Everything Electric CARS

Fiat 500e First Drive | 100% Independent, 100% Electric

The Fiat 500e is presented as a stylish and fun electric city car, mass-produced in Turin and now globally available. The reviewer is highly impressed... more with its compact size, beautiful styling, and surprisingly roomy boot. Key highlights include its efficiency, the innovative "Sherpa" mode which significantly extends range for city driving, and its built-as-an-EV design contributing to good road holding. While the rear seats are noted as comically small, suitable only for small children, the car is praised for its adaptive cruise control and overall driving dynamics. The reviewer finds the pricing competitive, being cheaper than the Honda e and Mini Electric. The main drawback identified is the non-intuitive placement of the volume control behind the steering wheel. Overall, the Fiat 500e is recommended as a brilliant, efficient, and fun electric car, especially for two occupants or families with small children. less

Niu - Is This the Tesla of Electric Scooters?

The Niu GTS-Pro is presented as a strong contender in the electric scooter market, particularly for urban commuting and last-mile deliveries. The revi... moreewer highlights its comfortable ride, impressive maneuverability, and stylish design, noting its significant global sales figures. Key advantages include the convenience of removable batteries for charging anywhere, a clear and informative LCD display, and useful app integration for tracking and remote functions, which also serves as an anti-theft feature. However, the reviewer expresses a strong dislike for the automatic switch to 'e-save' mode at 10% battery, which cannot be overridden and forces a slow 16 mph speed, potentially creating a safety hazard in traffic. The brakes are described as very sharp, requiring adjustment, and the indicator sound is noted as somewhat annoying. Despite these drawbacks, the scooter is deemed a practical and enjoyable urban transport solution, offering sufficient speed and range for its intended purpose. less

Bankrupting Fossils, EV Taxes & ZETA 2030 | 100% Independent, 100% Electric

This episode of the Fully Charged Show delves into significant news impacting the electric vehicle and clean energy sectors, rather than focusing on s... morepecific car reviews. The host discusses the UK's 10-point plan for a Green Industrial Revolution, noting the initial announcement to ban gas boilers in new homes by 2022 was quickly retracted, highlighting political pressures. The plan includes funding for EV charging infrastructure and battery production, though the host questions the scale of investment compared to projects like HS2. A key positive development highlighted is the formation of ZETA (Zero Emission Transportation Association) in the US, advocating for 100% electric vehicle sales by 2030. The discussion also touches on the substantial energy consumption of data centers and the potential for renewables to disrupt the utility industry, with a report from RethinkX predicting that solar, wind, and batteries could provide the cheapest and most abundant energy by 2030, effectively bankrupting fossil fuel and nuclear power companies. The host expresses optimism about the growth of charging infrastructure, contrasting the single rapid charger available 10 years ago with the current 12,000, and anticipates around 100,000 by 2030. A potential shift to per-kilometer road charges is also discussed as a way to offset fuel duty losses. less

Electric Ferrari - Time to Give Classic Cars a New Lease of Life?

This video showcases a remarkable 1982 Ferrari 308 GTS that has been expertly converted to electric power by Electric Classic Cars. The reviewer highl... moreights the significant performance upgrade, with the electric version boasting over 500 horsepower compared to the original's 208, resulting in exhilarating acceleration. Despite its 'lively' nature and lack of modern aids like traction control, the car is described as surprisingly easy to drive in village conditions. The conversion addresses the impracticality and frequent maintenance issues of the original combustion engine, making the car significantly more usable and enjoyable. The reviewer notes the car is lighter than its petrol counterpart and has a more balanced weight distribution. While the conversion cost is substantial (£60,000), the owner finds it preserves the classic car's appeal while enhancing its performance and reliability. The potential for using the car's battery for home energy storage is also explored as a future project. The video concludes by advocating for electric conversions as a way to preserve classic cars, provided they are not rare or historically significant models. less

Peugeot E2008 - How Does It Compare to Other Compact SUVs?

