episode of 'Maddie Goes Electric' serves as a beginner's guide to powering an electric vehicle with clean energy. Maddie Moate exp... morelores options beyond just the car itself, focusing on electricity tariffs and home solar generation. The discussion with Neena Bhati from Which? highlights the complexities of 'green' electricity tariffs, warning against greenwashing and advising viewers to seek suppliers who directly invest in or generate renewable energy. While these tariffs may be slightly more expensive, they offer genuine support for renewables. The conversation with David Lewis from Electric Car Home delves into solar panel installation, explaining the technology, costs, and payback periods (around 10 years). While acknowledging the environmental benefits and long lifespan of solar panels, the episode concludes that the decision to install them is heavily influenced by the homeowner's long-term plans for the property and current technological investments. Battery storage is also introduced as a way to maximize solar energy usage, especially when the EV is not home during peak generation times. Ultimately, the episode emphasizes the growing trend of integrating EVs into a 'greener home' ecosystem, with potential for future vehicle-to-grid capabilities. less

Maddie Goes Electric, Episode 3: Installing an Electric Car Charger at Home (A Beginner's Guide)

This episode of 'Maddie Goes Electric' focuses on the practicalities of home charging, a crucial step for new EV owners. Maddie Moate highli... moreghts the inconvenience and security concerns of using a 3-pin plug, especially during colder months, and the inefficiency of relying solely on public chargers when a driveway is available. The installation of a 'Zappy' smart charger, facilitated by Rightcharge, is presented as a "no-brainer" solution. Key benefits discussed include significantly faster charging times compared to a standard plug, the convenience of overnight charging on cleaner, cheaper electricity tariffs, and smart features controllable via a smartphone app. The process of selecting and installing the charger is described as straightforward, with the UK's OLEV grant making the £300-£1000 cost more accessible. While acknowledging the initial expense, the review emphasizes the long-term savings and convenience, positioning the home charger as a worthwhile investment for EV owners. The episode also touches upon solutions for those without driveways, such as lamppost chargers and public infrastructure, and briefly introduces the integration potential with solar panels. less

When Will Autonomous Vehicles Graduate?

This episode of Fully Charged takes viewers to the University of Michigan's MCity, a dedicated proving ground for autonomous vehicle (AV) technol... moreogy. Host Chelsea Sexton engages with experts Greg McGuire and Monica Jones to explore the practicalities of AV development and testing. The discussion highlights MCity's role as a neutral, pre-competitive research environment, fostering collaboration between industry and academia. Key topics include the comparison of communication technologies like DSRC and 5G, with an emphasis on 5G's potential for lower latency and higher device density. A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the often-overlooked issue of motion sickness in AVs, detailing research into quantifying and mitigating this passenger discomfort. The review underscores the complexity of AV development, touching on ethical considerations, public policy, and the stringent safety benchmarks required to gain societal acceptance, aiming for a substantial improvement over human driving error rates. less

Maddie Goes Electric, Episode 2: Charging an Electric Car at Home and Locally (A Beginner's Guide)

This episode of 'Maddie Goes Electric' serves as a practical, beginner-friendly guide to charging an electric vehicle, focusing on home and ... morelocal charging solutions. Maddie Moate receives her new Kia Niro and immediately dives into the practicalities of charging, demonstrating both slow charging at home using a standard three-pin plug and a faster charging experience at a local pub. The video effectively demystifies charging connectors, explaining the Type 2 connector and its variations for different charging speeds. While the home charging setup with a three-pin plug is shown to be slow (taking over 27 hours for a full charge from 20%), it's presented as a viable option in a pinch. The episode highlights the convenience of Zap-Map for locating public charging stations and the ease of finding a free, Type 2 charging point at a pub, which requires no app or payment. Maddie also touches upon the benefits of regenerative braking and the overall ease of driving an EV, particularly for nervous drivers. The series promises to cover home charger installation in the next episode. less

Honda CEO Statement, Nissan Leaf Pricing, Ionity Chargers Price Hike, New Jaguar EV | Fully Charged

