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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Our Lives Are Changing Forever! Road Trip To Myrtle Beach In My F150 Lightning And Surprise Reveal!
This video chronicles a road trip to Myrtle Beach in a Ford F-150 Lightning, highlighting the charging experience and the vehicle's utility for a... more weekend getaway. The reviewer details stops at Electrify America (EA) and Buckies, noting the Lightning's impressive charging speeds, particularly its ability to hit 190 kW. Challenges were encountered with hotel charging stations, specifically with payment systems and unclear pricing, leading to frustration. The F-150 Lightning demonstrated good efficiency on the highway, especially at lower speeds, achieving 2.3 miles per kWh. The vehicle's ability to run the AC while parked for extended periods was also a positive point. The trip culminated in a gender reveal on the beach, adding a personal touch to the content. Overall, the F-150 Lightning proved capable for the journey, though charging infrastructure and payment complexities remain a point of contention. less
500 Mile Day Trip In My F150 Lightning To Visit The Out of Spec Track!
This video documents a 500-mile, one-day road trip in a 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning Lariat to the Out of Spec track. The reviewer, Branden Flasch, highl... moreights the truck's comfort for long distances and its capability, even on a track, though power limitations and tire performance were noted. Charging strategy was a key focus, with stops at Tesla Superchargers (including V4 posts) and a Mercedes/Alpitronic DC fast charger. The reviewer experienced some navigation quirks with Apple Maps and a tight finish to Greensboro, arriving with only 3% state of charge. Lessons learned include the importance of optimizing charging stops, especially the initial one, and accounting for real-world energy consumption during activities like track driving or using HVAC. Despite the challenges, the reviewer concludes that such a long trip is doable in an EV and expresses continued satisfaction with the F-150 Lightning's comfort and the assistance of the Comma AI system. less
Driving Itself! Tesla Full Self-Driving Is Better Than Most Human Drivers - FSD 13.2.9 Demo
This video showcases a continuous drive test of Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) v13.2.9 in a 2025 Model Y LR RWD with Hardware 4. The reviewer, B... moreranden Flasch, highlights the system's impressive performance over 24.2 miles with zero interventions, excluding a planned car wash. Key strengths demonstrated include navigating unprotected left turns, roundabouts, busy shopping complexes, and even self-recovery from a 'no-left-turn' trap by reversing. The reviewer notes FSD's courteous pedestrian behavior and its ability to handle interstate merges and exits competently. However, FSD still struggles with potholes and manhole covers, and its Supercharger stall selection can be 'stubborn' and inefficient, sometimes requiring manual intervention or nudging. The integration between FSD and Autopark is also identified as a weak point. Despite these minor drawbacks, Flasch concludes that FSD is a significant factor in purchasing decisions, offering a superior experience to most human drivers and even personal chauffeurs in urban environments. less
Comma 3X on F150 Lightning Is Ready For Primetime - BluePilot 4.0 Demo Drive City & Interstate
This video provides an in-depth look at integrating the Comma 3X with the Ford F-150 Lightning, focusing on the "BluePilot 4.0" software and... more a crucial "coupler" adapter that resolves startup errors. The reviewer, Brandon Flasch, highlights the adapter's effectiveness in preventing CAN bus reflection issues, which plagued earlier installations. He demonstrates a seamless startup experience with the Comma 3X installed, a significant improvement over previous setups. The review details extensive customization options within BluePilot 4.0, including recommended settings and driving models, and showcases over 6,000 miles of personal experience. Flasch contrasts the Comma 3X experience with Ford's native BlueCruise, finding the Comma system smoother, less naggy, and more capable, particularly in handling merging traffic and offering continuous lane centering. While acknowledging BlueCruise's improvements and hands-free capabilities on mapped roads, he ultimately prefers the Comma 3X for its overall performance and user experience, especially on highways. The video concludes by recommending the coupler for F-150 Lightning owners considering Comma. less
Battling The Heat On An 800+ Mile Day! Cross-Country Road Trip In My F150 Lightning - Part 4
This video documents an ambitious 800+ mile, one-day road trip in a 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning Lariat Extended Range from Duluth, Minnesota to Charlott... moree, North Carolina. The reviewer, Branden Flasch, highlights the challenges of extreme summer heat on charging performance, noting significant thermal derating issues with both Tesla Superchargers and other DC fast chargers. Despite these hurdles, the Lightning managed to complete the journey, albeit with multiple charging stops and strategic adapter swaps to mitigate heat-related power reductions. The reviewer found the charging experience with non-Tesla networks (Mercedes HPC, ChargePoint) to be less seamless than Tesla's, often requiring manual activation and experiencing slower speeds. While the F-150 Lightning proved capable of long-distance travel, the extreme heat significantly impacted its charging efficiency and speed, leading to longer-than-ideal charging sessions. The reviewer also contrasts this experience with previous Tesla road trips, noting that while the Lightning's charging stops were longer, the greater distances covered between them made the overall journey more efficient than some Tesla trips.
