Plug and Play EV is a dedicated channel for electric vehicle enthusiasts, offering insights into the transition to all-electric transportation. Led by Steve, the channel features regular content on EVs, including detailed looks at driving experiences with vehicles like the 2022 Hyundai IONIQ 5 Limited and 2017 Chevy Bolt EV, as well as broader family vehicle discussions.
The channel also delves into the crucial development of charging infrastructure, providing updates and analysis. Viewers can expect coverage of EV technology, real-world charging sessions, myth-busting regarding electric car performance, and explorations of emerging EV models and their features. Plug and Play EV serves as a comprehensive resource for anyone interested in the evolving world of electric mobility.
The channel also delves into the crucial development of charging infrastructure, providing updates and analysis. Viewers can expect coverage of EV technology, real-world charging sessions, myth-busting regarding electric car performance, and explorations of emerging EV models and their features. Plug and Play EV serves as a comprehensive resource for anyone interested in the evolving world of electric mobility.
2020 Chevy Bolt EV: 1% to 100% DC Fast Charging Session - How Long + How Much?
This video details a full 1% to 100% DC fast charging session of a 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV on an Electrify America station. The reviewer emphasizes that charging to 100% is generally not recommended and the "wrong question" to ask, but undertakes the extended session for data collection. Key takea...
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Coffee + Kilowatts #9: Should EV Charging Move Away From Gasoline Thinking?
This episode of Coffee + Kilowatts critically examines the prevailing 'gasoline thinking' in EV charging infrastructure, arguing that an ove... moreremphasis on ultra-fast 350kW chargers may be inefficient and costly. The host explores various charging speeds (Level 2, 25kW, 50kW, 150kW, 350kW) and their suitability for different locations and user dwell times. While acknowledging the need for fast charging on long road trips, the review highlights that for daily errands, retail stops, or overnight charging, slower and less expensive Level 2 or 50kW chargers are often more practical and cost-effective. The core argument is to match charging speed to the specific use case and location, rather than pursuing a universal race for maximum power. The video advocates for a more 'electric vehicle-native' approach that prioritizes convenience and passive charging experiences over mimicking gasoline refueling times. less
Nearly Perfect Chevy Bolt EV Road Trip - MA to PA and Back
This video chronicles a road trip from Massachusetts to Pennsylvania and back in a 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV, focusing on the viability of Electrify Amer... moreica (EA) charging and the utility of destination charging. The reviewer highlights the Bolt EV's impressive efficiency, achieving around 3.7-3.8 miles per kilowatt-hour on highway speeds, even with climate control usage. Destination charging via a Level 1 trickle charger proved sufficient for weekend use, demonstrating its value for longer stays. While EA charging was generally successful, the reviewer notes a consistent 43kW charging speed, which is on the slower side. The trip was completed with minimal issues, showcasing the Bolt EV's capability for longer journeys when planned effectively. The reviewer concludes the trip with a "100% success rate" for EA and praises the Bolt EV's growing capability. less
2021 Nissan Ariya Launch: Recap and Reaction
