Electric cars from a different perspective. Electric car reviews and comparisons, as well as honest EV product reviews. If you like tips and tricks about EVs, or want to learn about EVs, this is a good place to start 😎.
For anyone interested in electric vehicles, this channel shows you the of experiences of a first time EV owner. If you want to know what it's like to switch from gas to electric, as well to get tips, tricks, information and reviews of electric cars and related accessories, then this channel is for you.
My wife and I switched from two internal combustion engine (ICE) cars to two 100% electric cars on May 6th 2019 and will never go back to gas.
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I bought an EV because of the information on this channel. I had the same questions and anxieties I think a lot of people have and most of the information on youtube is from shitty car influencers that don't daily drive these. The information regarding winter performance was invaluable.
Thank you very much for your comment and compliment. I have tried my best to be objective and I only tell the truth. I am glad I was able to help you buy an EV and was able to answer your questions. I have been quiet on RU-vid and social media for over 1 year, but this Friday I am releasing a full Kia EV9 review to kick my channel back into gear. Stay tuned, there is more to come and thanks again, I really appreciate it.
They are made of a moulded "plastic", but it is not hard plastic like a Weathertec. As for how they would hold up in a work truck, that would depend on what you throw onto them and how hard. So far my trunk liner has survived having a gravel compactor on it, slid into the trunk with rocks (rock dust and fine gravel) under it and no damage. It has also had several construction materials thrown onto it. The mats inside have survived many camping trips/gear and passengers. This new version is more robust than the first version that I had in my first EV. If you want to see more details about these mats, here is the initial unboxing and full review: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-G2kyqEadpbs.html
Most mats don't have an edge at the front for rear passenger mats because of the HVAC duct under the front seats; if there was a raised edge on the rear mat it would prevent the air from circulating to the rear passengers. As for the front mat, the floor has a slight slope towards the pedals and the mat goes pretty far under the front seat. Also to consider, if you have enough water in your mats to make a puddle, and that could get to your carpets, then I suggest mopping them out. There should never be that much water on/in your car mats. I have had no issues or water getting to my carpets after 2 winters of use. I still highly recommend Tuxmat mats as they are, in my opinion, still the best.
This is the reason why I bought mine yesterday at a good deal from a private seller for my Crosstrek. The front and back and trunk for $240 and the results after 2 years in this Canadian weather. I'm sold. Tks you
Yes, sir. Lots of things were discovered since making this video 2 years ago. I have to make a part 2 video since there are other things that I have found, and that viewers have mentioned. Thanks for watching, I appreciate it.
Thanks for the reply and information. Since making this video back in 2020 I was told by several viewers in the UK about your interesting setup for reverse lighting. I was very suprised that one of them is a fog light and I don't really understand the need for it. In your situation you can only replace the regular reverse light because the other has a different connector and bulb from what I recall. Also to note, since it has been 4 years that this video was made, there are newer LED bulbs that don't use the pigtail design like the ones I had used. The newer bulbs integrate everything into a small package that fits into the socket and into the light housing. I don't have a link since that is not what I bought, but some viewers had pointed it out over the last few years.
@@EV-olution I'm going to run a wire across from reverse to fog. Then another wire from fog up through the car and into the boot (truck) and intergrate the fog lamp in the unit. It's a legal requirement to have rear fog here.
Thank you. I have been very busy with my company, but I do have the video recorded for a review of the Kia EV9 that I spent 1 week with. I just need to find the time to edit. I do not intend to stop, I just need to figure out time management. Thanks again, I really appreciate it.
Why did they not just make a heater that would heat up a coil and have a fan behind the coil pushing the warm air to the cabin once the coil reaches temperature
That is exactly what resistive heating is, and PTC, as described in the video, with the fan being the blower motor and fan. The issue is that type of heating is incredibly inefficient, which is the reason manufacturers added heat pumps.
Great video, explanation, and demo for V2L. I especially liked your idea of using it to recharge a stranded electric vehicle. Yay, my EV6 is now a rescue vehicle!
Thank you for posting. It is fantastic, an honest detailed evaluation of the product and installation caveats. Loved the blooper reel, just like the movies!
Yes, the device is updated and it supports more than what was originally talked about in this video. You can check out his website in the description of the video, it has more info. I will be making an updated video when I get the time.
