Everything Electric CARS

Micro Machines: Electric Scooters, Skateboards & Unicycles

This episode of Fully Charged dives into the world of electric micro-mobility, showcasing electric scooters, skateboards, and unicycles. The reviewer ... morehighlights the growing popularity and practicality of these devices for first/last-mile commutes and short trips, potentially replacing car journeys. The electric scooter is praised for its ease of use and portability, with a top speed of 30 mph and a range of around 15 miles. The electric skateboards (GTR Carbon and Bamboo) offer versatility with interchangeable tires for different terrains, a top speed of 26 mph, and a range of 25-30 miles. The electric unicycle is presented as a more challenging but ultimately rewarding option. While the scooter is deemed the easiest to pick up and use, the skateboard offers more fun and versatility. The video concludes with a race between the three, emphasizing their potential as environmentally friendly alternatives for modern urban living. A key takeaway is the increasing relevance of these 'micro machines' in congested cities. less

Mercedes Benz EQC - Rory Reid First Drive

Rory Reid's first drive of the Mercedes-Benz EQC reveals a highly refined and luxurious electric SUV, positioning it as a strong contender for th... moreose seeking a premium EV experience. Reid praises the EQC's opulent interior, featuring high-quality materials and thoughtful design touches like custom copper vents and integrated ambient lighting, suggesting Mercedes prioritized cabin comfort and aesthetics. The infotainment system, with its dual screens and augmented reality navigation, is highlighted as a standout feature. On the road, the EQC offers a comfortable and quiet ride, with impressive acceleration thanks to its dual-motor setup delivering 400 horsepower. However, the review points out significant drawbacks: the EQC's considerable weight leads to noticeable understeer when cornering enthusiastically, and the brake pedal feel is described as unusual due to the initial travel being dedicated to regenerative braking. Furthermore, the reviewer notes that the EQC, being based on a modified GLC platform, misses opportunities for better packaging and potential front storage. Despite these criticisms, Reid concludes that Mercedes has done a commendable job with its first proper EV, delivering a premium, comfortable, and technologically advanced vehicle, albeit with compromises in dynamic handling. less

Ask Fully Charged Anything! Patreons and YouTube Members Interrogate Robert | Clean Energy and EVs

This episode of Fully Charged features Robert Llewellyn answering a variety of viewer questions on electric vehicles and clean energy. Key topics incl... moreude the potential for Type 2 connectors in Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) systems, the challenges of finding light-colored EV interiors in Europe, and solutions for charging EVs without a driveway, such as peer-to-peer charging networks and street charging. The discussion also touches on the anticipated arrival of pure EV estate cars, the safety of driving EVs through car washes and deep water, the viability of solar roof tiles versus traditional solar panels, and the path to price parity for EVs with their petrol counterparts. Llewellyn expresses a strong opinion on prioritizing sustainable urban planning, encouraging cycling and public transport, and advocates for buildings that generate more power than they consume. He also addresses the status of Arrival's electric vans and the government's role in subsidizing EV infrastructure, contrasting it with subsidies for the nuclear industry. Finally, the segment covers the impact of roof-mounted items on EV range and the advancements in wind turbine technology. less

Seat Mii, First Drive

The SEAT Mii is presented as a refreshingly simple and affordable electric car, ideal for urban driving. The reviewer praises its straightforward oper... moreation, analogue dials, and solid build quality, noting it's essentially a cheaper alternative to the VW e-Up!. A significant highlight is the car's accurate range prediction, consistently delivering its advertised 162 miles, with potential for up to 275 miles under optimal conditions. The reviewer also commends its efficient regenerative braking. However, criticisms include a very small boot, limited rear passenger space, and initial frustrations with the infotainment software and app connectivity, which eventually resolved and were then lauded as excellent. The lack of a reversing camera is also noted as a drawback in modern vehicles. Despite minor issues, the reviewer develops a strong positive sentiment towards the Mii, emphasizing its value and ease of use as key selling points for potential EV buyers. less

Vauxhall Corsa-e, 1st Drive Exclusive

The Vauxhall Corsa-e is presented as a "brilliantly unremarkable" electric car, designed for "normal people." The reviewer highlig... morehts its ease of driving, nippy performance, and competent, solid feel as significant positives, making it a better proposition than its combustion engine counterpart. The ride quality is praised as top-notch, and its compact size contributes to excellent maneuverability and a tight turning circle. A notable inclusion is the supply and fitting of a wall box charger. However, the reviewer expresses strong criticism regarding the human-machine interface, finding it difficult to access basic information like trip meters and energy usage. The most significant drawback is the price, which, even after government grants, exceeds £29,000. The reviewer questions this high cost, arguing that battery prices have fallen dramatically, suggesting the car could be built and sold for less, potentially even less than the petrol version. A "conspiracy theory" is proposed that the car is intentionally priced higher to curb sales and protect the market for combustion engine models. Despite these criticisms, the reviewer acknowledges the car's competence and its status as a well-executed electric vehicle, essentially a re-bodied Peugeot e-208, with the choice between the two largely coming down to aesthetic preference. less

