Out of Spec Reviews is a dedicated automotive channel that explores the world of electric vehicles and modern motoring with a passion for all things cars. The channel delves into comprehensive reviews and practical tests, examining everything from budget-friendly EVs to high-performance electric trucks.
With a focus on real-world performance and cost analysis, Out of Spec Reviews provides insightful content for enthusiasts and prospective EV buyers alike. Their investigations into factors like cold-weather operation, charging costs, and towing capabilities offer a unique perspective on the evolving automotive landscape.
With a focus on real-world performance and cost analysis, Out of Spec Reviews provides insightful content for enthusiasts and prospective EV buyers alike. Their investigations into factors like cold-weather operation, charging costs, and towing capabilities offer a unique perspective on the evolving automotive landscape.
I Deep Froze My Tesla And Immediately Plugged It Into A Supercharger To See What Happens
This video details an extreme cold-weather experiment where a 2019 Tesla Model 3 Performance was left to deep freeze for two days at -14°F (-25°C) before being plugged into a Supercharger. The reviewer highlights that while the car's battery pack requires significant time to warm up before accept...
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Lowered vs Stock Height! Will Slamming Your EV Increase Range?
This video investigates whether lowering a Volkswagen ID.4 AWD with H&R springs impacts its real-world range. The test involved two identical 2023... more ID.4 AWD models, one stock and one lowered, driven under identical conditions at 70 mph in sub-zero Fahrenheit temperatures. Despite the cold affecting overall efficiency, the results showed no measurable difference in energy consumption between the two vehicles. The reviewer notes that while lowering the car significantly improves its aesthetics and potentially handling on smooth surfaces, the trade-off is a harsher, bouncier ride quality, especially over imperfections. The conclusion is that lowering an EV like the ID.4 is unlikely to yield significant range improvements at moderate highway speeds and is primarily an aesthetic modification rather than an efficiency upgrade. The video also briefly touches upon the ID.4's known reliability and software issues. less
Avoid Slow Charging In The Cold! Here's Why You Have To "Yo-Yo" Your EV Heading To DC Fast Charge
This video investigates the impact of cold weather on EV charging speeds, specifically using two identical 2023 Volkswagen ID.4s. The core finding is ... morethat without built-in battery preconditioning, a 'yo-yo' driving technique—alternating aggressive acceleration and full regenerative braking—can significantly heat the battery and dramatically improve charging speeds. The 'yo-yoed' ID.4 reached 60% state of charge in just 19 minutes, while the car driven normally took a full hour under identical 3-degree Fahrenheit conditions. While this method consumes more energy and may raise concerns about battery degradation, the reviewer argues it's a worthwhile trade-off to avoid excessively long charging times in extreme cold, especially for road trips or when home charging isn't an option. The video highlights the necessity of understanding such EV quirks for owners in colder climates. less
I Just Bought My Dream Electric Car!