The Peugeot e-2008 GT Line is presented as a stylish and comfortable compact SUV, with the reviewer acknowledging its pleasant aesthetics and easy dri... moreving dynamics. The interior is praised for its solid build quality and comfortable seating. However, the vehicle falls short in crucial areas for an EV. The real-world range is a significant disappointment, falling well below expectations for its 45kWh battery, with figures as low as 98 miles reported on a full charge in some instances, and a more plausible but still underwhelming 130 miles in others. Peculiar software quirks, such as the range indicator remaining static for extended periods, and the baffling absence of a trip meter, further detract from the user experience. While the performance is competent and the boot space is generous, the lack of a reversing camera and the distracting interior ambient lighting are noted as drawbacks. Ultimately, the e-2008 is seen as a transitional vehicle, a decent effort from a legacy automaker, but hampered by a 'fossil fuel mentality hangover' and a range that is just on the cusp of being a genuine inconvenience. less

Audi E-Tron 55 Quattro Sportback First Drive | 100% Independent, 100% Electric

The Audi E-Tron 55 Quattro Sportback is presented as a luxurious, powerful, and technologically advanced electric SUV. The reviewer highlights its imp... moreressive performance, smooth driving experience, and spacious interior, particularly praising the advanced matrix LED headlights and intuitive infotainment system with haptic feedback. However, significant drawbacks are noted regarding its energy efficiency and range. Despite a 95 kWh battery, the real-world range is consistently around 200-220 miles, which is considered poor compared to competitors. The vehicle's substantial weight contributes to high energy consumption, using twice as much energy per mile as smaller EVs like the Kona. The reviewer also questions the necessity and price point (£85,000) of such a large, energy-intensive vehicle in the current market, suggesting it appeals primarily to existing Audi drivers looking to switch to electric, while acknowledging cheaper and more powerful alternatives exist. The wing cameras are also criticized for being problematic on the driver's side. less

VW ID.4 Sneak Peek: Will it Outsell the ID.3? | 100% Independent, 100% Electric

The Volkswagen ID.4 is presented as the ID.3's larger sibling, targeting a broad audience of current internal combustion engine car drivers rathe... morer than EV enthusiasts. The reviewer highlights its familiar feel, shared MEB platform, and a rear-mounted, rear-wheel-drive setup similar to the ID.3, which was praised. Key specifications mentioned include a ~70 kWh battery, a claimed 320-mile WLTP range (though real-world estimates are lower), 125 kW charging, and 204 horsepower. A notable point of discussion is the vehicle's 'creep' function, described as the strongest ever seen in an EV. The review touches on VW's strategy of viewing Tesla as a partner in electrification rather than a competitor. Concerns are raised about the potential impact of 'Dieselgate' on public perception and sales, particularly among informed EV buyers. The vehicle is slated for a US release in Q1 2021, with production planned for Chattanooga in 2022. less

Mazda MX-30 First Drive - Does It Have a Perfectly Sized Battery? | 100% Independent, 100% Electric

The Mazda MX-30 is presented as a practical and well-made compact SUV, but its standout feature, and primary point of contention, is its unusually sma... morell 35.5 kWh battery. While Mazda argues this reduces manufacturing CO2 and lowers the price point, the reviewer expresses skepticism about the CO2 calculations, questioning the inclusion of the full lifecycle emissions for combustion engines versus EVs. The real-world range is estimated to be around 110 miles (WLTP 124 miles), which, despite being low, is deemed sufficient for many daily commutes. The reviewer praises the car's solid build quality, comfortable interior, intuitive controls, excellent head-up display, and the highly effective five-level regenerative braking system. Despite reservations about the battery size and the CO2 argument, the reviewer concludes they like the car, finding its driving experience, cost, and aesthetics appealing, and expresses a desire for more time with it. less

