UNLOCK GOD MODE IN YOUR EV: FIND BATTERY HEALTH AND DO PROPER ROUTE PLANNING WITH AN OBD DONGLE

EV Channels Review

This video provides a practical guide to enhancing EV ownership through OBD dongles and route planning apps. The reviewer highlights the utility of OBD dongles, specifically the VGate iCar Pro for general EVs and the LLINK for Nissan LEAFs, in diagnosing battery health and monitoring battery temperature. While the Car Scanner app is recommended for broad compatibility, LeafSpy is presented as essential for detailed LEAF diagnostics. The video critiques the native route planning capabilities of many EVs, citing the Kia E-Niro's system as basic. It then champions 'A Better Route Planner' (ABRP) as a superior alternative, especially when integrated with live OBD data. The reviewer demonstrates ABRP's functionality for route planning and live data integration, noting its effectiveness in providing more accurate charging stop recommendations than built-in systems. However, the review also points out ABRP's imperfections, particularly its navigation accuracy and occasional issues with live data updates, especially with the LEAF and LeafSpy combination. Despite these drawbacks, the video concludes that OBD dongles and ABRP offer significant advantages for EVs lacking sophisticated native planning tools.