Kyle fulfills a long-held dream by acquiring a 2012 Renault Twizy in the US, a rare find. He details the unusual purchase process via eBay and the car... more's history as an imported engineering evaluation vehicle. The Twizy, in a desirable orange with optional scissor doors, is identified as the '45' model, with a top speed of 45 km/h, though the potential for a software upgrade to 100 km/h is noted. The reviewer highlights its compact size, 6.1 kWh battery, 8 kW motor, and surprisingly fun driving dynamics, including a tight turning radius and the ability to perform wheelies. Despite its quirks, like unusual turn signal sounds and a pedestrian warning horn, Kyle expresses immense joy and considers it a dream car that makes any drive an occasion. Challenges include its current registration status for road use and charging, with adapters being sourced. Overall, the condition is rated a solid 7/10, with minor cosmetic issues and the intention to upgrade wheels and windows. less
The Rivian Thermal Management Rapidgate Issue
The reviewer highlights a significant thermal management issue with the Rivian R1T, particularly concerning its battery pack's ability to cool it... moreself during DC fast charging, even in cold weather. This "Rapidgate" problem leads to substantial charging speed degradation, dropping from peak speeds of over 200 kW down to 90-150 kW, significantly impacting road trip efficiency. The reviewer notes that while driving, especially when towing downhill, regenerative braking is also limited due to inverter heat. They suspect a hardware limitation, possibly due to "hot spotting" within the battery pack's double-stack design, preventing adequate cooling. While software updates have attempted to address the issue, the core problem persists. The reviewer contrasts this with vehicles like the Porsche Taycan and Tesla, which manage thermal loads more effectively. They suggest Rivian could potentially mitigate the issue by raising the maximum allowable battery temperature or improving cooling system efficiency, but ultimately express frustration that a premium vehicle struggles with basic road trip charging due to thermal constraints, recommending Tesla or gasoline cars for easier long-distance travel. less
Need More Winter Range! Taking My Electric Audi E-Tron On A Snowy Colorado Mountain Trip
This video documents a winter road trip in a 2019 Audi e-tron, highlighting significant range limitations in cold weather and mountainous terrain. The... more reviewer, Alyssa, notes the car's comfort and luxurious features, particularly the massaging seats, but expresses a strong desire for increased range, ideally over 200 miles, to mitigate range anxiety, especially during winter conditions. Charging experiences with Electrify America were mixed, with some stations being non-functional or slow, and the app exhibiting bugs. Despite these challenges, the reviewer maintains a positive sentiment towards the e-tron's overall comfort and drivability, stating they would not trade it in due to range issues alone, but would be highly interested in future models with better range, such as the upcoming electric Q8 e-tron. The use of Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 EV studded tires is praised for providing essential grip in snowy conditions. less
Rivian vs Land Rover: Electric vs Combustion Powertrain Control Strategy In Snow
This video pits the Land Rover Defender 130 (mild hybrid) against the Rivian R1T (quad-motor) in a snowy hill climb challenge to compare their powertr... moreain control strategies. The reviewer, a self-proclaimed Land Rover enthusiast, highlights the Defender's excellent handling, smooth inline-six engine, and robust off-road tuning, particularly appreciating its terrain response system and the ability to simulate locking differentials. However, he notes significant turbo lag and transmission calibration issues, suggesting the V8 110 might be a better performance choice. The Rivian R1T, on the other hand, is praised for its instant torque, superior throttle modulation, and the ability to induce oversteer for a more engaging, rally-like driving experience in the snow, especially in sport mode with stability control off. The reviewer finds the Rivian's electric powertrain significantly more confidence-inspiring and fun, despite initial criticisms of its tuning which have been improved through software updates. A key takeaway is the electric vehicle's advantage in precise power delivery on slippery surfaces. However, the Defender's advantage in range and refueling convenience for remote travel is acknowledged, with the reviewer concluding that an electric Defender would be ideal, a role currently filled by vehicles like the Rivian R1S or Hummer EV SUV. less
What A Difference! Hyundai Finally Adds Battery Preconditioning For Cold Weather DC Fast Charging
Hyundai's latest software update introduces battery preconditioning for the IONIQ 5, a crucial feature for cold-weather DC fast charging. While t... morehe implementation is described as clunky and requires a dealer visit (potentially bricking the car's Eco mode), the functional benefit is undeniable. The reviewer highlights significant improvements in charging speeds, with the preconditioned battery reaching nearly 200 kW, a stark contrast to the sub-50 kW speeds experienced without it. This update effectively addresses the IONIQ 5's 'Achilles' heel' of cold-gating, potentially saving considerable time on road trips. Despite the activation hurdles and the need for manual navigation input, the core functionality is praised as a game-changer for owners, making it a worthwhile, albeit frustrating, enhancement. less
Huge Improvement! The Driver Assistance In The AMG EQS Takes The Top Spot In Our Hogback Trials