Key takeaways include the effectiveness of the A2Z adapter for thermal management, the importance of charging to 80% for optimal speed, and the impact of ambient temperature on EV charging performance. The reviewer expresses satisfaction with the truck's comfort and overall road trip capability, but emphasizes that cooler temperatures would likely yield a much better charging experience. less
Key takeaways include the effectiveness of the A2Z adapter for thermal management, the importance of charging to 80% for optimal speed, and the impact of ambient temperature on EV charging performance. The reviewer expresses satisfaction with the truck's comfort and overall road trip capability, but emphasizes that cooler temperatures would likely yield a much better charging experience. less
Her First New Car in 15 Years! My Wife's Review Of The Cheapest Model Y After 6 Months
Bethany, a non-enthusiast with 15 years of experience in a Toyota Highlander, shares her comprehensive 7-month, 6,000-mile review of her 2025 Tesla Mo... moredel Y Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive. She finds the Model Y a significant upgrade from her previous vehicle, particularly appreciating the advanced technology, climate control automation, and the overall ease of use, especially with Full Self-Driving (FSD) Beta, which she now finds functional for her daily commute, despite some initial apprehension. Key pros include the comfortable seats, advanced tech features like the Tesla app, and the seamless integration of navigation and charging. However, she notes drawbacks such as the limited rear visibility due to the sloped roof, a perceived lack of SUV-like space and ground clearance compared to her old Highlander, and increased road noise. While acknowledging the Model Y's efficiency, she highlights the significant battery drain from features like Sentry Mode and cabin preconditioning, especially in warmer weather. Despite these points, Bethany would repurchase a Tesla, though she expresses a desire for a larger, more traditional SUV form factor. The review concludes that the Model Y is a highly capable and user-friendly vehicle, making it an excellent choice for those transitioning from gas-powered SUVs, provided they can adapt to its unique characteristics and the learning curve of EV driving and FSD. less
Trying A New Charging Network! Cross-Country Holiday Road Trip In My F150 Lightning - Part 3
This installment of the F-150 Lightning's cross-country road trip focuses on the charging experience in the Midwest. The reviewer highlights the ... morenew SK Signet 400kW chargers at Kwik Trip, finding them to be a positive and powerful addition to the charging infrastructure, delivering expected performance. However, the trip was marred by a significant negative experience at a hotel in the Chicago area, where the provided Wallbox Pulsar Plus chargers were either out of order or severely misconfigured, defaulting to a useless 6-amp output. This led to a frustrating "walk of shame" to a neighboring hotel with slightly more functional, though still suboptimal, charging. The reviewer expresses disappointment that the hotel replaced reliable Tesla Wall Connectors with these problematic units. Despite the hotel charging debacle, the Kwik Trip fast charging and Tesla Superchargers performed well, offering a more reliable charging experience. less
Scenic EV Road Trip in My F-150 Lightning: Duluth & Minnesota North Shore Adventure
Branden Flasch embarks on a scenic day-long road trip in his 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning Lariat Extended Range, exploring Minnesota's North Shore. ... moreThe journey highlights real-world EV charging performance, with the reviewer noting an average efficiency of 1.8 mi/kWh and a best charging session of 61 kWh in 25 minutes at Two Harbors. A significant positive was the free Level 2 charging at Gooseberry Falls State Park, offering convenient parking. However, the trip wasn't without its frustrations, particularly with the ZEF Energy charging app, which Flasch describes as 'absolute garbage' due to its unreliability and cumbersome interface. Despite these charging app woes and the unexpected cost for Split Rock Lighthouse access, the overall experience was positive, showcasing the F-150 Lightning's capability for longer trips and the beauty of the Minnesota landscape. The reviewer also touches on practical aspects like bed seal effectiveness and hotel charging challenges. less