What's Your Carbon Foodprint? The How, When & Where of Food | Fully Charged for Clean Energy & EVs

This episode of Fully Charged delves into the complex topic of 'food miles' and their actual impact on a food's carbon footprint. Initi... moreally, hosts Maddie Moate and Greg Foot explore supermarket options, finding that while local produce is available, imported goods often dominate shelves. Their investigation reveals that focusing solely on food miles can be misleading, as factors like heated greenhouses, refrigeration, and farming methods (fertilizers, land use) contribute significantly more to a food's overall carbon footprint – sometimes up to 94% compared to transport's mere 6%. The presenters highlight that eating seasonally is more impactful than strictly eating locally, and that air freight, though a small percentage of transport, has a disproportionately high emission impact. They conclude that a holistic view of a food's lifecycle, considering how and when it's grown, is crucial for making truly sustainable choices, rather than fixating on distance traveled. The episode also briefly touches on the significant issue of global food waste. less

Existential Crises, VW Software & Liquid Air Batteries | Fully Charged for Clean Energy & EVs

This episode of Fully Charged delves into the significant challenges facing the automotive industry, particularly Volkswagen's struggles with sof... moretware development for its ID.3 model. The reviewer posits that software is the key differentiator for EVs, a domain where Tesla currently excels, enabling significant range improvements through software tweaks alone, as seen with the Model S Long Range Plus. Volkswagen's internal issues and reliance on traditional mechanical engineering are highlighted as potential hindrances to competing with Tesla. The program also covers positive developments: the UK's decision to halt fracking, the promising potential of liquid air batteries for grid-scale energy storage, Arrival's British-made electric buses, and NASA's advancements in electric aircraft design, emphasizing efficiency. The overall sentiment is that while established automakers face an 'existential crisis' due to software complexities, innovation in energy storage and electric transport continues to advance. less

Ten Year Anniversary Livestream

This livestream celebrates the 10-year anniversary of the Fully Charged Show, highlighting its journey from a rejected BBC pitch to a significant medi... morea platform. The host reflects on the dramatic advancements in EV technology over the past decade, particularly the drastic reduction in battery costs and the increase in charging infrastructure. Key takeaways include the growing dominance of battery technology over hydrogen for most applications, the rapid progress in China's EV market, and the potential of vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology. While acknowledging personal technical challenges, the host expresses optimism for the future of EVs, citing personal ownership of a Nissan Leaf and leased Tesla Model 3, Hyundai Kona, emphasizing the shift towards electric mobility. The review also touches upon upcoming content, including features on Chinese EVs and a potential 'Scrapheap Challenge' revival. less

China's Electric Vehicles Revolution: Introducing Fully Charged's East Asia Correspondent

This episode introduces Elliot Richards, Fully Charged's new East Asia correspondent based in Shanghai. The discussion highlights China's ra... morepid advancements in the electric vehicle market. Elliot shares his personal experience with the Xpeng G3, detailing a 450km journey completed with a single 30-minute fast charge, showcasing the convenience and efficiency of China's charging infrastructure. He notes the seamless app-based payment system and a charging cost of approximately 20p per kWh. A key observation is China's unique GB/T charging standard, incompatible with European or US connectors. The interview touches upon Shanghai's significant air pollution issues, contrasted with the growing prevalence of EVs, evidenced by free green license plates incentivizing EV adoption. The widespread use of electric buses, scooters, and bikes is also emphasized, transforming urban soundscapes and reducing emissions. The conversation touches on Neo's successful battery-swapping program and the surprising affordability of the Great Wall Motors ORA R1, priced around £7,000 after subsidies. The episode underscores the strong government support for EVs, including subsidies and regulations mandating new factories to produce electric vehicles, signaling China's commitment to electrification. less

Can You Heat and Power a Big House with Renewables? Fully Charged for Clean Energy and Electric Cars.