@@EV-olution OK, please try and focus on the following makes and models, they represent the best values in EV's right now: #1 2020 Chevy Bolts with updated seats and suspensions: #2 2020 Nissan Leaf SV Plus (with NissanConnect remote services like Climate Control) #3 2022 IONIQ 5 (any trim) #4 2022 Kia Niro Wind Trim
The 12V battery is a problem in many models of Kia and Hyundai EVs. You can monitor the 12V battery with the same module I use to monitor mine. I bought this one on Amazon: amzn.to/4cOUSrw
No, not at all, but my company has been so busy that I have not had the time to make a video for the last year. I actually recorded an entire Kia EV9 video a couple of weeks ago, but I have to find the time to edit the many hours of video from 4 cameras. I really wish I could work on my channel at least 50% of the time, but I have to pay the bills and RU-vid is nowhere near there... yet 😎
This isn’t a hidden feature but more of a tip. We have a 2023 EV6 GT-Line 2 and we were shocked how gutless and tinny the audio system sounds. This is a common gripe. I commute weekly from Vancouver Island to Vancouver and I like my music. An easy fix is a small rumbler that fits under the trunk floor - but it doesn’t add a lot of sound quality, just a rumble and doesn’t help the system holistically. On the other end of the spectrum, if one has the resources, you can add a custom fibreglass-moulded sub enclosure and subwoofer where the existing one is. But $$$. A more mid-range (no pun intended) choice is something like a JL Audio 8-12” enclosed subwoofer (NB: I opted for the 10”) which I had professionally installed along with a bass knob hidden under the steering wheel around my right knee. I cannot express how MASSIVE a difference this makes - and I hope they fix this in the upcoming refresh. Even with the bass turned all the way down, it’s still on a little bit - and what that does is fill in the missing frequencies and makes all of the other frequencies sound brighter and fuller. Turn it up halfway and it really bumps without sounding like I’m trying recapture my misspent youth! The enclosed sub does not have to be hard mounted into the trunk - it just sits on the floor and the heft of it means it won’t really move on its own. It has a minimal footprint (I have it up on its end, which also positions it in the most beneficial ‘rear-firing’ configuration) and is easily unplugged and removed if I need that extra space. PROTIP: I happened to have a set of WeatherTech 81BS1 8CTK1 CargoTech Cargo Containment System from our old 2020 Kia Niro - which holds it in place perfectly!
Excellent information, thank you. I ended up configuring the sound settings to maximize bass, increase mids, decreased the highs, shifted the sound 1 position backwards, and tuned the Meridian junk that is in there to what my ears liked. It isn't the best, but much better than the stock settings and avoided me spending more money on "accessories" ;-) Thanks again.
Hi thanks for this information! Do you happen to know if the US version has the wireless charger and the rear heated seats in the upper trim sold there? Looking to import one but wonder if it's worth it...
It is my pleasure. I am not sure about the rear heated seats because some areas of the US did not get heated seats, but I am fairly confident that the wireless charger is included in the upper trim. Your best bet would be to get a Canadian one because our SX Touring had all options available whereas the US version has some stuff missing.
Four years after this video I'm in the market for a used e-Niro and it's a great way to see what are the changes for the MY20 and how to recognize these - this comparison hard to find online. Thank you so much!
That is great to hear! I am glad my older video is still helpful. The e-Niro is an excellent choice, regardless of the year you choose, but be aware that the first model year in Europe saw some countries get the e-Niro with no Kia Connect (UVO) app connectivity, so you may want to look at the 2020 depending on the country you are in.
@@EV-olution Yes, I'm aware of this and looking at MY20/MY21. The number of imported cars with all kinds of different configurations from several countries make it a nightmare to compare, though 🤪
Hi, after the speed of 110 being on cruise control and on the steering assist line, it seems to me that the steering wheel swings too much left and right, trying to keep the lanes. is it something with the car or the Koreans didn't quite manage this? Have a nice one from Denmark
In my experience the car tracks pretty straight but is not perfect. There is some movement, but in my experience there is nothing that causes an issue for daily use.
You might want to update the cars firmware. In the early (2021-2022) versions this could be a "problem". After updating the car to the latest software this problem has been fixed. Worth a try
Hi there. The navigation can only be on the center touchscreen, not the driver instrument screen. It is a shame that Kia did not do like Polestar, where you can have Google maps navigation in the driver screen if you want it.
Hi Andre, I hear rumours the 2025 EV6 should come with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an 84 Kwh battery, rear seat side airbags, a digital rear mirror, over the air software upgrades, additional rear motor sound insulation and projector headlights, are you considering upgrading to a 2025? I do find the EV6 reflector headlights quite poor compared to the Niro EV projectors, hopefully the 2025 EV6 has much improved headlights!
Hi Bob. You are right with your list of improvements for the facelift EV6, but I won't be changing cars for now even though the improvements are very attractive. Being in Canada the availability will be poor due to high demand, and due to high demand the interest rates will be very high compared to what I got in March 2022. I still love my EV6 and I am in no rush to change, not until an EV hits me like the EV6 did in 2021.
