KIA Optima PHEV | Fully Charged

The very sophisticated Kia Optima won me over. At first I was unimpressed, just another plug in hybrid, big petrol engine, all the usual caveats.
However after many miles driving it, I started to appreciate the effort that has clearly been put into this car to make it stand out.
And yes, it's the CLIFTON suspension bridge, not Bristol... duuuur, everyone knows that.
Patreon:
/ bobbyllew
Music:
Delifinger feat. Ravelston
delifinger.bandcamp.com/

[@lellobgc]

I've been waiting for a long time for a review to this car. I am glad that you were the first to make a good one. Thanks

[@Ecoenergy]

Great to see the plug in range increasing. Having seen details on the IONIQ plugin hybrid in the local dealers I would say it would be a great addition to the KIA.Well done, keep up the good work.

[@Bigtexatx11]

What a lovely informative video about the Clifton Suspension bridge, and the car was quite nice as well.

[@johankroes19]

Your shows are great robert!!, keep up the good work!👍👍

[@someoneelsealso]

Robert its Thanksgiving Day here in the US. I do not know the equivalent in Britain. So Happy Thanksgiving!!!! Please keep bringing us more good info on renewable energy and keep up the good work..

[@Five5tripe]

Robert; another upbeat, enthusiastic video delivered with your usual humble charm. Thank you. Always like the genuine off-the-cuff, but from-the-heart, comments. Crazy that some misguided manufacturers aren't yet queuing up to give you cars to test and that those that do are not giving you them for a couple of days at least. Maybe, if I could make so bold, keep the PHEV vs EV and EV vs ICE type debates for a dedicated video. I imagine most viewers get the electric future and also welcome both your discussion of the virtues of the different EV types as well as your views on individual models but maybe separately? Like you I have to beat a path to bristol every term or so but I regularly do so in a PHEV. So I had great sympathy for your filling-up experience as it is the single greatest pain of the trip for me and quite often it is the only time that the car needs fuelling - all other trips being purely electric. Thanks again.

[@thelongdaysofwheeling124]

Robert, I have a 2014 Optima Hybrid. No plug in... I avg about 47 Mpg UK. Just thought I'd throw that in there for reference. Now considering, the '14 is smaller in all dimensions, your MPG is pretty damned impressive. And for my commute to work and back every day, I'd never put fuel in. And likely would use very little for a day shopping either. Vacations... I'd certainly avg much less than your 105mpg. But it's not the vacations that are burning fuel... it's every day life. And that is where a plug in hybrid shines. As always, another great video my friend.

[@MarkSBurgunder]

Another great review, thank you, Totally love your comments about filling up with petrol at 12:02... how tedious indeed :)

[@Joakimholmstrom]

U are a wonderfull info channel not only on the electric stuff u review on but on the places u visit great job on u

[@PaulVanGaans]

I'm so glad you're covering plug in hybrids! For countries like Australia with next to no EV charging infrastructure or Government support, PHEV's are the only realistic option EV's for the long distances we often need to cover. Patiently waiting for affordable long range EV's in Australia!

[@mariotardini6061]

Robert, I love the fact that you were not particularly excited at first because this car also has a petrol engine in it... I drive a Leaf so I understand your feeling! ;) Please keep up the good work. Regards from Italy

[@Gormador]

Getting my first "real" pay at the end of the month. This is probably one of the first youtube things I'm gonna put patreon money in. Such quality in production for such an important topic has to have the opportunity to continue. Thanks for these wonderful videos, Robert & Team! (Though, petrol engine in this one. Eww! ;-) )

[@gertahnstrom784]

Thank you for the litres per 100 km figure! Very nice video, as always!

[@leonkernan]

I love the UK take on this, I just wish we had a tenth of the choice of electric or hybrid that you do here in Australia.

[@fineartz99]

Positively, complimentarily honest and amusing. High compliments.

[@vincentmaturo8906]

Mr. Llewellen, thank you for keeping your eyes on the road and not the camera. When you're driving I notice that you only GLANCE at the camera infrequently. You LOOK at the camera while stopped, you are a rare bird indeed. I watch more car video reviews than a person should admit to, and you are the ONLY one to do so. Everyone else seems to think it is more important to look at the camera than watch the road. I try to remind myself that when my hands are on a steering wheel, I have human life in my hands. A bad heart surgeon can only take one life at a time, a bad driver can take many more. You are the best.