The Mercedes-AMG EQS is put through its paces in the challenging Hogback driver assistance test, revealing significant improvements over previous Merc... moreedes systems. While the reviewer notes the EQS's luxurious, quiet, and comfortable ride, and praises its advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) for smooth operation, excellent lane centering, and impressive handling of complex corners, some drawbacks are highlighted. The reviewer found the vehicle's efficiency disappointing, especially for an aerodynamic flagship, and noted that the AMG version's acceleration is comparable to a Model 3 Performance rather than a Plaid. A key criticism is the ADAS's lenient warning system before requiring driver intervention, and a concerning instance where the system disengaged without warning during a lane change. Despite these points, the overall verdict leans positive, with the reviewer impressed by the system's performance in demanding mountain conditions, suggesting it's a strong contender, though perhaps not the ultimate choice for pure acceleration enthusiasts. less
A Spooky Early Morning Charge Sparks Change For The Better
This video chronicles an early morning visit to a brand-new Shell Recharge 180kW DC fast charger in Severance, Colorado, with the reviewer driving a R... moreivian R1T. Despite initial excitement and the promise of a new charging network, the experience quickly turned disappointing. The reviewer encountered significant issues, including a non-functional QR code, an app that didn't recognize the station ID, and crucially, the charger's inability to deliver its advertised 180kW speed due to the use of 200-amp cables, limiting output to around 80-90kW. The lack of amenities, poor lighting at the site, and high per-kilowatt-hour cost further detracted from the experience. However, a positive update reveals that XL Energy, the utility behind the installation, acknowledged the feedback and is upgrading the site with a canopy, lighting, and potentially new cables, even temporarily taking the chargers offline. The reviewer rates the initial experience a 3/10 but highlights the positive impact of consumer feedback platforms like 'Rate Your Charge' on improving the EV charging infrastructure. less
You All Need To Unplug Your Cars When You're Done Charging
This video investigates Electrify America's (EA) alleged lack of idle fees, a critical issue for EV charging etiquette. The reviewer, driving a M... moreercedes-AMG EQS, intentionally leaves their car plugged in long after charging completion to test EA's policy. The experiment reveals that, contrary to expectations and practices of other networks like Tesla, EA currently does not appear to charge idle fees, even after a grace period. The reviewer highlights the growing problem of fully charged EVs occupying charging spots, particularly noting the trend among some Volkswagen ID.4 owners who may be unaware of charging etiquette or are exploiting free charging programs. While acknowledging automaker partnerships for charging can be beneficial, the video argues for stricter enforcement of idle fees to ensure charger availability for all EV drivers. The reviewer suggests implementing significant idle fees, potentially tiered based on station load, and even proposes that revenue from these fees should benefit drivers waiting in line. less
Polestar 3 Performance Pack Full Tour! The Spicy Cousin To Volvo EX90
The Polestar 3, presented at CES 2023, is a striking electric SUV that shares its chassis with the Volvo EX90 but offers a sportier, five-seater alter... morenative. The reviewer highlights its aggressive styling, particularly the intricate front-end details and unique rear lighting. Performance is a key focus, with the twin-motor setup and optional performance pack enabling a 0-60 mph time of 4.6 seconds. The interior boasts a premium feel with Bowers & Wilkins audio and sustainable materials, though concerns are raised about potential material wear and the functionality of some capacitive controls. Range estimates are noted as competitive but potentially conservative, with the EPA rating suggesting a thirstier vehicle than some rivals. A significant drawback is the starting price of $83,900, which exceeds the tax credit cap, and the absence of lidar compared to the Volvo EX90. Despite these points, the reviewer expresses excitement for the Polestar 3's potential as a comfortable cruiser with accessible performance, especially with the ESC off option. less
Utilities Are Holding Up High Power Charging! Installing FreeWire Skips The Wait For DCFC
This video provides an in-depth look at FreeWire's innovative approach to DC fast charging, focusing on their integrated battery solutions. The c... moreore benefit highlighted is the ability to bypass lengthy and costly utility upgrades by utilizing a 160 kWh battery pack as a buffer. This allows for high-power charging from existing low-power infrastructure, significantly reducing installation time and cost. The review details the Boost Charger 200, a new 200kW product, and previews the upcoming Boost Pro, which will feature bi-directional charging capabilities for site backup and energy services. Key advantages emphasized include substantial operational cost savings (up to 70%) due to flattened demand curves and avoidance of demand charges, as well as enhanced safety features like improved lighting. The discussion also touches upon the strategic use of tax incentives and the longevity of the NMC battery packs, which are designed to minimize degradation. Overall, FreeWire's technology is presented as a crucial enabler for expanding EV charging infrastructure, particularly for fleet operators and site hosts facing utility limitations. less
I Drive The VinFast VF8 For The First Time!
