Out of Spec Dave is a dynamic automotive content channel that delves into the world of electric vehicles. With a focus on real-world experiences and practical insights, the channel often features engaging discussions with Dave's wife, Kathy, who provides a grounded perspective. This collaborative approach ensures that viewers receive a well-rounded and relatable look at EV ownership and technology.
The channel's content spans a variety of EV topics, from new car deliveries and road trip adventures to in-depth analyses of charging technology and comparisons of advanced driver-assistance systems. Viewers can expect a mix of personal anecdotes and technical explorations, all presented in an accessible and informative manner, making it a valuable resource for both EV enthusiasts and those curious about the future of driving.
The channel's content spans a variety of EV topics, from new car deliveries and road trip adventures to in-depth analyses of charging technology and comparisons of advanced driver-assistance systems. Viewers can expect a mix of personal anecdotes and technical explorations, all presented in an accessible and informative manner, making it a valuable resource for both EV enthusiasts and those curious about the future of driving.
Goodbye Genesis GV60, Hello Tesla Model Y! My Wife's Unforgettable Delivery Day Is Finally Here
Kathy returns to the Tesla Model Y Long Range after a year with the Genesis GV60 Performance, citing the reliability and ubiquity of the Tesla Supercharger network as the primary driver for the switch, especially for her Florida winter residence. While acknowledging the GV60's premium interior, m...
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I Bought The Cheapest New Tesla On Sale! Delivery Of The Base RWD Model 3 LFP
Dave from Out of Spec Dave takes delivery of the most affordable Tesla, a base rear-wheel-drive Model 3 with an LFP battery. He deliberately opted for... more the cheapest configuration (white paint, black interior, Aero wheels) to assess Tesla's entry-level offering. While generally pleased with the efficient delivery process and the car's sporty handling, he notes minor fit-and-finish issues with the rear hatch alignment. The reviewer highlights that the car does not come with floor mats or a charging cable, which he found surprising. Despite these points, he praises the Model 3's nimble driving dynamics, ample power for daily use (0-60 in 5.8 seconds), and comfortable interior for a driver of his stature (6'5"). He also confirms the functionality of basic Autopilot (adaptive cruise and auto-steer) without Enhanced features or HW4, finding it sufficient for his needs. Overall, he expresses satisfaction with the purchase, deeming it "a lot of car for the money." less
Selling My Tesla Model S Back To Carmax! Here’s The Full Story
Dave is selling his 2021 Tesla Model S back to CarMax after a five-month ownership period, citing several issues that led to his decision. While initi... moreally impressed with CarMax's buying process and the Model S itself, problems began to surface. These included peeling on the yoke, multiple door handle failures requiring Tesla service, and the discovery of overspray on the rear quarter panel, suggesting a prior paint job that wasn't fully disclosed. Compounding these issues were significant price drops by Tesla and a drastic decrease in the used car market value, making a private sale or trade-in to Tesla financially unviable. CarMax offered a respectable $75,000 buyback, which Dave accepted, valuing their transparency and the peace of mind their guarantee provides over a private sale. Despite the financial loss, Dave expresses satisfaction with the overall CarMax experience and the Model S's performance, but ultimately decided to cut his losses due to potential future troubles. less
We Road Trip A Rivian R1T, A Twizy, A Smart EV & A Revel From Fort Collins to Copper Mountain!
This video documents the preparation and road trip of multiple EVs, including a Rivian R1T, from Fort Collins to Copper Mountain, Colorado. The primar... morey focus is on the Rivian's capability to tow a trailer carrying a Smart EV and a Twizy, and its performance during the mountain ascent and descent. The reviewer highlights the Rivian's impressive power for towing, even on steep grades, and notes significant improvements in its regenerative braking system after a software update, particularly when towing and at lower states of charge. However, the journey was marred by issues at Electrify America charging stations, with several chargers being unavailable or in dangerous states of disrepair. The reviewer also touches on the challenges of winter mountain driving, with numerous tow trucks visible due to difficult conditions. Despite the charging woes and treacherous roads, the Rivian successfully completed the trip, showcasing its utility as a capable tow vehicle. less
Driving A Tesla Model S 1,000 Miles A Week Is Childs Play For This Arm Waving Musician!