The Fully Charged news segment for early 2020 covers several key developments in the EV space. A significant portion is dedicated to the startup Enova... morete, which has secured substantial investment for its advanced silicon-dominant lithium-ion batteries, promising extreme fast charging and greater energy density compared to current Tesla Model 3 batteries. The review highlights the potential for longer battery life and lower manufacturing costs. The upcoming Jaguar XJ electric is also discussed, noting its production in the UK and early reports of a 90 kWh battery and potentially four electric motors. The 2020 Nissan Leaf pricing in the US is presented as a positive step, with the new models offering significantly more range and better technology at a lower price point than the original 2011 model. However, the reviewer expresses continued frustration that EVs are not yet cheaper than comparable internal combustion engine vehicles, attributing this to legacy manufacturers' reluctance to fully embrace EVs. Finally, the segment criticizes Ionity's drastic 500% price hike for charging, deeming it excessive and counterproductive, especially when compared to Tesla's Supercharger pricing. less

Maddie Goes Electric, Episode 1: Choosing Your Electric Car (A Beginner's Guide)

This episode of 'Maddie Goes Electric' serves as a comprehensive beginner's guide to choosing an electric vehicle. Maddie Moate effecti... morevely navigates the initial complexities, demystifying concepts like leasing versus buying, charging types, and real-world range. The video highlights the importance of considering daily usage and occasional needs when assessing range, with the Hyundai Kona and Kia Niro emerging as strong contenders due to their substantial range capabilities. Experts provide valuable insights into cost comparisons with petrol cars, emphasizing lower running and maintenance expenses for EVs. The episode also touches upon the convenience of home charging and the availability of government grants. While the Tesla Model 3 is mentioned as a benchmark, its price point is noted as a significant barrier for many. The series effectively tackles common apprehensions, positioning EVs as an accessible and increasingly practical choice for new adopters. less

Can Texas Take California's Clean Energy Crown?

This episode of Fully Charged delves into Texas's surprising leadership in clean energy, challenging California's dominance. The review high... morelights Texas's success in wind power, driven by private land ownership, federal tax credits, and economic benefits for ranchers. Austin is presented as a progressive hub, integrating solar, batteries, and EVs, with Austin Energy showcasing innovative initiatives like 'Electric Drive' and a highly utilized fast-charging station powered by West Texas wind. The discussion on Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology reveals its regional specificity, with Texas's low energy costs making it less economically viable than in areas like Hawaii. However, the potential for vehicle-to-home (V2H) for resiliency is noted as attractive. Austin Energy's commitment to renewables, aiming for 65% by 2027, and its inclusive approach to EV adoption, including programs for low-income communities and educational initiatives like 'Stevie the EV-loving T-Rex', are praised. The episode concludes by promoting the Fully Charged LIVE North America event in Austin, positioning Texas as a strong contender in the clean energy race. less

Fully Charged Christmas Unspecial - Tesla 250kW Superchargers - News - End Of Year Boo Boo Update

This 'Unspecial' episode of Fully Charged delivers a mixed bag of news and apologies, with a significant focus on the ethical sourcing of ba... morettery materials and the environmental impact of fossil fuel companies. The host expresses strong concerns about cobalt mining in the Democratic Republic of Congo, highlighting the human rights abuses involved and acknowledging the culpability of consumers and tech companies, including Tesla, which is actively working to reduce cobalt content. The review also criticizes Shell for paying zero tax in 2018 despite substantial profits, contrasting this with the self-sufficiency and lack of subsidies now required by renewable energy sources. A major segment is dedicated to the new Tesla Supercharger V3 installation in West London, showcasing its impressive 250kW charging capability and the technology behind it, which the host enthusiastically praises as a significant advancement. Apologies are made for delays in the release of the 'Fully Charged Guide to Electric Vehicles and Renewable Energy' and for schedule disruptions due to filming 'Red Dwarf'. Despite a busy year, the team is thanked, and a brief holiday break is announced. less

Can You Run Your House on a Battery? Tesla Powerwall 2 (Founders Series) & Tesla Backup Gateway 2

This episode of Fully Charged provides a comprehensive update on Robert Llewellyn's Tesla Powerwall 2 installation, focusing on the new Tesla Bac... morekup Gateway 2. The primary revelation is the successful implementation of backup power during outages, a significant improvement over the previous setup where the battery was unusable during grid failures. The video details the complex process of upgrading to a three-phase power supply, which was necessary for the free 'Founders Series' Powerwall 2 and enabled a 22kW EV charger upgrade. Key benefits highlighted include peak shaving, maximizing self-consumption of solar energy, and intelligent charging using off-peak electricity, even predicting future solar generation to leave space. While acknowledging the high cost and ongoing development, the review emphasizes the growing intelligence and utility of home battery systems, particularly with the introduction of the Backup Gateway, making them more practical and beneficial for homeowners, especially those with solar PV. less