The VinFast VF8, reviewed here at CES 2023, leaves a deeply unimpressive first impression. Despite its attractive styling and a claimed 402 horsepower... more, the vehicle suffers from significant refinement issues. The reviewer notes numerous rattles, creaks from the steering system, and a generally noisy cabin, especially at highway speeds. Interior materials feel cheap, with sharp-edged grab handles and flat, uncomfortable seats. The infotainment system is described as ugly and slow, with a navigation system that initially struggled with route planning. Performance, while adequate, doesn't feel like the claimed 400+ horsepower, and charging speeds are significantly slower than competitors. The reviewer highlights a lack of basic features like a well-functioning backup camera and adaptive cruise control. Ultimately, for its price point (around $55,000-$62,000, with conflicting information on pricing and the potential end of battery subscriptions), the VF8 is deemed a poor value proposition compared to established competitors like the ID.4, Ioniq 5, or EV6, earning a low overall score. less
I’m On The Quest To Find Reliable EV Chargers! Autel Is Getting Into The DC Fast Charging Business
This video provides an in-depth look at Autel's entry into the DC fast charging market, building upon their existing AC charging solutions. The r... moreeviewer highlights Autel's commitment to in-house engineering and quality, contrasting their approach with competitors. Key takeaways include the impressive dual-port AC charger offering 80 amps per port, significantly outperforming many existing units. The introduction of a bi-directional CCS home charger for Vehicle-to-Load/Grid capabilities is noted as a forward-thinking move, though vehicle compatibility is still developing. Autel's DC fast chargers, particularly the all-in-one units and the high-power dispenser systems, are praised for their modularity, ease of maintenance, and advanced features like filtered air cooling and heated/cooled screens. While the reviewer expresses some reservations about Rima cable performance and boost duration on lower-power units, the overall impression is positive, emphasizing Autel's potential to become a major player due to their focus on reliability, performance, and competitive pricing. less
I Drive The Fisker Ocean For The First Time!