The 2021 Nissan Ariya launch event recap highlights the vehicle's potential to compete in the crowded EV crossover market. The reviewer notes tha... moret Nissan has addressed key shortcomings of the Leaf, particularly with the introduction of active thermal management for the battery and a transition from CHAdeMO to CCS charging for North America and Europe. While the presentation was criticized for excessive marketing fluff and "futurism" tropes, the core specifications revealed are promising. Key takeaways include a 0-60 mph time of 5.1 seconds (likely for the AWD e-Force version), base 63 kWh and optional 87 kWh battery packs, and charging speeds up to 130 kW on CCS. The reviewer anticipates a range exceeding 300 miles with the larger battery and competitive pricing around $40,000-$50,000. The interior is described as minimalist and driver-focused with integrated displays, a departure from typical large center console tablets. Overall, the Ariya appears to be a solid contender that addresses previous Nissan EV limitations, though final real-world performance and efficiency remain to be seen. less
2020 Chevy Bolt EV Review at 5,000 Miles
This review of the 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV Premier after 5,000 miles highlights its continued fun-to-drive nature and practicality as an affordable eve... moreryday electric vehicle, especially when compared to more expensive options like the Tesla Model 3. The reviewer praises the improved ride quality over the 2017 model, noting a less stiff suspension. While the 2020 model offers a slightly larger battery and improved range in warmer conditions, the reviewer expresses disappointment with its real-world winter range and highway efficiency. Key upgrades include a higher-definition camera system, better screen integration, and improved seat padding. However, the charging speed remains a significant drawback, capped at 55 kW, which is considerably slower than newer EVs. Other minor criticisms include the lack of adaptive cruise control and some cost-cutting measures like the removal of rear door lock buttons. Despite these shortcomings, the reviewer concludes that the Bolt EV Premier remains a compelling option due to its deep discounts, making it an excellent value proposition for those prioritizing affordability and practicality over cutting-edge charging technology. less
Our Final 2017 Chevy Bolt EV Road Trip
This video documents the final road trip of a 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV Premier after a 36-month lease. The reviewer attempts a one-day, 650-mile journey... more from Boston to Cleveland, highlighting the challenges of charging infrastructure along the route, particularly with Electrify America stations in New York. The reviewer notes the Bolt EV's efficiency, achieving around 3.5 miles per kWh, but also points out the limitations imposed by charging speeds and reliability, especially when charging below 55% to maximize 50-55kW charging. Issues with specific charging stations in Waterloo and Herkimer are detailed, leading to delays and the need for customer service calls. Despite these hurdles, the reviewer successfully completes the journey, reaching Cleveland in approximately 13.5 to 14 hours, covering over 680 miles. The video serves as a practical, albeit sometimes frustrating, look at long-distance EV travel in a 2017 model, emphasizing the importance of reliable charging infrastructure. less
Renault Zoe ZE40 UK EV Road Trip: 848 Miles in an All-Electric Rental
This video documents an extensive 848-mile road trip across the UK in a rental Renault ZOE ZE40, highlighting the practicalities of EV travel in the r... moreegion. The reviewer found the ZOE surprisingly peppy, capable of highway speeds, though lacking the initial zip of a Bolt EV. Real-world range was observed to be around 100 miles on a full charge, with overnight trickle charging proving effective for topping up. The UK's charging infrastructure, particularly the Eco-Tricity network, is described as generally easy to use, though occasional issues like a charger being occupied or requiring an RFID card were noted. A minor quirk was the inability to use navigation while charging. Despite the limitations of the older ZE40 model and the rental car's basic equipment, the trip successfully demonstrated the viability of EV road trips and the growing charging network in the UK. less