Cross-Country Holiday Road Trip In My F150 Lightning - North Carolina to Minnesota! Part 2
This video documents a significant cross-country road trip in a 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning Lariat Extended Range, covering over 600 miles in a single d... moreay from Indiana to Minnesota. The reviewer highlights the effectiveness of the Comma AI BluePilot 2.1 system, calling it essential for such a journey, though his passenger noted occasional jolts and reboots. Charging experiences were varied, utilizing Tesla Superchargers with both official and third-party adapters. The reviewer tested a pre-chilled A2Z adapter, noting improved performance and lower temperatures compared to the Ford adapter, which became excessively hot. The video also touches on the infrastructure, including observations on Tesla Supercharger V4 stalls and critiques of underperforming ABB Terra chargers. Despite a few charging hiccups and a surprise hotel fire alarm, the F-150 Lightning successfully completed the demanding leg of the trip, achieving an average efficiency of 1.8 miles per kWh. less
Cross-Country Holiday Road Trip In My F150 Lightning - North Carolina to Minnesota! Part 1
This video documents the first leg of an ambitious cross-country road trip in a 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning Lariat Extended Range, covering nearly 600 m... moreiles from North Carolina to Indiana. The reviewer meticulously details the charging logistics, utilizing a mix of Mercedes-Benz HPC, ChargePoint, and Tesla Superchargers via the Ford NACS adapter. Key observations include the effectiveness of a frozen adapter to mitigate thermal derating, the performance of the Comma AI BluePilot system, and significant frustrations with Electron hotel chargers due to load sharing issues. The real-world efficiency averaged 1.9 miles per kWh. While the trip highlights the capabilities of the F-150 Lightning for long-distance travel, it also underscores the persistent challenges with charging infrastructure reliability and user experience, particularly with app-based Level 2 solutions. less
Better Than BlueCruise! Comma 3X on F150 Lightning - BluePilot 2.1 Demo Drive City & Interstate
The reviewer provides a comprehensive demonstration of the Comma 3X with BluePilot 2.1 installed on a 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning. The system is praised... more for its ability to provide hands-free driving on a wider variety of roads compared to Ford's BlueCruise, particularly on unmapped city streets and county highways where BlueCruise would require hands-on operation. The reviewer highlights the system's less intrusive driver monitoring compared to BlueCruise, calling it "very handsoff and pretty confidence inspiring." Key features like auto lane changes with a signal, adaptive cruise control, and lane keeping are showcased. However, the system is not without its limitations. The reviewer notes that it struggles with excessively sharp turns and advises against relying on its experimental stoplight control. A minor software crash was experienced during settings navigation, though it did not affect driving. Overall, the Comma 3X is presented as a superior alternative to BlueCruise, offering enhanced functionality and a better user experience for a comparable cost over two years, despite the initial $1000 investment and the need for vehicle modification. less
Making My F150 Lightning Closer To Self-Driving With Comma 3X Install And Setup