[@AndrewKNI]

Great review with loads of info. Nice car too.

[@StephenMc1986]

Great videos Robert. The Golf GTE electric motor also runs through a 6 speed auto gearbox in EV mode.

[@JasonCarmichael]

I tried out an EV a few weeks ago. It was a used, off lease, Soul EV. The price is reasonable, finally. I tried to like the Soul EV, but it would only show 58 or 60 miles of range on an overnight charge! I currently own a Kia Niro, a pure hybrid from the get-go. I have owned the Niro for 19 months and spent $1106 on gas, 53.3 mpg lifetime. I have been on several 100+ mile trips, but probably 95% are less than 15 miles. I am presently shopping for a Niro or Optima PHEV. I have no interest in an EV, until I can get 300 miles, and recharge for another 300 miles in 30 minutes. I live in the center of the USA, where wide open highways are everywhere and going 800 miles in a single day is pretty easy. For me, PHEV is the only viable option. 95% of the time the car is sitting parked, why not let me go ~30 miles in the middle of big sky, wind energy, and diesel pickup trucks! docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Sitej4LmrfNw0DTm_DlIGSIQ2Y8mebFq4hmA__w8fqU/edit?usp=sharing

[@poot86]

Best part of this video is the petrol station scene. It really IS a chore and yet people are more than happy to do it everyday and pay a fortune for the experience. We're on the cusp of a EV revolution and I can't wait for oil companies to feel the pinch!

[@juhanyman1802]

Bought 2018 optima wagon phev used a while ago and gotta say I love it. Loads of space and the car feels great to drive. So far couldn’t be happier.

[@75edde]

Do you still have it and if so what do you think about it now after some time with it?

[@juhanyman1802]

@@75edde Car has been great. No problems whatsoever and still the ride is smooth and quiet. Only thing is that during winter time i've had to use some petrol during short trips because it's been so cold (-15-25 degrees celsius), that car uses gas to heat up the cabin. But overall i'm really satisfied with the car.

[@jeffwoodcock15]

Great video Rob. This is now one to watch for my next car. I'm guessing that it would be even more economical if you kept the petrol tank at half full and then you would not be hauling round approx 20+ litres of petrol for no good reason. Maybe you could make a video about that Rob. Thanks as always.

[@torresalex]

Lovely review!

[@hawkesworth1712]

Very good review, Thanks.

[@andytrewin]

Many thanks Bobby.

[@zefautino]

Beautiful landscape. 👍

[@karlis-blums]

amazing petrol station discription! :D

[@TheRealTobias]

Thank you for the conversation into l/100km Robert, this makes it a lot easier for me to compare the fuel consumption with e.g. my own car... Furthermore, I would be interested in your experience with the maintenance costs of your Tesla. Maybe you could give us a little insight on this topic?

[@ScottishNSRailFan]

Another enjoyable review

[@mrjonas9657]

Excellent as always :)

[@khan-hg6em]

a nice effort, 100 mpg is impressive,, and the spacious boot won my heart,, a nice car.. :)

[@TheEVGuy85]

Freaked me out because the green filler in the US is for diesel lol. When you were talking about not having filled up at a gas station for years it really shifted my vision of how I want to be. I've been eyeing the Pacifica plug in hybrid because I have two kids but it's $12k USD more than a fully electric Chevy Bolt. Only crappy thing is there are literally less than 50 charging stations in my state and a full electric car is almost improbable with over 200+ miles between chargers, all of them being level 2 or lower (with the exception of the three Tesla superchargers lol). I have a hard decision. Always love you videos!

[@erikjannoorman510]

Nice, as ever. Thank you.

[@myozone]

I'm convinced by your last video on the Hyundai IONIQ electric, BUT I have to drive to Bristol to test one - I'm in west Cornwall >400 miles round trip !!

[@kens97sto171]

Nice review. Nice car too. Good mix for people that need more range, buy want good economy. And don't want to drive a Prius. They sell an ECO model in the states that's just a small 1.6 turbo ICE with Dual clutch. It also gives good fuel economy and can be bought pretty inexpensive.

[@maybach6536]

As for the electric motor going through gears. I've experienced this in the Jetta Hybrid, it has a 7 speed DSG and when you're in "e-mode" it changes gears as well just as this Kia does and it truly is the strangest feeling compared to a normal electic car with its reduction gearbox.