Pininfarina Battista Ev Hypercar Development and Formula-E Training

Fully Charged's Jonny Smith experiences the extreme performance of the Pininfarina Battista through a unique training program at Circuit de Calaf... moreat, Spain. The session, aided by Mahindra Racing's Nick Heidfeld, progresses from a Tesla Model S P100D to a GT-spec Model S, and culminates in driving a Gen 1 Formula-E car. The Battista, boasting 1900 hp and 1696 lb/ft of torque, is highlighted for its immense power and improved WLTP range of 500 km (311 miles) thanks to aerodynamic refinements, particularly at the front. While the Battista is positioned as a hypercar, its GT-like comfort and practicality for daily use are emphasized, contrasting with traditional hypercars. The video underscores the close R&D connection between Automobili Pininfarina and Mahindra Racing, leveraging Formula-E technology for road car development. Smith expresses awe at the Battista's capabilities, noting its significant performance advantage over the Formula-E car, and praises the purity of its design and the immersive, physical driving experience, even in the race cars. less

DS 3 Crossback E-Tense - Luxury Compact SUV?

The DS 3 Crossback E-Tense is presented as a premium, uniquely designed electric crossover. While its distinctive styling, comfortable ride, and quiet... more cabin are praised, the reviewer highlights significant drawbacks, primarily its high price point relative to its competitors. The car offers a WLTP range of around 200 miles, which is considerably less than rivals like the Hyundai Kona and Kia Niro, which are also cheaper. The interior, despite its quirky design elements, lacks the expected level of advanced technology for its price, with manual seat adjustments and sometimes unresponsive touch buttons noted. Performance is also considered a step behind its peers, with a 0-60 mph time of 9 seconds, slower than the Peugeot e-208. Ultimately, the reviewer concludes that while the DS 3 Crossback E-Tense excels in comfort and unique aesthetics, its premium pricing, limited range, and average performance make it a difficult recommendation unless the buyer specifically prioritizes its luxury and quirky design over value and outright capability. less

Tesla Cybertruck, Cobalt Myths, Ford Mustang Mach-E & The Problem With SUVs | Fully Charged News

Robert Llewellyn reviews the Tesla Cybertruck, highlighting its impressive specs across three distinct versions: a single-motor RWD with 250-mile rang... moree, a dual-motor AWD with 300-mile range, and a tri-motor top-tier model boasting a 500-mile range and sub-3-second 0-60 time. While acknowledging the impressive performance and towing capabilities, Llewellyn remains neutral on the polarizing design. The discussion then shifts to the Ford Mustang Mach-E, which Llewellyn finds stylistically disconnected from the classic Mustang, despite its modern SUV form. He notes its availability in various trims like Select, Premium, California Route 1, GT, and GT Performance Edition, with battery options offering around 230 miles (standard) to 275-300 miles (extended range). Llewellyn criticizes the automotive industry's continued push of large, inefficient SUVs, arguing that their popularity negates the environmental benefits of EVs and contributes to rising CO2 emissions. He passionately advocates against the fossil fuel industry's use of cobalt, revealing it's more heavily used in refining petrol than in electric cars or personal electronics, and is ultimately burned and released as toxic exhaust. less

Jaguar I-PACE eTROPHY Electric Car Racing Series - Jonny Smith Test Drives

Jonny Smith gets behind the wheel of the Jaguar I-PACE eTROPHY, the support race vehicle for the electric racing series. While based on the production... more I-PACE, this stripped-out version prioritizes race safety and performance, shedding luxury for weight reduction. A key new feature for the season is 'Attack Mode,' inspired by Formula E, which provides a 20% power boost when activated by driving through a designated zone. Smith experiences this, noting its impact on cornering and braking strategy. The review highlights the car's substantial weight (over two tonnes) and its surprisingly good handling and braking despite this. The transcript emphasizes that while outright acceleration isn't its strongest suit, hustling the I-PACE eTROPHY around a tight circuit with other competitors is where its true excitement lies. The series is positioned as a promising start for electric touring car racing, with the I-PACE eTROPHY serving as a relatable, production-based race car. less