This episode of Fully Charged explores the groundbreaking Moonstone House, a massive property designed to operate entirely without burning fossil fuel... mores. Host Robert Llewellyn is impressed by the house's "fabric first" approach, emphasizing exceptional insulation (one meter thick, with a U-value of 0.06) as the core technology. Despite its size, the house requires minimal heating, with the underfloor heating system rarely used and consuming only about £70 of electricity annually. The property generates its own power through a combination of a ground-source heat pump, solar thermal systems, and extensive solar photovoltaics, with plans to expand solar generation to 60kW and incorporate batteries. The house even utilizes its swimming pool as a thermal overflow and heat battery. The reviewer highlights that this model, while initially expensive, offers a glimpse into a future where homes are power generators, capable of charging EVs for free and potentially supporting the grid through virtual power plant technology. The episode strongly advocates for adopting similar renewable energy solutions in all new housing developments, criticizing the continued reliance on gas boilers as wasteful and short-sighted. less

National Grid Eso's Green Energy Success Story: Fully Charged for Clean Energy and Electric Vehicles

This episode of Fully Charged delves into the UK's remarkable transition to green energy, spearheaded by National Grid ESO. The discussion highli... moreghts the significant shift from coal to renewables, with wind and solar now dominating the energy landscape. A key takeaway is the acknowledgement of the climate crisis, emphasizing the current generation's unique position to enact change. The interview explores the complexities of balancing energy supply and demand with intermittent renewables, showcasing the advanced use of AI for prediction and the growing role of large-scale battery storage and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology. The potential for V2G, particularly with electric buses and commercial fleets, is presented as a viable solution for grid stability. The episode also touches on negative pricing, where consumers are paid to use electricity during periods of oversupply, and the challenges of maintaining grid inertia as fossil fuels are phased out. The electrification of transport and heat is deemed manageable for the grid with smart controls. Overall, the review conveys an optimistic yet realistic outlook on the ongoing energy transformation, emphasizing innovation and collaborative efforts to achieve net-zero goals. less

Tesla Cybertruck or Rivian? Plus the Other Top 10 Most Anticipated Pickup Trucks | Fully Charged

This episode of Fully Charged provides an overview of upcoming electric pickup trucks, highlighting the Tesla Cybertruck and Rivian R1T as frontrunner... mores. The reviewer expresses initial reservations about the Cybertruck's unconventional design but finds it has grown on him, particularly praising its predicted $40,000 starting price and impressive performance figures (over 500-mile range, 14,000 lbs towing, 0-60 in 3 seconds for the top trim). The Rivian R1T is also presented as a strong contender, benefiting from significant investment and backing, though its release date remains unconfirmed. The video touches upon other electric pickups like the Atlas XT, Bollinger B2, Hercules Alpha, Lordstown Endurance, Neuron T1, Ford F-150 Electric, and GMC Hummer EV, noting their varying levels of futuristic design and performance claims. A key concern raised for some models, like the Bollinger B2, is their high price point ($125,000). The reviewer concludes that Tesla and Rivian are currently leading the market, with others needing to catch up quickly. The show plans to feature these vehicles in real-world tests in the future. less

Tesla Model Y and Cheap Batteries

The Fully Charged show reviews the Tesla Model Y, noting its shared components with the Model 3 but with a more practical hatchback-style rear opening... more and increased dimensions. While the interior is largely identical to the Model 3, the Model Y is wider and taller, which the reviewer finds less ideal for European roads. The review details various configurations: Standard Range RWD (EPA 370km/229mi), Long Range RWD (EPA 484km/301mi), Long Range AWD, and Performance AWD (EPA 500km/315mi). A significant portion of the episode focuses on the rapid advancements in EV battery technology, highlighting Tesla's progress towards cheaper, more energy-dense, and longer-lasting batteries, including the anticipated "million-mile battery." The reviewer emphasizes that these technological leaps, particularly the potential to break the $100/kWh barrier, will make EVs cheaper to manufacture than combustion engine cars by 2021, fundamentally changing the market. The episode also touches on Tesla's new "terror factory" in Austin, Texas. less

A Brief History of Electric Vehicles and Oil

This episode of Fully Charged features a compelling historical discussion between Robert Llewellyn and historian Dan Snow, tracing the intertwined his... moretories of electric vehicles (EVs) and the oil industry. Snow highlights that EVs predated internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, even dominating early markets like Manhattan in the early 1900s. The conversation delves into the rise of oil, its impact on global conflicts and economies, and the various oil crises that shaped the 20th century. Snow emphasizes how oil became a critical strategic resource, influencing international politics and wars. The episode also touches upon the resurgence of renewable energy, including wind and solar, as viable alternatives to fossil fuels. The core takeaway is that technological disruption is rapid and often underestimated, and that significant engineering challenges can be overcome with sufficient resources and focus, drawing parallels to historical achievements like the Apollo program. less