[@MGCTwest]

Where we live in Montana, it is 100 miles to the next city with little to nothing in between except forest, elk and grizzly bears. We do have a Tesla Super Charger in our town because we are the western entrance to Yellowstone. There are still challenges for places with long distances between communities, like Montana and the Central United States. For us the Prius has been wonderful and we look forward to bridging the gap with a PHEV in the future.

[@noakeswalker]

Hilarious watching your dislike of queueing for petrol - it's a point well made...

[@rubenbraekman4515]

That delay when you floored it tho... 😂 what in the world

[@DDLovett]

that's the first time my better half has been remotely interested in ev. thanks Bobby

[@MickKerr]

oh man, would love to know what it takes to get manufacturers to release models in Australia. The PHEV model makes so much sense here considering our distances are so much greater and the in infrastructure for electric vehicles isn't as mature.

[@BOT-dv9lz]

I got very fast used to fill up at home or work with electric on my Zero Motorcycle DSR ( yes electric offroad mc). Bought it after 25years of driving gasbikes. O-60 3,9sec and range about 190km.Did not by this to be "green" but for more riding and not to be an oil-sponsor and wasting time and money on servicing. Its so easy and cheap to fill. Planing to instal a sunpowered charger on my garage.

[@greyareaRK1]

I'm having a difficult time convincing my partner about electrics. Our usual road trip to Montreal is 800 km, (occasionally in a snowstorm). I'd prefer a range-extended electric, but she might go for something like this. Excellent videography, btw.

[@esaedvik]

How often do you make the trip? If it's like once a month, just rent something for the trip...

[@greyareaRK1]

It's usually 2-3 times per year. I think it's more of a psychologically thing - the ability to go at will.

[@esaedvik]

John Matthias Defo not worth giving up an EV purchase for. We have the same thing here, with people going 2-3 a year max to Lapland and based on that, they're bashing EV's for not having a range of 1200km...nuts. Just take a train or rent a car.

[@greyareaRK1]

Here, I'll let you talk to her.... ;-)

[@mipmipmipmipmip]

John Matthias PHEV is cheaper than full EV. If the PHEV charge covers your commute you'll have full advantage of driving EV most of the time.

[@futureskills1881]

Seems like the perfect commute vehicle

[@michaeljohnson1006]

When you charge up do you include the electric cost in the mpg? is so many pence per kWh?

[@TheGizmodude]

Another nicely done video ! One question I would love answered when you review either full EV or hybrid vehicles is ; do they have a battery management system that regulates the battery pack environment to get optimum efficiency and life from the battery pack/s. Is Tesla the only car mfg that currently incorporates such a management system? Cheers from Canada !

[@turnero77]

Richard Lah Hi Richard, they all do. If there was no BMS they would wear out much quicker. The BMS stops it dropping to less than 30% capacity, or over 90%. Those are ball park figures but that's the gist. You can never really fully drain it. Temperature is also constantly monitored by the BMS

[@simonthomas5367]

Been running one of these for 5 years now. Brilliant car. Easily does 75km on battery. Takes about 5hrs to fully charge off a plug in the work car park. I top up the fuel tank once every couple of months but no more. Mon to Fri I can run on pure electric and then it runs as a hybrid on longer weekend journeys or holidays. And I’ve still got 2 years Kia warranty left! What’s not to like?

[@vishakudupa]

Any issues with reliability?

[@simonthomas5367]

@@vishakudupa No. It's pretty bullet proof. It's a daily workhorse and a Summer long hauler and we've honestly not had one problem with it.

[@vishakudupa]

​@@simonthomas5367 I'm looking at 2020 with 90k miles. Do you think 90k miles high?

[@simonthomas5367]

@@vishakudupa Like all used vehicles, check the history very carefully. If it's been well looked after and service intervals have been respected etc then go for it! If you're not an expert, take a friend who is. I've heard Car Vertical is also very good to check out used car histories.

[@paulgracey4697]

When you mentioned that it had a gearbox in between both the engine and the electric motor, I realized it might be a dual clutch type of gearbox. When you said it was six speeds, then I was quite certain it was. The reasoning is that such gearboxes obviate a largish torque converter which can then provide room for a largish motor. The Prius drivetrain uses two electric motors which emulate a CVT without fixed ratios, and no clutch or torque converter necessary. That means to me that Kia went around Toyota's patents, and with a gearbox they may have already been using for the straight petrol version of this mid-sized vehicle were able to adapt a single motor big enough to drive it at highway speeds using the rev range more typical of an IC engine. I suspect that means a large diameter hollow shaft motor somewhat like the ones used in industrial robots. I would be interested to know if my guesses are accurate.