This EV Journey episode features Matt Scinto, a music professor and orchestra director who drives a 2017 Tesla Model S 75D approximately 1,000 miles p... moreer week. The video highlights Matt's unique connection to the host's wife, both having attended the same high school and orchestra program. Matt shares his experience purchasing a used Model S, noting its value and the benefit of unlimited mileage on his battery and drivetrain warranty until December 2025. He emphasizes the cost savings of EV ownership, especially with free charging at his campus and a home Level 2 charger, and praises the Tesla Supercharger network's reliability. While the video touches on the car's features, its primary focus is Matt's inspiring life story and his passion for music and EV advocacy. The reviewer finds the Model S to be a reliable and enjoyable vehicle, particularly for high-mileage drivers, and appreciates Matt's dedication to promoting EV adoption. less
Epic Fun! Driving The Twizy For The First Time
In this episode, Dave gets his first taste of the Renault Twizy in Colorado, experiencing its unique "scissor doors" and compact design. Whi... morele the car is described as "cute" and surprisingly spacious for passengers (even a six-foot-five individual), the driving dynamics are highlighted as rudimentary. The reviewer notes the lack of ABS, poor braking performance, and the car's tendency to oversteer or spin easily, especially with acceleration. The pedestrian warning horn and hazard lights are also pointed out as being unconventionally placed, typical of its French origins. Despite these quirks and a somewhat concerning "service" warning, Dave ultimately gives the Twizy a "two thumbs up," appreciating the novelty and the rare opportunity to drive such an uncommon vehicle in America. less
Here's Why Kyle Started "Rate Your Charge" To Improve The EV Charging Experience
This video introduces "Rate Your Charge," an initiative founded by Kyle to address and improve the electric vehicle charging experience. The... more discussion, featuring Kyle, Alyssa, Max, and Ryan, delves into the origins of the platform, its current data collection and aggregation methods, and future aspirations for charging infrastructure. The F-150 Lightning serves as the backdrop for this conversation, highlighting the practical context of EV ownership. The core message encourages viewers to actively participate by sharing their charging experiences, both positive and negative, via Twitter or a dedicated Google Form, tagging @rateyourcharge. The video emphasizes the collective effort needed to enhance the EV charging ecosystem. less
I Sold My Hyundai Kona EV To The Coolest Guy In Guatemala!
This video chronicles the unique journey of a Hyundai Kona EV SEL from the US to Guatemala, focusing on the seller's decision to export the vehic... morele due to a missing adaptive cruise control feature. The narrative highlights the buyer, Edgar Nanne, a highly educated professional with a background in chemical engineering and rowing, who sought out the Kona EV for its shared platform and perceived parts availability. The discussion delves into the complexities of importing and registering an EV in Guatemala, including initial registration hurdles and insurance challenges. A significant portion of the conversation revolves around a potential battery recall for the Kona EV, detailing the difficulties Edgar faces in getting it serviced in Guatemala, as Hyundai's system initially flagged it as a US vehicle and local dealers were hesitant or unable to assist, even suggesting destruction of the car. The episode underscores the pioneering spirit of early EV adopters in less developed markets and the ongoing challenges they face with manufacturer support and infrastructure. less
Battery Preconditioning On My Genesis GV60 Rocks! Here's How And Why To Use It
Dave from Out of Spec Dave thoroughly tests the battery preconditioning feature on his 2023 Genesis GV60. He confirms the feature is present and funct... moreional, noting its activation via an amber coil icon next to the state of charge. The primary benefit highlighted is improved charging speeds, especially in colder temperatures, by ensuring the battery pack reaches an optimal temperature range (21-27°C) before charging. While the preconditioning worked as intended, Dave experienced disappointing charging speeds at the EA station, suspecting issues with the charging units themselves rather than the car's performance. He concludes that battery preconditioning is a valuable feature for EV road trips, enhancing both range and charging speed, and recommends enabling it even in milder climates. The software could potentially be tuned to initiate preconditioning slightly sooner for maximum benefit. less