This video details the installation and initial setup of the Comma 3X, an aftermarket driver assistance system, in a Ford F-150 Lightning. The reviewe... morer, Branden Flasch, walks through the unboxing of the Comma 3X and its various components, including the main unit, power cables, and vehicle-specific harnesses. He highlights the need for a custom 3D-printed mount and demonstrates how to route the wiring, emphasizing the importance of avoiding the airbag deployment zone. The setup process involves connecting to Wi-Fi, downloading a specific version of the BluePilot software (a fork of OpenPilot), and navigating through a few installation hurdles, including a necessary factory reset and a subsequent update. Despite initial warnings and a "faulty cable" error that is noted as a known, temporary issue for this vehicle, the system is ultimately calibrated and functional. The reviewer plans to follow up with driving impressions and a road trip review, indicating this video focuses solely on the installation and initial configuration. less
The Benchmark! Ionna's Garner Rechargery Has Everything An EV Driver Needs! Full Tour & Charge Test
The IONNA Rechargery in Garner, North Carolina, sets a new benchmark for EV charging infrastructure, offering a comprehensive and user-friendly experi... moreence. The reviewer highlights the station's excellent amenities, including pull-through stalls, a covered canopy extending to the market entrance, and a 24/7 market featuring Amazon's "just walk out" technology. The charging test with a Ford F-150 Lightning demonstrated strong performance, peaking at 181 kW and averaging 140 kW, with a competitive introductory price of 39 cents per kWh plus tax. The reviewer praises the site's convenient location off I-40, its variety of charging options (CCS and NACS), and the overall thoughtful design that anticipates EV driver needs. While a microwave in the market and perhaps vacuums were noted as potential additions, the facility is largely deemed complete and a significant improvement over existing options, particularly when compared to nearby Tesla Supercharger pricing. less
Must Have Accessories Modifications For Your F150 Lightning
This video provides a comprehensive look at essential accessories and modifications for the Ford F-150 Lightning, specifically for the 2022 Lariat Ext... moreended Range model with the Max Tow package. The reviewer, Brandon Flasch, shares practical upgrades he's implemented after two months of ownership and 55,000 miles. Key recommendations include adapters for charging and power export (L14-30 to 1450, Tesla to J1772, and A2Z NACS to CCS1), bed seals for water and dust protection, robust mud flaps (Rock Blokz), and paint protection film for high-wear areas like door handles and B-pillars. The reviewer also highlights useful items such as a tire plug kit, portable air compressor, WeatherTech floor mats (though preferring 3D mats), a shifter kit, a phone mount, and screen protectors. Notably, the video touches on enabling advanced features like matrix headlights via Forscan and discusses the utility of a HEPA cabin air filter. While the reviewer notes some accessories came with the truck, he provides affiliate links for his preferred or recommended alternatives, emphasizing functionality and protection. less
Replacing the F150 Lightning Shifter With a Rotary Shifter to Enable Work Surface Anytime
This video details a practical modification for the Ford F-150 Lightning, replacing the factory folding lever shifter with a rotary dial. The reviewer... more, Branden Flasch, highlights the perceived "stupid" and failure-prone nature of the original shifter, which obstructs the use of the optional work surface. The modification, costing under $100 and taking approximately 15-30 minutes, involves installing a 3D-printed kit and a rotary shifter sourced from other Ford models. The primary benefit is enabling the full use of the center console's work surface without interference, a feature the reviewer believes should have been standard. While functional, the reviewer expresses a personal preference for a column shifter over the rotary dial, but acknowledges the rotary shifter as a viable alternative. The process is presented as straightforward, with clear instructions and links to necessary parts. less