The reviewer had a rare, last-minute opportunity to drive the Fisker Ocean One in Las Vegas. The video focuses on the initial driving impressions of t... morehis highly anticipated electric SUV. Specific details regarding performance, range, and interior features are expected to be covered, offering viewers a first look at the production version of the Fisker Ocean. less
Volvo EX90 Full In-Depth Tour! This Is The Electric SUV I'm Most Excited About
The Volvo EX90 represents a significant step forward for the brand, aiming to be the most anticipated electric SUV. The reviewer highlights its spacio... moreus seven-seat interior, premium Bowers & Wilkins sound system, and innovative design features like the Thor's Hammer headlights that dynamically adjust. The interior's commitment to sustainability with wool seats and a leather-free approach, using materials like Nordico, is particularly praised. While the reviewer couldn't drive the vehicle, initial impressions of the cabin, seating comfort, and expansive headroom are overwhelmingly positive. Key technical specifications include an 111 kWh battery (approx. 107 kWh usable) and two powertrain options: a 402 hp base Twin Motor and a 496 hp Twin Power Performance variant, both featuring dual permanent magnet motors. The reviewer expresses excitement for the vehicle's potential, citing its advanced safety features, including standard lidar, and its role in Volvo's transition to an all-electric future. less
CES Is Going To Be Insane This Year! Behind-The-Scenes Of Setup - New EVs, Chargers, & More
This video offers an extensive behind-the-scenes look at the setup for CES, highlighting the overwhelming presence of electric vehicles and charging t... moreechnology. The reviewer navigates the Las Vegas Loop in a Tesla Model Y, providing a unique perspective on the event's scale. Key takeaways include the significant focus on EVs, autonomous driving tech, and charging infrastructure, with mentions of numerous brands like Volkswagen (ID.7), VinFast, Faraday Future, Hyundai, Cadillac, Nissan, Centro, Togg, Volvo (EX90), Porsche (Taycan), Mercedes-Benz (EQXX), Lucid, BMW (i7), and various charging companies. While the reviewer expresses excitement for the sheer volume of innovation, a slight disappointment is noted regarding the design of the Volkswagen ID.7. The video effectively captures the pre-show buzz and the immense effort involved in preparing for such a large-scale technology event. less
I Froze Two Nissan Leafs For A Cold Weather Experiment And It Didn't Go To Plan
This video details a cold-weather experiment involving two Nissan Leafs, one a new SV Plus model with a 62 kWh battery and the other an older, budget-... morefriendly model with a 24 kWh battery. The primary goal was to test their charging capabilities and overall functionality in extreme sub-zero Fahrenheit temperatures. The older Leaf failed to start, likely due to a depleted 12V battery, requiring a jump start. The newer Leaf, however, managed to initiate charging after a 20-minute delay, albeit at a slow 4 kW rate, which was surprisingly better than a previously tested Tesla Model 3 Performance under similar conditions. The experiment encountered significant challenges, with the older Leaf ultimately becoming inoperable and requiring a manual tow. While the new Leaf demonstrated some resilience, the extreme cold severely impacted its performance and charging speed, leading the reviewer to conclude the experiment was largely unsuccessful and the older Leaf is not recommended for sale in its current state. The video highlights the limitations of EVs in extreme cold, particularly for older models or those without robust battery management systems. less
Unwrapping The Christmas Week From Hell For EV Drivers Using CCS
This video provides a critical look at the state of public DC fast charging infrastructure in the US during the peak Christmas travel week of 2022. Th... moree reviewer highlights significant issues across various networks, particularly Electrify America and EVgo, with hardware failures, software glitches, and poor site maintenance being common themes. Tesla's Supercharger network is presented as the gold standard for reliability, though even it experienced some minor congestion and isolated outages. The core message emphasizes that while home charging is generally reliable, public charging, especially for CCS vehicles, remains a significant pain point for road trips. The video introduces 'Rate Your Charge' as a platform to crowdsource charging experiences and pressure network operators for improvements, advocating for better hardware, more robust maintenance, and improved user experience. less
Check Out This DC Fast Charger With 180kWh Battery Storage! This Is the eCAMION Jule Charger