Massive Wind, Naughty Hybrids & A Beefy Leaf | 100% Independent, 100% Electric

This episode of Fully Charged News covers a range of electric vehicle and renewable energy topics. The host expresses strong support for the UK's... more increased investment in offshore wind power, viewing it as a positive, albeit token, step towards a cleaner grid. He critiques the continued relevance of hybrid vehicles, citing Norway's overwhelming shift to pure electric sales (82% in September) as evidence that hybrids are now obsolete. The review highlights the discontinuation of the Mitsubishi i-MiEV, acknowledging its pioneering role, and introduces the "Re-LEAF," a specially adapted Nissan LEAF designed for disaster relief, capable of powering essential equipment. A significant portion is dedicated to a strong condemnation of a new coal mine approved in Cumbria, contrasting it with Sweden's advanced steel production using renewable energy and hydrogen. The episode also features positive news about the upcoming MG5 EV estate car, praised for its practicality and affordability, and the successful launch of electric coach services in Scotland. Finally, the host discusses the emerging electric truck market, highlighting Scania's new electric truck as a plausible option, while casting doubt on Nikola's earlier promotional tactics. The segment concludes with an optimistic look at VTOL delivery drones. less

X Shore Electric Boat & Aim Zero Ocean Clean-Up | 100% Independent, 100% Electric

This episode of Fully Charged showcases the X Shore Elex 8000, a 100% electric boat, highlighting its environmental benefits and innovative features. ... moreThe reviewer emphasizes the boat's silent operation, zero emissions, and cost savings compared to traditional boats. A key aspect is the AIM ZERO project, a collaboration of EV manufacturers including X Shore, Polestar, and Cake, dedicated to reducing carbon footprints and supporting ocean clean-up initiatives. Divers are utilizing X Shore boats for their practical design, ease of use, and quiet operation during clean-up missions. The Elex 8000 2021 edition is praised for its modern technology, including a large touchscreen interface, a 'man overboard' feature, and 360-degree maneuverability. The boat offers impressive performance, reaching speeds of up to 40 knots and a range of 30-50 nautical miles depending on conditions. The reviewer concludes that electric boats are the future of maritime transport, offering a superior experience and a positive environmental impact, especially when integrated into projects like AIM ZERO. less

VW ID.3 First Drive - Is This the Mass Market EV the World Needs?

The reviewer expresses significant enthusiasm for the Volkswagen ID.3, positioning it as a potential mass-market EV that the world needs. He highlight... mores its fun-to-drive nature, sensible design, and impressive driving experience, drawing parallels to the iconic Golf. Key strengths noted include its solid and reassuring build quality, spacious interior (especially the rear seats), and a surprisingly large boot for its class. The reviewer is particularly impressed by the innovative blue light indicator for navigation and praises the car's overall comfort and familiarity, making it feel like a natural successor to the Golf. While acknowledging minor software glitches, such as an over-sensitive sensor and an incorrect speed limit display, and noting that the Tesla Model 3 currently leads in range and charging infrastructure, the reviewer concludes that the ID.3 is a strong contender, potentially topping his list for his next vehicle. He emphasizes its sensible, usable, and non-performance-oriented nature, making it a great, easy-to-drive car. less

Honda E – Is This the Ultimate Urban Electric Car?

The Honda E is presented as a premium, head-turning urban EV, praised for its unique retro-modern styling and impressive maneuverability, particularly... more its tight turning circle. The interior is also highlighted for its innovative design, featuring multiple screens and a digital rear-view mirror. However, the review is critical of its limited real-world range, which falls significantly short of the quoted WLTP figures, averaging around 96 miles. The small boot space and cramped rear seating are also noted as drawbacks for practicality. While the 'Advance' trim offers a more powerful motor and additional features, the reviewer questions the necessity of the performance difference for a city car. Ultimately, the Honda E is deemed a "great little city car" and "one-trick pony" for urban environments, but its high price point and range limitations make it a niche choice, suitable only for those with predictable short commutes and potentially a second vehicle for longer trips. less

Has Elon Musk's Tesla Taken Batteries to the Next Level?