1 Month Later With The Cheapest Used F150 Lightning! Did I Make A Mistake?
After one month and 2,000 miles, the reviewer finds their used 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning Lariat Extended Range to be a surprisingly good purchase, des... morepite initial concerns about buying a used EV. The truck's condition exceeded expectations, appearing much newer than its 55,000 miles. Key highlights include the massive and practical frunk, the versatile Pro Power Onboard outlets (especially the 240V capability), and the comfortable, well-equipped interior. The reviewer praises the extended range battery and notes excellent battery health (99% SOH), attributing it to Ford's gentle charging and thermal management strategies, which contrast favorably with some Tesla degradation rates. Driving dynamics are described as good, with improved throttle response and a capable BlueCruise system, though the driver monitoring can be overly sensitive. Areas for improvement include the FordPass app's clunkiness, lack of remote DC fast charging limit control, and the absence of a built-in dashcam/sentry mode. Despite these minor drawbacks, the reviewer is very satisfied with the purchase, finding it a capable and enjoyable daily driver. less
Taking My F150 Lightning to Drive Electric Columbia and Checking Out Scout Factory Progress
The reviewer documents a road trip from Charlotte to Columbia, South Carolina, for an Earth Day "Drive Electric" event, providing insights i... morento the F-150 Lightning's performance and features. The 2022 Lariat Extended Range model, equipped with new Nokian tires, achieved an average efficiency of 2.1 miles per kilowatt-hour over approximately 70 miles, arriving with 9% battery remaining, slightly exceeding the initial projection. The reviewer highlights the effectiveness of BlueCruise, though noting a minor glitch. The video also showcases various EVs at the event, including the Volvo EX90 and VW ID Buzz, and provides drone footage of the Scout Motors factory under construction. The reviewer expresses satisfaction with the truck's utility and the experience of engaging with the general public at the event, emphasizing the value of such events for EV adoption. less
My F150 Lightning Gets New Tires! Installing Nokian One HT Tires & Comparing To Original Tires
The reviewer installs new Nokian One HT tires on their 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning Lariat, replacing the original General Grabber HTS60 tires. An initia... morel efficiency test at a constant 70 mph is conducted before and after the tire swap. While the reviewer notes the new tires are quiet and comfortable, the immediate efficiency results are nearly identical (2.1 kWh/mile before, 2.0 kWh/mile after) for the 52.5-mile loop. The reviewer emphasizes that these initial results are not conclusive due to the tires not being broken in (requiring approximately 500 miles) and the presence of a tonneau cover affecting aerodynamics. A future video comparing efficiency at 60, 70, and 80 mph after the tires are broken in is promised. Overall, the reviewer expresses satisfaction with the Nokian tires based on past experience and initial impressions of noise and comfort, despite the lack of immediate efficiency gains. less
F150 Lightning Road Trip With BlueCruise 1.4 Heading To Apex For a Meetup At IONNA
The reviewer, Branden Flasch, shares his experience on a road trip from Charlotte to Apex, North Carolina, in his 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning Lariat. Th... moree primary focus is on testing BlueCruise 1.4, including its automated lane changes and hands-free capabilities. Flasch notes that BlueCruise generally performed well, allowing him to drive hands-free for most of the journey, though he expresses a desire for the system to allow speeds up to 85 mph instead of the current 80 mph limit for hands-free operation. He also highlights the integration of CarPlay and the state-of-charge display. The video touches upon charging at an IONNA site, detailing the process through the public charging app and FordPass, and notes the charging speed achieved. A minor inconvenience mentioned is the default setting to heated seats instead of cooled seats. The reviewer also briefly discusses a "for scan" mod for adaptive high beams and a comparison to Tesla's Autopilot and FSD systems, finding BlueCruise 1.4 impressive but wishing for higher speed limits for hands-free use. The video also showcases a useful feature at the charging station: a windshield washer fluid dispenser and tire inflator. less
Model Y and F150 Lightning Road Trip! 14 Hours On The Road Picking Up My F150 Lightning in Virginia