This review of the eCAMION Jule DC Fast Charger highlights a promising concept with significant execution issues. The core idea of a 180kWh battery bu... moreffer to ease grid connection for fast charging is lauded, particularly for areas with limited high-power infrastructure. The modularity, potential for grid services like peak shaving, and customizable aesthetics are noted as positives. However, the primary takeaway is that the unit reviewed, despite being a new generation model and the first of its kind, did not work. This failure, coupled with the Electrify America station across the street also experiencing issues, underscores the broader problem of EV charging reliability. The reviewer points out limitations in the charging cables (200A maximum) which prevent the advertised 150kW output for most current EVs, suggesting a need for higher amperage cables in future iterations. The reliance on NACS connectors for payment is also criticized due to perceived unreliability, though the availability of Apple/Android pay is a plus. Ultimately, while the concept is innovative, the current implementation's lack of functionality and performance limitations detract from its appeal. less
Model 3 Heater Race: Heat Pump vs PTC In -20F
In an extreme cold weather test conducted at -20°F (-29°C), the 2021 Tesla Model 3 with a heat pump significantly outperformed a 2019 Model 3 equipped... more with a PTC resistive heater. While both vehicles were cold-soaked, the heat pump model began producing noticeable warm air around the 3-minute mark and reached a comfortable cabin temperature of 70°F (21°C) in approximately 36 minutes. In stark contrast, the PTC heater model struggled, with one occupant reporting it still felt frozen after 40 minutes, despite being set to high. The reviewer noted that the heat pump's performance was impressive in these frigid conditions, a notable improvement over earlier iterations of the technology. The PTC model, however, was deemed inadequate for such extreme cold, taking an unacceptably long time to provide meaningful warmth. less
I Deep Froze My Tesla And Immediately Plugged It Into A Supercharger To See What Happens
This video details an extreme cold-weather experiment where a 2019 Tesla Model 3 Performance was left to deep freeze for two days at -14°F (-25°C) bef... moreore being plugged into a Supercharger. The reviewer highlights that while the car's battery pack requires significant time to warm up before accepting a charge (approximately 45 minutes to an hour before significant charging began), the Tesla's battery heating system, which utilizes the motors as waste heat generators, is impressive. The car eventually reached 70% state of charge at 50-152 kW and 89% at 50 kW, demonstrating resilience even in these harsh conditions. The video emphasizes the importance of Tesla's on-route battery preconditioning for typical road trips, noting that this deep-freeze scenario is an extreme edge case unlikely to be encountered in normal use. The reviewer concludes that while charging is slower initially, the car handles the extreme cold effectively, showcasing Tesla's advanced thermal management and modeling capabilities. less
New Rivian Snow Mode Review! An OTA Software Update Enhances Slippery Road Safety
This video thoroughly tests Rivian's new 'Snow Mode' OTA update in extreme cold (-20°C to -30°C). The reviewer highlights the significa... morent improvement in regenerative braking, which previously caused wheel lock-up at low speeds. The new 'low regen' setting in Snow Mode drastically enhances control and confidence on slippery surfaces, particularly on downhills. While acceleration differences between Snow Mode and All-Purpose mode were minimal, the throttle pedal tuning in Snow Mode provides a smoother, more progressive application, with a perceived bias towards the front motor. The reviewer also notes improvements in ride comfort and battery management for cold weather. A minor bug was identified where traction control seemed overly aggressive, limiting initial acceleration before unleashing full power. Despite this, the overall verdict is highly positive, emphasizing that Snow Mode prioritizes safety and stability over outright fun, making it ideal for everyday driving in adverse conditions. The addition of studded Nokian Hakkapeliitta tires is also praised for making the truck virtually unstoppable. less
They Don't Work In The Cold...
This video highlights a critical failure in new Electrify America (EA) charging hardware, specifically BTC Power units co-developed with SK Signet, wh... moreich are rendered inoperable in cold temperatures (tested down to -6°F / -21°C). The reviewer, Kyle, experienced complete failure with multiple new EA chargers in Loveland, Colorado, encountering 'isolation test timeout' errors across different vehicles (Rivian R1T, Kia Niro, Polestar, Leaf). In stark contrast, older ABB units continued to function reliably in the cold, and Tesla Superchargers also worked without issue. The investigation expanded to other networks in Denver, where EVgo's Delta and Signet units, as well as ChargePoint's CPE 250, performed well in the cold, though ChargePoint's Express Plus unit showed issues. Delta 350kW units were found to derate significantly in the cold. The core issue identified is the apparent lack of adequate cold-weather testing for the new EA hardware, leading to a critical reliability problem for EV road trips in winter conditions. The reviewer concludes that for reliable long-distance travel in cold weather, CCS vehicles are currently not recommended, suggesting Tesla or combustion engine vehicles as alternatives. less