2020 Chevy Bolt EV Road Trip Pt. 4: TX to VA in a Day?
This video documents the latter half of a 2020 Chevy Bolt EV road trip from Texas to Virginia. The reviewer highlights the vehicle's consistent e... morefficiency, averaging around 3.4-3.5 miles per kilowatt-hour on flatter terrain, though noting a slight decrease to 3.3 miles per kWh in hilly, colder conditions. Charging predominantly utilized the Electrify America network, with a positive experience also noted at a dealership. A key takeaway is the improved charge port reliability in the 2020 model compared to earlier versions, which previously suffered from issues with heavy cables. The reviewer found the Bolt EV to be a capable road trip companion, effectively saving costs, although acknowledging it doesn't offer autonomous driving. The narrative focuses on the practicalities of long-distance EV travel, including charging logistics and the time management involved when combining charging stops with work or breaks. less
2020 Chevy Bolt EV Spring Range Test: Efficiency vs. 2017 Model
This video presents a comparative range test between the 2017 and 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV models under spring conditions. The reviewer highlights that ... moreboth vehicles performed closely, with the 2020 model showing a slight advantage in overall range and efficiency, particularly in mixed driving conditions. The test involved back-to-back runs on various road types, including local roads and highway speeds, with ambient temperatures in the mid-50s Fahrenheit. While the 2017 Premier model achieved a real-world range slightly above its EPA estimate, the 2020 model was on track to meet its higher EPA estimate. The reviewer notes that tire wear on the older model might have had a minor impact. Overall, the test suggests that prospective buyers of either a new 2020 Bolt EV or a used 2017 model can expect similar, respectable real-world range in favorable spring weather, with the newer model offering a slight edge. less
2020 Chevy Bolt EV Road Trip Pt. 3: Cheerio to Texas
This installment of the 2020 Chevy Bolt EV road trip focuses on charging strategies across East Texas. The reviewer contrasts two approaches: frequent... more, shorter charging stops (6-65% or 12-48% state of charge) versus longer stops to achieve a higher state of charge (6-96%). Data from Electrify America stations in Bellmead, Royse City, and Mt. Pleasant reveals that the shorter charging strategy is both faster and cheaper. Specifically, two shorter stops totaling 76 minutes and costing $12.35 were more efficient than one longer 104-minute stop costing $16.72. The reviewer notes that even with added time for getting on and off the highway, the shorter stop strategy saves approximately 28 minutes and $4.37. While the Bolt EV's efficiency is noted as slightly lower than expected in flat Texas terrain at highway speeds (around 3.7 miles/kWh), the charging experience itself is described as predictable and seamless, with most stations being online and functional. The video highlights the practical trade-offs in planning charging stops for electric vehicles. less
2017 vs. 2020 Chevy Bolt EV: Cold Weather Range Test + Efficiency Comparison
This video presents a cold-weather range test comparing the 2017 and 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV models. The reviewer found that despite the 2020 model... more9;s faster charging capabilities in cold weather, the 2017 model demonstrated slightly better efficiency and range. The 2017 Bolt EV achieved 177 miles using 59.2 kWh, while the 2020 model covered 170 miles using 61.3 kWh under similar sub-freezing conditions. The reviewer notes that the 2020 model's route was slightly longer due to a different turnaround point, but the core efficiency metric (miles per kWh) favored the older model. While the 2020 Bolt EV might offer advantages in other areas (like faster charging), this specific test indicates the 2017 model is more efficient in cold, steady highway driving. less
Boston to Austin - Chevy Bolt EV Road Trip Pt. 2: The Road to Redemption
This video documents the second part of a Boston to Austin road trip in a 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV, focusing on the user's experience with Electrif... morey America and ChargePoint chargers. After an initial failure in Herkimer, NY, the journey saw significant success with 12 charging stops, covering over 2,000 miles. The reviewer highlights the Bolt EV's efficiency, noting 3.2-3.3 miles per kWh on average, even in colder temperatures. While the Electrify America network proved mostly reliable after the initial hiccup, the reviewer found the latter half of the trip repetitive, with many stops at Walmarts and limited sightseeing, especially at night. The video also touches on the Bolt EV's charging profile, suggesting it differs from older models, and provides insights into energy consumption and charging costs. Despite the monotonous final leg, the overall sentiment is positive regarding the Bolt EV's capability for long-distance travel in North America, especially as a non-Tesla option. less