This video chronicles a road trip from Charlotte, NC to Northern Virginia in a 2025 Tesla Model Y Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive, primarily to pick up a ... morenew Ford F-150 Lightning. The reviewer highlights the Model Y's improved efficiency compared to previous versions and praises the current state of Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) software, which was used extensively during the journey. The FSD system is noted for its ability to navigate parking lots and Superchargers, though with occasional inconsistencies. The charging experience at Electrify America and Supercharger stations is detailed, with the Model Y offering three months of free Supercharging. A key takeaway is the surprisingly similar road trip and charging experience between the less efficient F-150 Lightning and the more efficient Model Y, especially when not strictly adhering to rapid 0-45% charging cycles. The reviewer also notes the lack of adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist in the F-150 Lightning as a significant drawback for long-distance driving. less
The New Tesla Model Y! First Drive and Impressions As A Current Model Y Owner
As a current Model Y owner, the reviewer provides a first drive impression of the new 2026 refresh, referred to as 'Juniper'. The reviewer n... moreotes that while the acceleration boost feels the same as previous models, the ride comfort is slightly improved, akin to the new Model 3, though not a dramatic leap from recent previous generations. Road and wind noise appear similar to the 2025 Model Y, with a slight improvement on side roads. A significant point of contention is the new turn signal stalk and the removal of the drive stalk for Autopilot engagement, which the reviewer finds to be a step backward in user experience compared to the previous system. The new blended braking system is introduced, offering potential efficiency gains, though the reviewer feels the regen levels are still lacking compared to competitors. Overall, the reviewer concludes that while it's an improvement over earlier Model Y versions, the changes are not substantial enough to warrant a significant upgrade for current owners of 2023-2025 models, but it remains a notable improvement for those with older vehicles. less
New 2026 Tesla Model Y: What's Included At Delivery
Branden Flasch provides a comprehensive overview of what to expect upon delivery of the new 2026 Tesla Model Y 'Juniper' refresh. The video ... morehighlights key inclusions such as the front trunk contents (tow hook, drain plug), new wheel covers, the magnetic parcel cover, and the front license plate bracket hardware. Flasch notes the "Launch Series" exclusive badging and the new light bar. Interior features discussed include the power-folding rear seats (with a manual middle divider), the rear screen functionality, new door cards with accent lighting, and the magnetic glove box. He points out the soft-touch material on the door panels, which shows wear after only 1,000 miles, a potential concern for durability. The reviewer also touches on the new shifter's feel and the updated dash speaker grills. While not an in-depth review of driving dynamics, the video effectively serves as a delivery checklist for potential buyers. less
Cheapest 2025 Tesla Model 3! Here's What's Included
This video provides a comprehensive look at the 2025 Tesla Model 3 Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive, highlighting its exceptional value, particularly for l... moreeasing at $250 per month. The reviewer emphasizes that this is Tesla's cheapest new model, with a base MSRP of $42,990 before potential discounts and credits, which can bring the purchase price down to around $32,500. Key features praised include the 363-mile rated range (noted as potentially underrated), ventilated seats, a full-width ambient lighting system, and the surprisingly robust infotainment system accessible via the rear screen. However, the reviewer expresses significant criticism for the lack of a traditional turn signal stalk, requiring the use of steering wheel buttons, and the removal of front USB-C ports. Despite these drawbacks, the overall verdict is that the vehicle offers incredible value for its price point, especially with the inclusion of advanced features like Full Self-Driving capability, which the reviewer now considers a "killer feature." less
120 Stalls! Visiting The Largest Tesla Supercharger Site In The World On The Vegas-LA Corridor
This video provides an in-depth tour of two significant Tesla Supercharger sites along the Las Vegas-Los Angeles corridor: the 70-stall V3 site in Bar... morestow and the Baker site, which features a mix of 40 V2 stalls and Electrify America's Gen 4 dispensers. The reviewer highlights the impressive infrastructure, including Tesla Megapacks and extensive solar canopies at the Barstow location, noting its advanced setup. The Baker site is detailed as a mixed V2/V3 Tesla installation alongside a substantial Electrify America charging hub, featuring significant battery storage systems (Tesla Power Packs and a Megapack). A key takeaway is the reviewer's experience with a rented Silverado 3WT, where an initial slow charging speed (120 kW) dramatically increased to over 300 kW after turning off the HVAC, suggesting potential software quirks. The reviewer also points out issues like cars queuing unnecessarily at V2 stalls when V3 are available and the suboptimal placement of an ADA-compliant stall at the new Barstow site. less