This "Fully Charged" special delves into Tesla's pivotal Battery Day presentation, with hosts Rob and Roger Atkins dissecting the compa... moreny's ambitious advancements. The core takeaway is Tesla's potential to "halve the cost" of batteries per kilowatt-hour and achieve a "16 to 20 percent range increase" through innovations like the new 4680 cell format and improved manufacturing processes. Atkins highlights the significance of Tesla's vertical integration, from raw materials to cell production, positioning them ahead of competitors who rely on external suppliers. The discussion emphasizes Tesla's commitment to sustainability, not just in vehicle emissions but also in ethical sourcing and recycling of battery materials. While no new models were announced, the advancements presented are seen as crucial building blocks for Tesla's long-term goal of delivering truly affordable electric vehicles. The review concludes that these developments represent a "game-changing moment" and a "step change" that leaves traditional automakers "in the dust." less

Are E Bikes Any Good? Van Moof S3 Review

The Van Moof S3 is presented as a distinctive and technologically advanced e-bike, praised for its integrated design and impressive motor performance,... more particularly on challenging hills like Box Hill. The reviewer highlights the quiet and powerful assistance, making climbs effortless and suggesting it opens up cycling to a wider audience who may be deterred by traditional cycling's physical demands. The battery life is noted as genuinely impressive, with a potential range of around 100km in easy conditions. However, the review points out significant drawbacks: the saddle is deemed uncomfortable, especially for women, and the bike's integrated nature means limited customization options. The reviewer also questions the value proposition for flat terrain, suggesting cheaper alternatives might suffice, and criticizes the 'overhyped' marketing. Despite these criticisms, the core message is that e-bikes, exemplified by the S3's ability to make cycling accessible, represent a significant part of the future of personal transport, potentially replacing short car journeys. less

Cake Motorbikes: All Electric, No ICE! | 100% Independent, 100% Electric

The Cake Kalk electric motorbike is lauded for its innovative design, lightweight construction (69kg), and dual functionality, serving as both an off-... moreroad machine and a street-legal commuter. The reviewer highlights its direct-drive system, eliminating gears and clutches for a simpler, low-maintenance riding experience. Key advantages include its powerful torque, intuitive ride modes (1-3 for power, 1-3 for braking/regen), and easily swappable battery offering around 3 hours of ride time and a 90-second changeover. The street-legal version, while slightly detuned for top speed (100 km/h vs 80 km/h off-road), offers versatility. The reviewer praises the smooth throttle control at low speeds, making it easier to navigate technical terrain than combustion engine equivalents. The primary drawback mentioned is a potential feeling of insecurity at higher speeds on the road due to its lightweight nature, a trade-off for its agility. Overall, the Cake Kalk is presented as a premium, fun, and highly capable electric motorcycle that effectively fills a niche between e-bikes and traditional motorcycles. less

Bonkers Batteries, Volta Trucks & Unpleasant Emissions | 100% Independent, 100% Electric

This episode of Fully Charged News covers a range of electric vehicle and energy storage developments. The review highlights Volta Trucks, a UK-based ... moremanufacturer producing 16-ton electric trucks with ranges of 95-125 miles, deemed suitable for urban delivery routes. The program also discusses the rapid expansion of battery storage, citing the Gateway Battery in San Diego (230 MWh, expanding to 250 MWh) and the massive 6 GWh expansion planned for Moss Landing, California. The potential for energy bricks as a novel battery technology is also explored. A significant portion is dedicated to the Izera, a new electric car from Poland, which is expected to have a 250-mile range and potentially use VW or PSA platforms. The episode touches on the environmental impact of steel production, introducing the HYBRIT project for fossil-free steel using hydrogen and renewables. Finally, it briefly mentions the UK government's revised assessment of wind and solar costs, GE's integration of battery storage with wind farms, Audi's alleged diesel emissions cheating, and the decommissioning of a nuclear site in Scotland. less

Tesla Model Y: How Does It Stack Up Against the Tesla Model 3?