Trying Not To Use Superchargers! How Hard Can It Be To Ccs Charge My Tesla Up The Entire East Coast
This video documents an ambitious road trip from Florida to Connecticut, aiming to exclusively use the CCS charging network and avoid Tesla Supercharg... moreers. While the initial leg from Florida to Georgia showed promise with a functional Electrify America (EA) stop, subsequent experiences highlighted significant issues. The FPL CCS station in Yulee, FL, was largely inoperable, with only one of six chargers working, forcing the travelers to use a Tesla Supercharger out of necessity. The EA station in Pooler, GA, also presented problems, with one of the two 350kW chargers down, though other chargers were functional. The reviewer expresses frustration with the unreliability and inconsistent reporting of CCS station availability, contrasting it sharply with the seamless experience at Tesla Superchargers. The trip ultimately demonstrates that while CCS charging is improving, it still lags significantly behind Tesla's network in terms of reliability and user experience, especially on a holiday weekend. less
Does The Tesla Model Y $13k Cut & $7.5k Fed Tax Credit Motivate Us To Sell Our Beloved Genesis GV60?
This video explores the compelling financial incentives surrounding the Tesla Model Y, specifically a $13,000 price cut combined with a $7,500 federal... more tax credit, prompting a re-evaluation of the family's Genesis GV60. Despite the significant savings, potentially totaling over $20,000, the reviewer's wife, Kathy, ultimately decides against trading in her GV60. The primary reasons cited are the substantial financial loss incurred on the GV60 (a $23,000 loss on a $75,000 out-of-pocket cost) and a preference for the GV60's premium feel and comfort for daily driving, even acknowledging the Model Y's superior charging network. The reviewer also touches upon the declining resale value of EVs, particularly Tesla's own Model S, and the challenges with Tesla's trade-in process. The decision is to keep the GV60 and address the issues with the Model S, rather than acquire a Model Y. less
Goodbye Genesis GV60! Hello Tesla Model Y?
This video compares a rented Tesla Model Y Long Range (2022) with the Genesis GV60, focusing on the user experience and practical considerations for a... more potential switch. The reviewer, who previously owned a Model Y, highlights the Tesla's spaciousness, comfortable seats, and the unparalleled convenience of the Supercharger network, making it highly road-trip capable. However, she notes significant drawbacks compared to her GV60, including a less intuitive interface with controls primarily on the central screen, a lack of blind-spot assist indicators in the mirrors, a smaller rear-view window, and a less premium interior feel. The GV60 is praised for its integrated screens, physical buttons, superior material quality, and a more refined, quieter ride that better absorbs bumps. Despite the Model Y's advantages in range and charging infrastructure, the reviewer ultimately reaffirms her preference for the GV60's premium feel, comfort features like massaging seats and HUD, and overall driving experience, concluding that the Model Y, while practical, lacks the premium touches and intuitive design of the Genesis. less
Hilarious First Tesla FSD Beta Attempt!
This video documents a trial of Tesla's FSD Beta v10.69.25, primarily focusing on its performance in urban and suburban driving scenarios. The re... moreviewers express significant concern over the system's unpredictable and sometimes dangerous behavior, including sudden acceleration, erratic steering, and a failure to adequately react to other road users and obstacles. While acknowledging moments where FSD performed competently, particularly with traffic light recognition and some turns, the overall verdict is overwhelmingly negative. The reviewers deem the system a "novelty," "gimmick," or "party trick" at best, and a "tremendous liability" at worst, strongly advising against relying on it for daily driving or expecting it to be truly "full self-driving." They contrast it unfavorably with Enhanced Autopilot, which they find much more reliable for highway driving. The trial was conducted on a Tesla Model S. less
Florida Man Buys An Ioniq 5 And Does Not Need Golf To Keep Him Happy During His Retirement!