When Robert Met Rory (New Presenter Introduction) | Fully Charged

This episode marks a special reunion between Robert Llewellyn and Rory Reid, revisiting a 2010 discussion about the shortcomings of electric cars. Ten... more years on, they reflect on the dramatic progress made. Rory, now Auto Trader's Head of Reviews and a new presenter for Fully Charged, acknowledges his initial skepticism was accurate for the time, citing the Mitsubishi i-MiEV and early Nissan Leaf as examples of expensive, low-range vehicles with high manufacturing costs. Robert highlights the significant improvements in battery technology and cost reduction, making EVs a viable alternative. They discuss how the modern Nissan Leaf, while similar in price to the 2010 model, offers double the battery capacity. However, challenges remain, particularly concerning range anxiety, the impact of extreme weather on range, and the still-developing charging infrastructure, which is often unreliable and requires multiple apps. Despite these hurdles, the overwhelming sentiment is one of optimism, celebrating the technological leaps and the increasing desirability and practicality of electric vehicles. less

Yes, We Can Recycle EV Batteries. Here's How | Fully Charged

This episode of Fully Charged visits a German recycling plant, Duesenfelts, to investigate the viability of recycling EV batteries. The facility demon... morestrates a sophisticated process that prioritizes safety and efficiency, starting with discharging batteries to reuse their energy for the recycling process itself. The core of their method involves mechanically shredding batteries under nitrogen to prevent ignition, followed by vacuum evaporation of the electrolyte. Unlike traditional smelting, this approach aims to preserve valuable materials like graphite and electrolyte for reuse. The reviewer highlights the complexity of battery disassembly, especially for retrofitted vehicles, but commends the plant's ability to process diverse battery types. A key takeaway is the plant's high recycling efficiency, reaching 91% with graphite recovery, and its potential to significantly reduce the CO2 footprint associated with battery production. The episode concludes with optimism about the scalability of such recycling processes, emphasizing their crucial role in a sustainable EV future. less

Lockdown News Update, with Masks | Fully Charged News

In this episode of Fully Charged News, Robert discusses the societal impact of the lockdown, including his personal experience making face masks. He t... morehen shifts to automotive news, highlighting the upcoming MG 5 electric estate car, noting its potential appeal for those seeking an electric station wagon. The discussion touches on the unprecedented collapse of oil prices, explaining the concept of negative oil prices and drawing parallels to negative electricity prices in some markets. Robert emphasizes the long-term implications of cleaner air during lockdown, urging viewers to remember this benefit and consider the advantages of electric vehicles, particularly their potential for negative fuel costs via variable tariffs. The segment on Samsung's new solid-state battery technology is presented as a significant advancement, promising increased energy density, reduced fire risk, and smaller, lighter batteries, potentially enabling ranges of up to 600 miles for vehicles like the Tesla Model 3. A critical review of the 'Planet of the Humans' documentary follows, with Robert praising its critique of corporate greenwashing but strongly disagreeing with its conflation of biomass and renewable energy, deeming the film poorly researched and misleading. less

Xpeng P7 Exclusive - Is This The Chinese Model 3? | Fully Charged

This interview with Dr. Brian Gu, President of Xpeng Motors, offers an exclusive look at the upcoming P7 smart sedan, positioning it as a potential ri... moreval to the Tesla Model 3. The P7 boasts impressive specifications, including an NEDC range exceeding 700 km for the RWD model and a 0-100 km/h time of 4.28 seconds for the AWD version. Dr. Gu highlights Xpeng's integrated R&D approach, developing its own hardware, software, and autonomous driving technology, which allows for a more consumer-focused and upgradeable experience. Key features include advanced autonomous driving capabilities powered by Nvidia's Xavier platform, a voice-controlled interface, and a premium 'music cockpit' with Dynaudio sound. The P7 is praised for its beautiful design, sporty look, and long-range capability, with prices ranging from 240k-370k Chinese Yuan. While currently focused on the Chinese market, Xpeng is closely monitoring international opportunities. The discussion also touches upon China's rapid EV adoption, driven by government support, infrastructure development, standardized charging, and seamless online payment systems. less