This review provides a comprehensive comparison between the Tesla Model Y and Model 3, highlighting the Model Y's key advantages in space and pra... morecticality. The reviewer, Ben Sullins, emphasizes that while the two vehicles share approximately 75% of their parts, the Model Y offers significantly more headroom, a larger rear storage area, and a more capacious frunk due to its taller stance and larger dimensions. The automatic liftgate is noted as a major convenience, especially for families. The interior is largely identical to the Model 3, with all controls centralized on the large touchscreen, though the reviewer points out the wireless charging pad as a minor upgrade. The driving experience is described as very similar to the Model 3. The specific Model Y reviewed is an all-wheel-drive Long Range version, estimated at 316 miles of EPA range and costing just under $50,000 USD (before options like wheels and FSD). Charging capabilities via the Supercharger network are detailed, with V3 chargers capable of adding significant range in 15-20 minutes. Sentry Mode and Summon are highlighted as useful features. The reviewer concludes that the Model Y is likely the perfect Tesla for many, particularly due to its increased space and utility over the Model 3. less

Affordable Eco Housing; Is This What We Should Be Building? | 100% Independent, 100% Electric

This video from Fully Charged showcases the Parc Eirin development in Cardiff, featuring 220 affordable, zero-carbon homes. The reviewer is highly imp... moreressed with the integrated renewable energy systems, including solar PV roofing, battery storage, and ground-source heat pumps, which eliminate the need for fossil fuels. A key takeaway is the significant reduction in energy bills for residents, estimated at half of traditional costs, and the homes' ability to support the energy grid by intelligently managing demand. While there's an initial capital cost premium of 15-20%, the long-term savings and environmental benefits are emphasized. The reviewer praises the 'fabric first' approach, focusing on excellent insulation and building envelopes to minimize energy demand. The integration of smart technology allows for automated energy management and behavioral nudges for residents to optimize energy usage. The development is highlighted as a model for future housing, with the potential to become net-generating power stations. The reviewer strongly advocates for widespread adoption of such eco-housing, criticizing the slow pace of the construction industry. less

Farmtrac Electric Tractor as Featured on BBC Countryfile | 100% Independent, 100% Electric

The Farmtrac 25G electric tractor, featured on BBC's Countryfile, represents a significant, albeit early, step towards electrifying agricultural ... moremachinery. The reviewer highlights its impressive performance in chopping through weeds and its quiet operation, a stark contrast to noisy diesel counterparts. A key advantage noted is the ease of charging via a standard three-pin plug, ideal for farms with on-site renewable energy generation like solar or wind. However, the primary drawback is its current cost, being nearly twice that of a comparable diesel tractor, and its limited horsepower (around 21-22 HP), making it suitable for smaller tasks, groundskeeping, or specialized environments like greenhouses, rather than large-scale farming operations. Despite these limitations, the reviewer is optimistic about the future, anticipating larger, more powerful, and eventually autonomous electric tractors, aligning with the agricultural industry's push for zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040. less

Russian EVs and 1 Million Chargers | Fully Charged for Clean Energy and Electric Vehicles

This episode of Fully Charged News covers several significant developments in the EV and clean energy sectors. The host highlights the potential of de... moreep-sea poly-metallic nodules as a sustainable source for EV battery minerals, contrasting it with traditional mining's environmental impact. The review then shifts to Russia's burgeoning EV market, introducing the affordable Zetta and the high-performance R67, a Tesla P100D-based electric Mustang replica. A key takeaway is Shell's surprising advocacy for an earlier ban on new petrol and diesel car sales in the UK, underscoring the company's investment in charging infrastructure. The global surge in public charging points, particularly in China, is noted, alongside Toyota's promising advancements in solid-state battery technology, which could double energy density and offer 400-800 mile ranges with 15-minute charging. The episode concludes with a positive outlook on UK EV sales, which have seen substantial growth. less