Kent, a retired accountant living in Fort Myers, Florida, shares his positive experience with his Hyundai IONIQ 5 SEL, which he purchased in April 202... more2. He highlights the car's quiet and smooth ride, spacious interior, and the convenience of home charging with his Level 2 Grizzly charger, noting he charges at home 99% of the time. Kent praises the HDA2 system for its advanced driver assistance features. While he acknowledges missing some features from the Limited trim, such as the glass roof and cooled seats, he finds the SEL's heated seats and cabin preconditioning adequate for his needs. He successfully completed a 1200-mile road trip to St. Louis using Electrify America, encountering minor app-related issues but generally positive charging experiences. Kent's advice for potential EV buyers is to consider charging infrastructure reliability for road trips, especially if they don't have home charging. He also mentions his interest in exploring aftermarket driver assistance systems like OpenPilot. less
Massive Tesla Road Trip From CT To FL In My Model S Refresh During The Insanely Cold Holiday Break!
This video documents a Tesla Model S Refresh road trip from Connecticut to Florida during a cold holiday weekend, focusing on the reliability and stra... moretegy of using the Tesla Supercharger network. The reviewer highlights the ease and 'boring' reliability of the Tesla network compared to the perceived unreliability of CCS, especially in cold weather. Key takeaways include the importance of understanding battery conditioning, optimal charging states (pulling in with a low state of charge to maximize charging speed), and the effectiveness of Tesla's navigation. The reviewer also touches on the FSD Beta's 'autopilot jail' feature, noting its increased sensitivity. Despite some minor issues like battery tapering and range estimation discrepancies in cold, the overall verdict is overwhelmingly positive, praising the seamless and anxiety-free experience of road-tripping with Tesla. less
Let's Go For A Ride With Branden Flasch In His Rivian R1T!
This video offers an in-depth look at Branden Flasch's Rivian R1T, focusing on his personal EV journey and the truck's capabilities. Branden... more, who took delivery in September 2022 and has already accumulated over 11,000 miles, highlights the Adventure trim with 20-inch all-terrain tires and the Ocean Coast interior. He praises the truck's overall performance and family appeal, noting that his family enjoyed it immensely. A key point of discussion is the tonneau cover, which Branden reports works without issue despite some initial concerns about its noises. The conversation also touches upon Branden's extensive history with various EVs, including Teslas, the VW ID.4, and a Polestar, often involving opportunistic buying and selling driven by market conditions and tax credits. His current role leading technical aspects for EV charging infrastructure at Circle K in North America is also explored, emphasizing the challenges of bureaucracy and the importance of reliability and customer expectation in charger deployment. less
Setting Up EVgo Autocharge+ For Easier Station Activation Because Using Apps Is A Pain!
This video chronicles the challenging process of setting up EVgo's new Autocharge+ feature, intended to simplify station activation. The reviewer... more, Dave, expresses significant frustration with the complex and time-consuming setup, contrasting it with the seamless plug-and-charge experience of Tesla Superchargers. Despite initial optimism and multiple attempts at different stations, the Autocharge+ feature proved difficult to activate, requiring extensive troubleshooting and app interaction, which defeats the purpose of a simplified system. While the reviewer acknowledges the potential convenience of Autocharge+ once functional, the overall experience highlights significant usability issues and unreliability with the EVgo network's implementation, leading to a low initial rating. The video concludes with the eventual, albeit delayed, success of activating Autocharge+ on a specific unit, but the arduous journey leaves a lasting impression of a feature not yet ready for prime time. less
This Is The Worst Rivian Review Ever!