Nissan Leaf Review After 10 Years

After a decade of ownership, Robert reflects on his 2011 Nissan Leaf, a pioneering electric vehicle. He highlights its exceptional reliability, noting... more that nothing has mechanically failed in over 65,000 miles, a testament to its robust build quality and its status as a purpose-built EV. The car's low running costs, including zero tax and minimal servicing, are emphasized as significant advantages. However, the primary drawback remains the degraded battery capacity, limiting the current real-world range to approximately 55 miles in summer and 45 in winter, making longer journeys challenging without a charge stop. Despite these limitations, the reviewer expresses excitement about the prospect of a battery upgrade to a 40 kWh unit, which he believes will transform the car's usability and extend its life as a classic vehicle. The review underscores the Leaf's early contributions to EV adoption, acknowledging its compromises in range and charging infrastructure at the time of its release. less

Can Electric Cars Handle the Cold? Tesla Winter Experience

This Fully Charged episode puts the Tesla Model 3 and Model S P90D through rigorous winter testing in Northern Sweden. Host Andy Torbet assesses their... more performance on a frozen lake, including slalom, braking, and ice track driving. The review highlights the EVs' stability due to their low center of gravity and balanced weight distribution, making them surprisingly capable and predictable even in extreme conditions. Torbet notes that while range will be affected by cold, simple strategies like pre-heating while plugged in and using seat heaters can mitigate this. The video concludes that EVs are not only safe but potentially superior to ICE vehicles in winter, handling challenging snow and ice with impressive grip and control, even on pure ice tracks. The primary takeaway is that if an EV can handle these extreme tests, it can confidently manage typical winter driving conditions. less

Introducing One of Our New Presenters Andy Torbet | Fully Charged

This episode introduces Andy Torbet as a new presenter for Fully Charged, highlighting his diverse background in the military (paratrooper, diver, bom... moreb disposal officer) and extensive experience in extreme sports, stunt work, and documentary presenting for channels like the BBC. The host expresses excitement about Andy's willingness to tackle challenging and 'left-field' assignments, from motorbikes to submarines and yachts, which aligns with the show's expansion beyond just electric cars to broader sustainability topics. Andy emphasizes that his background in zoology and conservation brings an important perspective on the environmental impact of electric vehicles and sustainable energy. The discussion touches upon the reliability and range of electric vehicles, drawing parallels to electric Dive Propulsion Vehicles (DPVs) used in extreme underwater exploration. The episode also previews Andy's first official segment, which involves driving electric cars in challenging winter conditions in northern Sweden. The overall tone is enthusiastic, welcoming Andy and anticipating exciting future content. less

All At Sea? How Scientists Cope With Lockdown

This episode of Fully Charged deviates from its usual focus on electric vehicles to explore coping mechanisms for lockdown, drawing parallels with the... more experience of living at sea. Host Helen Czerski, a physicist and oceanographer, shares insights from her extensive research expeditions, highlighting the importance of routine, personal space, exercise, and social connection in confined environments. She emphasizes finding joy in small things, maintaining a sense of purpose, and the benefits of disconnecting from constant digital stimulation. Czerski suggests treating the current situation as an adventure or experiment, encouraging viewers to be tolerant and keep a diary to track their experiences and changing perspectives. The episode offers practical advice for navigating isolation, framed by the unique challenges and rewards of life aboard a research vessel. less

Hyundai Kona Review After 20,000 Miles, Is It Still a Game-Changer?

After 20,000 miles, the Hyundai Kona remains a highly recommended electric vehicle, particularly for its exceptional energy efficiency and real-world ... morerange, often matching or exceeding advertised figures. The reviewer highlights its low running costs, reliability, and practicality, noting it's a "revelation" and a "brilliant piece of work" by Hyundai. While acknowledging its strong performance, especially its "grunt" which can lead to wheelspin if not managed carefully, the reviewer praises its ease of driving and the useful features like the heads-up display and clear climate controls. The car's ability to offer long journeys without range anxiety is a key takeaway. Despite being less preferred than a Tesla Model 3 for very long trips by the household, its significantly lower price point and impressive efficiency make it a compelling and "game-changing" option for many. less

Live News Update April 3 2020 Fully Charged

This 'Fully Charged Live News Update' from April 3, 2020, primarily serves as a news digest and a platform to promote upcoming content, rath... moreer than a deep dive into a specific EV. The host, Robert Llewellyn, grapples with technical difficulties at the start but eventually engages with viewers. Key topics discussed include the potential of Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology, citing a Forbes article and IRENA report that highlight the massive storage capacity of EV batteries. Llewellyn expresses frustration with Toyota's past 'self-charging hybrid' advertising but welcomes their partnership with BYD to produce battery-electric vehicles, acknowledging Toyota's reputation for reliability. The episode also teases a new Fully Charged episode titled 'Who Towed the Electric Car?', featuring Chelsea Sexton and the historic GM EV1. While not a traditional car review, the episode offers insights into emerging EV technologies and industry shifts. less