I believe we will make the move to a 2025 GT-line pack 2 even though my wife’s 2023 GT-line pack 1 only has 25,000 kms on the Odo. I mostly do not care for the headlights at night on the EV6 compared to my daughter’s 2019 Niro SX Touring which is still a great car. I am also concerned that if we see a change in Government both federal and provincial here in BC we could lose our rebates which could make future upgrades more costly. Currently the demand for EV6’s appears to be dropping off as the EV9 appears to have taken over that coveted position in the market. The EV3 may be the next hot Kia EV!
@@bobstevenson4396 Hmm I can't see how the EV9 will replace the EV6. I mean it's COMPLETELY different car and isn't very comparable. To me it was way too bulky, massive, ugly, boxy and even pricier. I tested the Niro 2024 then the EV6 GT Line 2, two weeks ago and couldn't fall back to the Niro. I went out with the EV6 GT2 and couldn't be happier! Got in Quebec the 12,000$ Tax-in discount too, now I just need to get my Level 2 charger installed somehow by a qualified person.
I fully agree with you. The EV9 is a giant SUV, whereas the EV6 is a big sporty hatchback. Comparing them is like comparing an Escalade with a Golf GTI, they are totally different categories of vehicle to suite different needs. Both are excellent though.
Can I ask for some information on this engine. Looking to see if the cooling fan runs continuously when the ignition is on or the motor is running? Also does the cooling system get warm like a conventional engine
Since the Niro EV is fully electric, and the electric motor does not get as hot as a gas engine, the cooling system does not come on until the components heat up enough to require it. This includes the motor, inverter, reduction gear, battery. In the winter you may never hear the cooling system come on, but you will hear the heat pump. In the summer, even when it is hot and the cooling system kicks in with the fans, it is still relatively quiet, especially as compared to a gas car. I hope this helps and sorry for the late reply.
This was a great video. I'm having a dash cam installed tomorrow and wanted to have an idea of how it should be done. Your honesty and authenticity is refreshing and encouraging and your presentation style makes the video enjoyable to watch..not that I was taking any enjoyment from your pain. 🙂
😂 not a problem, you can laugh at my pain because once it was done I had a good laugh as well 😎. I am glad my video was helpful and that you liked how it presents the information; I try to say it like it is. I also appreciate your comment and compliment. Thank you for taking the time to watch my video.
Hardwiring the dashcam does not protect your car's 12V battery, it only allows for parking mode to work, but lets the dashcam pull power until the 12V battery is dead. This battery pack is a buffer between the dashcam and your car's 12V battery. If the battery pack empties, your 12V battery is untouched since the Powercell8 battery pack only charges when the car is powered on.
@@EV-olution Well I've been hardwired and now using an OBD connection for at least 2 years. Still on the same 12v battery. Yes, you're correct that the power bank is a better option but the price is very steep to justify that. The power bank still needs to be hardwired to your car for a faster charging option because the cigarette plug is not fast enough to charge the power bank if you're only relying on that as the charging option. Either drive long distant commute each way or hardwire.
That is how you know if the software can update your car. Install it and search for your year and model. If you can't find it, them there is no update via the software. It's a shame older models are not supported by the software because they are still excellent vehicles. Have you asked your local dealership of they have an update for it?
@@donaldespeut2042 that is strange. With memory buttons for the seat, you should have the dipping mirrors when putting the car in reverse if you select left or right on the mirror adjustment button.
I love my buttons. Try pressing screen buttons while driving. The charge port in my car is in the perfect area. The faults you find are the things I like. Sorry grandma.
If you watched the entire segment about buttons you would know that I like buttons and do not like touchscreen only. I even say that I don't like the approach Tesla has and prefer buttons for things that are needed on a daily basis. What I say in the video is that the Kia Niro EV is the opposite of Tesla and has too many buttons; there are certain things that are not daily use items and could have been put in the screen. I also say that I prefer a middle ground between Tesla and the Niro EV, with just the right amount of buttons for important things. My Kia EV6 is exactly that, it has less buttons than in the Niro EV, but has everything that is used regularly on buttons, which is perfect.
The ridges are to help prevent any water from moving quickly when accelerating and decelerating. Without them water would puddle together and fly out of the mat on harder acceleration/deceleration.
OK, a new comment on an OLD video. This writer owns a 2019 Niro, and likes it muchly. Right now it and I are on a long road trip. I will take the Niro EVERY DAY for the serviceability aspect. SideBar Andre, how about a comparison of the 02nd generation Niro to the original. I am sore tempted to upgrade to the new version.
That is a great idea and is in my list. The issue is that I have been so busy with my company that I have not had the time to make a video in almost a year. I have a product to review, sitting on my desk since early last year, and several press cars available, I just need to figure out the time issue. Thanks for watching and commenting. The Niro EV is a great car and I loved my 2019.