Cheap, Cool & Crazy Electric Cars at Chengdu Motor Show

The Fully Charged Show's correspondent, Elliot Richards, provides an extensive tour of the 2020 Chengdu Motor Show, highlighting a diverse range ... moreof Chinese electric vehicles. The review showcases everything from budget-friendly city cars like the Wuling Mini EV and Baojun e300p, praised for their affordability and unique designs, to more premium offerings such as the BYD Han, noted for its striking aesthetics and performance. The BYD Yuan and e2 are presented as practical, lower-cost options, while the JAC E20X and E40X demonstrate a focus on practicality and emerging self-driving features. Toyota's Izoa is also featured as an unexpected EV offering from the Japanese manufacturer in the Chinese market. The show emphasizes the rapid advancement and variety within China's EV sector, with concepts like the Chery Arrizo Star aiming to excite younger consumers. Overall, the report underscores China's significant lead in EV development and adoption compared to Western markets, with a particular fondness expressed for the quirky and affordable Baojun e300p. less

Arrival: First Look - Is This Britain's Rivian?

The Fully Charged team gets an exclusive first look at the Arrival electric delivery van, a vehicle designed from the ground up with price parity and ... moreuser experience as core tenets. The van impresses with its futuristic design, exceptional cargo capacity (approximately 14 cubic meters, offering a 40% saving on cargo efficiency compared to similarly sized vehicles), and a focus on total cost of ownership for fleet operators. Key advantages highlighted include significant savings on fuel and servicing, bidirectional charging capabilities (Vehicle-to-Grid), and a composite body structure that eliminates the need for traditional painting. The interior is praised for its outstanding visibility and driver ergonomics, allowing drivers to stand up and move around easily. While still in development, the van is slated for public road testing soon, with mass production planned in the UK. The company's vertically integrated approach, designing components like drivetrains, batteries, and software in-house, is seen as crucial to achieving cost and efficiency goals. Although currently focused on B2B sales, direct consumer sales are planned for the future. Autonomy is a secondary focus for now, with initial applications envisioned within depot environments. less

Energy Hogs, Electric Vans and Tata's Nexon | Fully Charged for Clean Energy & Electric Vehicles

This episode of Fully Charged delves into energy consumption, the economics of EVs, and the evolving landscape of clean energy solutions. The host hig... morehlights the significantly higher energy usage of American homes compared to those in France, the UK, and China, attributing it to larger house sizes and less efficient appliances, though notes a growing trend towards smaller, more efficient new builds and the potential ban of natural gas in San Francisco. A key takeaway is the confirmation that electric vehicles are cheaper to own and run over their lifetime than their petrol or diesel counterparts, citing a report that shows EVs retain value better and have lower annual tax, maintenance, and refueling costs. The review also introduces the Tata Nexon EV from India, noting its affordability (around £14,000 before subsidies) and practical features like a 30kWh battery, 130-mile range, and ability to wade through deep water, positioning it as a significant contender in the budget EV market. The NIO EC6 from China is also mentioned as a more premium option with a 100kWh battery at a competitive price point compared to top-end Teslas. The episode touches on British Gas's pivot from gas boilers to heat pumps and their significant investment in 1,000 electric Vauxhall Vivaro vans, signaling a major shift in commercial fleet electrification. Finally, the confirmation of Tesla's new Gigafactory in Austin, Texas, is celebrated, with the Model Y and Cybertruck slated for production there. less

Polestar 2 - A Tesla Accomplice, At Last?

The Polestar 2 is presented as a serious contender to the Tesla Model 3, with the reviewer expressing significant admiration for its design, build qua... morelity, and driving dynamics. The human-machine interface, powered by Android, is highlighted as superior to Tesla's, offering a simpler and more intuitive user experience. Performance is described as impressive, with acceleration and handling that instill confidence. Aesthetically, the reviewer prefers the Polestar 2 over the Model 3. However, the primary drawback identified is the fragmented and less mature public charging infrastructure compared to Tesla's integrated network. Despite this, the Polestar 2 is lauded as a "brilliant competitor" that will push Tesla to improve, offering a compelling alternative for buyers in the premium electric sedan market. less