This video offers a candid, albeit chaotic, first impression of the Rivian R1T, featuring the "Out of Spec Dave" family and friends. The rev... moreiewer highlights the truck's striking design, comfortable and plush seating, and the impressive large glass roof providing ample headroom. Positives include the intuitive large screen and the overall smooth, solid, and quick driving experience, with a powerful 800+ horsepower and 3.5-second 0-60 time. Key features like the gear tunnel and the availability of an R1S SUV variant are noted. However, the review also points out some drawbacks: the cup holders are deemed flimsy, and the reliance on the CCS network for charging (though Rivian's own network is mentioned) is a consideration for road-trippers. The reviewer's personal preference leans towards the R1S SUV for family use, despite acknowledging the R1T's appeal to pickup truck enthusiasts. The overall sentiment is positive, with multiple thumbs up from the participants. less
When All Chargers Fail, Just Go To A Tesla Supercharger!
This video highlights a critical issue facing EV adoption: the unreliability of non-Tesla charging infrastructure. The hosts attempted to charge a Tes... morela Model S at a Jule station and then an Electrify America (EA) station, both of which proved to be non-functional or problematic. The Jule station, despite its impressive battery pack and design, was completely inoperable. The EA station, while partially functional, suffered from multiple offline chargers and long wait times, exacerbated by a holiday weekend crowd. The experience with other EV owners at the EA station underscored the widespread frustration with the current state of CCS charging. Ultimately, the only reliable charging solution found was a Tesla Supercharger, which worked seamlessly. The review strongly suggests that for road trips, Tesla remains the superior choice due to its robust and dependable charging network, while acknowledging that CCS is viable for daily local charging if home charging is available. less
Here's What To Do If Your EV Catches Fire; An Unlikely Event
This video addresses the critical but often overlooked topic of EV fire safety, featuring an informative discussion with P.J. Norwood, Director of Tra... moreining for the Connecticut Commission on Fire Safety and Control. The conversation highlights that while EV fires are rare, preparedness is key for both the public and first responders. Norwood emphasizes that standard procedure for any vehicle fire is to exit immediately and move to a safe distance, cautioning about potential secondary events like tire or strut explosions. A significant portion of the discussion focuses on the challenges faced by the fire service, including the need for specialized training, access to battery systems, and the substantial water requirements for extinguishing and cooling lithium-ion batteries to prevent thermal runaway. The video promotes a "Best Practices Resource" guide developed by the Connecticut Fire Academy, accessible via their website, to aid fire departments nationwide in developing their own protocols. The overall message is one of education and preparedness, reassuring viewers that the fire service is actively learning and adapting to EV incidents, and encouraging manufacturers to adopt standardized vehicle identification for EVs, hybrids, and combustion engines. less
Learn About EV Batteries and Energy From an AI Empowered Avatar
This episode of 'Out of Spec Dave' features a unique interview with an AI avatar named EVa-tar, designed to educate viewers on battery techn... moreology and energy. The discussion covers a broad historical spectrum, from the ancient Baghdad battery and Voltaic pile to modern lithium-ion and emerging solid-state batteries. The avatar clearly explains fundamental electrical concepts like volts, amps, and watts, and differentiates between kilowatts and kilowatt-hours. While the video delves into the composition and mining of materials for lithium-ion batteries, it notably omits detailed discussion of specific EV models or real-world performance metrics, focusing purely on the underlying technology. The AI's knowledge base is impressive, though the interaction feels more like a Q&A session than a typical automotive review. less
Hidden Features Of The Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia Ev6 & Genesis Gv60 You Need To Know About