4,000+ Miles to Fully Charged Live - Chevy Bolt EV Road Trip Pt. 1: Horror in Herkimer
This video documents the challenging first leg of a 4,000+ mile road trip in a 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV from Boston to Austin. The primary focus is the ... moreinitial experience with Electrify America chargers, which proved problematic with a complete failure at the Herkimer, NY station. Despite this significant setback, the reviewer highlights that the remaining 25 charging sessions were largely successful, offering a positive outlook for non-Tesla EV travel. The review touches upon subtle differences between the 2020 and 2017 Bolt EV models, noting the improved range impact screen and a quicker infotainment system. Cold weather significantly impacted range, with the car averaging 2.7-2.8 miles per kWh in sub-freezing temperatures, necessitating more frequent charging than initially expected. The reviewer emphasizes the importance of planning and charger redundancy, especially in areas with fewer charging options like parts of New York State. While the first leg was marred by charging issues, the overall sentiment suggests that such long-distance EV journeys are feasible, with the rest of the trip proving to be a success. less
Bolt EV Road Trip: Why New York's Southern Tier is the Frugal Route for Electric Cars
This video details a road trip along New York's Southern Tier, highlighting it as a cost-effective route for electric vehicles, particularly the ... moreChevrolet Bolt EV. The reviewer emphasizes the "frugal" nature of this path, contrasting it with the more direct but potentially more expensive New York Thruway or routes through Pennsylvania. Key charging points discussed include a 50kW ChargePoint in Jamestown ($0.15/kWh) and free charging at New York Welcome Centers, which significantly reduces overall trip costs, potentially to as low as 2-3 cents per mile. The reviewer notes challenges related to winter range and battery temperature affecting charging speeds, with temperatures around freezing slowing down charging compared to warmer conditions. Despite these factors, the Southern Tier is presented as a viable and economical option, especially outside of winter, offering a more relaxed pace and opportunities to explore local towns rather than being confined to highway service areas. The video also touches on the increasing presence of EVs at charging stations and the importance of reliable charging infrastructure. less
Home for the Holidays: 1500 Mile Round Trip in a Chevrolet Bolt EV
This video documents a 1500-mile round trip in a Chevrolet Bolt EV from Boston to Cleveland and back, highlighting the evolving EV infrastructure and ... moreroad trip experience. The reviewer details two distinct legs of the journey: the outbound trip focused on comparative convenience, and the return leg emphasizing cost minimization via a scenic, "frugal" route. The latter proved exceptionally cheap, costing under $15 in charging fees. The reviewer encountered several charging issues, including single stations lacking redundancy, handshake problems with Electrify America chargers, and unexpected charge stops. Despite these challenges, the Bolt EV demonstrated respectable efficiency, averaging around 3.1-3.3 miles per kWh, though cold weather and precipitation impacted performance and charging speeds. The video serves as a comprehensive look at EV road-tripping, showcasing both the advancements and remaining hurdles in charging infrastructure, and concludes that such journeys are becoming increasingly feasible and affordable. less
Electric Vehicle Route Planners and Tips for Winter EV Road Trips
This video provides a comprehensive comparison of EV route planning tools for a winter road trip from Boston to Cleveland. The reviewer evaluates Goog... morele Maps, Plugshare, A Better Route Planner (ABRP), and Chevrolet's MyChevrolet app with Energy Assist. While Google Maps is useful for basic navigation and identifying potential stops, it lacks EV-specific planning. The MyChevrolet app is heavily criticized for its outdated station data, inability to plan from a 100% state of charge, and suggesting inefficient charging stops and durations. ABRP emerges as the most capable tool, offering detailed route planning, elevation data, and the ability to adjust for real-world consumption. However, the reviewer notes ABRP can be overly conservative. Plugshare is recommended for its user-generated station ratings and real-time feedback, especially when combined with personal knowledge of the vehicle's range. The reviewer emphasizes the importance of considering winter conditions, lower speeds for increased range, and having backup plans. Ultimately, a combination of ABRP and Plugshare, informed by the driver's understanding of their EV's capabilities, is presented as the most effective strategy for winter EV travel. less
