KILOWATT HALF HOUR | EPISODE 12: CARS WITH RIDICULOUS NAMES, INDICATORS AND POSTMAN MIKE

EV Channels Review

This episode of Kilowatt Half Hour features a lively discussion on electric vehicles, touching upon cars with unusual names like the Smart #1. The hosts express mixed feelings about the Smart #1, praising its quality and driving experience, which feels akin to a Mercedes-Benz product, but criticizing its overly complex infotainment system and a driver monitoring system that can be overly sensitive, especially on winding UK roads. A humorous anecdote about the boot release mechanism of the #3 is also shared. The conversation then shifts to the World Car of the Year awards, with a mention of the Kia EV9's impressive interior quality. A significant portion of the discussion revolves around the new Tesla Model 3 versus the BYD Seal, with a particular focus on the controversial indicator placement in the refreshed Model 3, which one host found initially frustrating but later adaptable, while the other found it problematic on UK roads. The episode also highlights the benefits of battery preconditioning for EVs, particularly in cold weather, with personal experiences shared regarding the Hyundai Ionic 5 and BMW i5, emphasizing the need for more intuitive integration by car manufacturers. The hosts also briefly touch upon the Tesla Cybertruck's drag racing capabilities and the ongoing discussion about electric car leasing deals.