This video delves into several lesser-known features of the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, and Genesis GV60, all built on the E-GMP platform. The reviewer ... morehighlights the nuanced control over regenerative braking, from zero to three levels, and the 'i-Pedal' one-pedal driving mode, which he prefers for city driving but finds too jerky for highways. A key feature discussed is 'Auto Regen,' which dynamically adjusts braking based on traffic ahead, though the reviewer prefers manual control. The video also cautions about the 'Auto Hold' feature, warning of potential lurches in tight spaces like garages and issues in automatic car washes. A significant point is the introduction of battery preconditioning via over-the-air updates for the 2023 models, crucial for optimal DC fast charging in cold weather, preventing the drastic reduction in charging speeds previously experienced. The reviewer also explains the amber dash light indicating the 12-volt battery is being recharged from the main battery, a normal function but one that can be exacerbated by accessories, leading to potential 12-volt battery failure, for which a jump starter is recommended. Finally, the video contrasts Highway Driving Assist (HDA) with HDA2, noting HDA2's automatic lane-changing capability, which is absent in the reviewed GV60 despite it being a higher trim, due to parts shortages. The reviewer expresses a preference for HDA's manual lane-change intervention and the ability to separate auto-steer from cruise control, a feature not found in Tesla's system. less
The Perfect Tesla 2 Car Solution Is The Model S Refresh And The Model Y
Dave argues that the Tesla Model S Refresh and Model Y represent the ideal two-car electric vehicle solution for a family, prioritizing practicality a... morend technology over other Tesla pairings. He highlights the Model Y's spaciousness and technological parity with the Model 3, making it a superior SUV choice compared to the Model X, which he finds less practical due to its falcon-wing doors. The refreshed Model S, particularly post-June 2021, addresses the shortcomings of older generations with improved battery chemistry, faster charging, and updated interior features like a horizontal screen and multi-device Bluetooth. While acknowledging the Model S's luxurious feel is less than German competitors, he praises its comfort, range (405 miles EPA), and suitability for road trips. However, he notes the absence of key features like a heads-up display, blind-spot assist, and cross-traffic alert in both models, as well as the controversial yoke steering wheel. Despite these drawbacks, Dave concludes that the seamless integration with the Tesla Supercharger network makes the Model S and Model Y a compelling, no-brainer choice for an all-electric two-car garage. less
I Rent A Tesla Model Y SUV From Hertz!
This video details the experience of renting a Tesla Model Y from Hertz, focusing on the process from reservation to pickup and initial impressions. T... morehe reviewer highlights Hertz's proactive communication through emails, which provided essential information about EV rental. The rental agent, Vanessa, is praised for her extensive knowledge and clear explanations of the Model Y's operation, including charging, key card usage, and regenerative braking, even teaching the reviewer a few things. The reviewer was pleased to receive a Model Y as requested, noting it was a Long Range version with approximately 12,000 miles and the full self-driving computer (though not FSD enabled). The seamless integration of charging costs directly to the rental credit card was a significant positive. While the insurance options were deemed expensive, the overall rental experience, including the car's condition and the staff's expertise, was highly satisfactory, leading to a strong recommendation for those looking to experience an EV for around $75. less
Living The Dream With Two EVs And Two Small Kids!
Chris, a tech enthusiast and father of two, shares his unique EV journey, highlighting safety as his primary concern. He initially considered the Chev... morerolet Volt but ultimately opted for a Tesla Model 3 in 2019, drawn by its affordability and the availability of home charging. Despite acknowledging Tesla's build quality inconsistencies, such as recurring door handle issues, Chris praises the Model 3's safety engineering, particularly its structural integrity and the absence of an engine intruding into the cabin during a frontal impact. He also discusses his wife's preference for the Volkswagen ID.4, which replaced their Toyota Venza, and their transition to a two-EV household with Level 2 charging. Chris emphasizes the importance of real-world testing and avoiding 'fifth-grade takes' on social media when considering an EV, recommending extended rentals or in-depth reviews. His dream vehicle is the upcoming Volvo EX90, citing its safety, range, and innovative child-safety features. less