Cold Weather Chevy Bolt EV Road Trip to Portland, Maine
This video documents a cold-weather road trip in a Chevrolet Bolt EV from Boston, MA to Portland, ME, highlighting the challenges and solutions for EV... more travel in sub-freezing temperatures. The reviewer emphasizes that while cold weather reduces range and charging speed, careful planning, including strategic hotel stays and knowledge of charging station locations, can make such trips manageable. The video showcases the use of various charging points, including a free Level 2 charger at a Harley-Davidson dealership and L2 chargers at a brewery, noting that while dealership chargers are not the fastest, they are useful for topping up. A key takeaway is the significant impact of driving style on efficiency, with the reviewer's wife achieving a much higher miles-per-kilowatt-hour (3.4) compared to the reviewer's initial 2.9, demonstrating that a slightly slower, more conservative driving approach can substantially mitigate range loss in cold weather. The review also touches upon the expanding DC fast-charging infrastructure, mentioning new installations that will improve redundancy in the region. less
Bolt EV Canada Road Trip Pt. 3: 500+ Mile Drive Day from Québec City to Toronto
This installment of the #BoltTo25K road trip chronicles a significant 537-mile driving day from Québec City to Milton, Ontario. The primary focus is o... moren testing the Canadian charging infrastructure for long-distance travel, moving beyond city-based charging to a high-mileage day. The reviewer highlights the reliability of Electric Circuit and Flow charging stations, noting that while not the fastest (50kW), they consistently worked. A key observation is the price difference in charging between Québec and Ontario, with Ontario being more expensive. The Chevrolet Bolt EV demonstrated consistent efficiency, averaging 4.0 miles per kilowatt-hour over the entire 1120.6-mile journey to date. The reviewer expresses satisfaction with the car's performance and the charging network's dependability for covering substantial distances, even when starting at a low state of charge. less
EV Road Trip: Crossing PA with Electrify America
This video chronicles an ambitious road trip across Pennsylvania using Electrify America's charging network, aiming to traverse over 300 miles of... more rural terrain primarily via I-80. The reviewer, driving a Chevrolet Bolt EV, highlights the scarcity of Level 2 charging options on this route, placing significant reliance on Electrify America. While the network's expansion is acknowledged as a positive, the experience was marred by numerous technical issues. The reviewer encountered persistent problems with chargers starting, stopping unexpectedly, and software glitches, particularly at the Dubois, PA location, leading to frustration and a suboptimal charging experience. A detour to a Greenlots station provided a necessary backup charge. Despite these challenges, the reviewer ultimately reached their destination, albeit with significant caveats. The video concludes that while Electrify America can facilitate long journeys, it's not yet a fully reliable standalone network due to persistent bugs and the need for backup options, though the build-out is progressing. less
700+ Mile Bolt EV Road Trip: Boston, Mass. to Cleveland, Ohio (Pt. 1)
This video documents a 700+ mile road trip from Boston, MA to Cleveland, OH in a 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV. The reviewer highlights the use of free DC fa... morest charging at a Capital Region Welcome Center and a ChargePoint unit at a hotel, emphasizing the importance of destination charging and planning for redundancy when undertaking long journeys. Despite a minor hiccup with a non-working Clipper Creek charger, the trip was largely successful, utilizing Electrify America stations in Herkimer and Fredonia, NY. The reviewer notes the efficiency of the Bolt EV, achieving 3.5 miles per kilowatt-hour over the entire journey. The video concludes with a close arrival in Cleveland, showcasing the practicality of affordable EVs for extended travel. less
Electrify America Hits the 100 Mark: Progress and Site Review Charging Chevy Bolt EV
The reviewer visits a new Electrify America "community" charging site in Braintree, MA, coinciding with EA surpassing 100 active locations n... moreationwide. While acknowledging EA's rapid expansion and importance for long-distance EV travel, the review highlights significant drawbacks of this specific site and charging model. The primary concern is the slow charging speeds experienced in cold weather (35-37°F), with the 350kW CCS charger delivering only 18kW initially, making charging by the minute prohibitively expensive and time-consuming. The reviewer notes that this is exacerbated by a $1 session fee. The Level 2 charger also performed slowly, delivering only 6.3kW. While EA's highway sites offer faster charging, the "community" sites, like this one, are deemed less practical for quick top-ups, especially in adverse conditions. The reviewer emphasizes the need for drivers to factor in battery preconditioning for road trips and notes the continued presence of CHAdeMO, urging CCS users to prioritize CCS plugs. Despite the slow charging, the site's visibility and the milestone of 100+ stations are positive points. less
Bolt EV Road Trip: Boston, MA to Syracuse, NY (DCFC Desert)
This video documents a road trip from Boston, MA to Syracuse, NY in a Chevrolet Bolt EV, highlighting the contrast in DC fast charging infrastructure ... morebetween Massachusetts and Upstate New York. The reviewer praises the abundance of charging options in Massachusetts, with multiple EVgo and Electrify America stations conveniently located off the Mass Pike. However, the journey reveals a significant "DC Fast Charge Desert" west of Albany, NY, forcing a detour to Guilderland for a charge. The reviewer notes that while the Bolt EV can manage the distance with strategic charging, the lack of infrastructure west of Albany presents a planning challenge for non-Tesla EVs. The video also touches on the impact of cold weather on charging speeds, demonstrating that a warmed-up battery achieves better charge rates. Ultimately, the trip showcases both the capabilities and the current limitations of EV road tripping in this region. less
Free EV Charging: End of Electric Vehicle Perks on the Mass Pike a Good Sign?
The video documents the final day of free DC fast charging offered by EVgo on the Massachusetts Turnpike (Mass Pike). The reviewer acknowledges the co... morenvenience and cost savings these free charging sessions provided for early EV adopters, particularly for those traveling in and out of Massachusetts. However, the core message is that the transition to a paid model is a positive development for the acceleration and expansion of charging infrastructure across the US. The reviewer argues that paid models provide crucial data for planning and investment, ensuring chargers are placed where needed and that usage patterns inform future installations. While acknowledging the personal loss of a free perk, the editorial stance is that this move signifies a maturing EV market and a necessary step towards a more robust and sustainable charging network. The hope is that the data gathered from the free period will lead to more chargers being installed, improving redundancy and accessibility. less
Chevy Bolt EV Charging in Winter Pt. II: Warm Battery FTW
This video provides a crucial follow-up to a previous test, demonstrating the significant impact of a warm battery on Chevrolet Bolt EV DC fast chargi... moreng speeds in winter. Unlike the previous session with a cold battery yielding a mere 14 kW, starting with a warmed-up battery allowed the Bolt EV to achieve its expected 50 kW charging rate almost immediately, delivering 17 kWh in approximately 23 minutes – half the time of the cold battery session. The reviewer highlights that this warm-up is best achieved by driving for an extended period. A key takeaway is the discussion around charging costs, particularly with networks like EVgo charging by the minute. The reviewer emphasizes the importance of understanding charging plans to avoid unexpectedly high costs, contrasting it with the simpler, per-kilowatt-hour pricing at gas stations. The video concludes by pondering the potential for more dedicated DC fast charging infrastructure, such as Electrify America installations, to alleviate congestion and improve the charging experience. less
Winter EV Charging: How to Waste Time and Money on DCFC!
This video details a real-world winter charging experience with a Chevrolet Bolt EV in sub-freezing temperatures. The primary takeaway is that a cold ... morebattery significantly degrades DC fast charging rates, resulting in much longer charging times and higher costs. The reviewer experienced an initial charge rate of only 14 kW, far below the expected 50-125 kW, and the session was cut short by the charger's 45-minute limit, delivering only 17 kWh. The reviewer emphasizes the importance of warming the battery, ideally by driving for an hour or two, before attempting DC fast charging in winter. The video also highlights infrastructure issues, noting a shortage of dedicated parking spaces for the available charging units, leading to potential conflicts and unavailability. The reviewer plans a future test to evaluate the effectiveness of a Level 2 pre-charge for battery warming. less