[@SuperFuzzmonkey]

Lol. Robert acting like he's never filled up before 🤣

[@kingprone7846]

12:37 in europe quite often the petrol hose has got a built in lock so you do not have to stand. you engage the lock and then you can sit in the car or walk off and do something else. not that it takes very long though....

[@TheUnnamedGent]

I might be wrong, but I think litres/100km is the normal economy metric, rather than litres/km.

[@RyanSargent]

TheUnnamedGent He writes it at the end that it does 2.7 l/100 km.

[@Electroblud]

Indeed it is. But for Hybrids, it shouldn't be. The standard should be Liters/100km + kWh/100km. Just like for EV's it is kWh/100km. But the industry doesn't want you to know that hybrids use electrical energy and once the battery runs out (typically after 80 km or so), you won't use those pretty 1,6L/100km anymore but more like 8L/100km.

[@ronaldderooij1774]

In the Netherlands, we use 1l/km. We just want to know how far a car can get on one liter of fuel, on average.

[@erfanheterjag]

it is not 8L/100km lol.... The ICE charges at its optimal efficiency point

[@Electroblud]

Well maybe it's 6 or even 5 L then. But definitely not 1.6 L/100 km (that's the claim BMW makes for its i8)

[@kelli217]

Probably a decent alternative for those who live in areas where charging stations are rare, or regularly commute in areas where there's not a good transit system for middling distance travel.

[@brianholding4357]

Thanks Robert..............

[@EspHack]

how long did touchscreen+keyboard smartphones last after trying to react to the iphone? translate that into car years, thats how long this whole "hybrid" dilemma got until it disappears

[@klaxoncow]

Are "car years" longer or shorter than "dog years"?

[@bryandalton959]

Robert as Kia and Hyundia are effectively the same company, how does it compare to the Ioniq?

[@gregorycropper9521]

Robert I assume that your calculations are based on British gallons. Buying any gasoline is not ideal, but the way I see it, this car's fuel economy is such that it is as if you are taking two traditional gas-burning cars off the road for every one of these.

[@tigersoup]

nice headlights on that optima

[@sdlkfjsdlfjsldfj]

Have you thought about writing the metric numbers in text? Like when you are talking about 80 miles per gallon. Why not write what it is in liters per km. I know you do it sometimes, but it would be nice to have it more often! Otherwise love your videos :)

[@benedikt5974]

England goes metric.... inch by inch! ;)

[@elektrotehnik94]

You have been heard, apparently :D

[@Haien82]

What a gorgeous car! Too bad it's not made as an 100% electric car from scratch (batteries and engine placed like Tesla). As a hybrid it would be perfect right now, but i can't help but feel like it will seem very old fashion when cars like Opel Ampera and Tesla Model 3 hit the market. There is definitely not a long term future in fossilfuel hybrids. Oh, and thank you for making these videos sir. Today have been a stressful day, but after watching this with a cup of coffee i feel relaxed and re-energized :)

[@butaleo]

please make your top 5 lists (Pure EVs, Hybrids, Plugins and so on)

[@limerickman8512]

It is Ironic, someone who is electrically charge the car, complaining about waiting about filling a petrol car. You right, when you charging a electric car. You make the connections and start the charge and walk away. During the Summer I met a couple who had an electric car at a rest stop. They had 30% charge to start with when they pulled in. They connected it and when into the rest stop. They had pulled in before me and I went to the petrol pumps and filled my car and then went inside to go to pay, go to the toilet and get something to eat and rest a bit. When walking out an half an hour later, I got talking to them asking about their car and the man says he expects it to be 80% charged from 30%. I was surprised how quickly it charge that far. I knew the last 20% takes much longer than the initial bit. He had done a half a day driving already and another 3 hours driving to go to get to his sons home. His wife told me while giggling that the son got the exact electric car after testing the parents car on the road a year ago. He told me the initial costs are similiar to a medium size expensive car, but the running costs are very low, which pays off the car faster than a low price car. He was surprised how much range and number of charging points there is on his travels. The wife says with a laugh, she gots the long extention lead in the boot, just in case.

[@OlavAlexanderMjelde]

yeah, he was joking since petrol owners complain about the hassle of waiting for a charge (while he can charge at home). Not everyone can charge at home though.

[@Tigermoto]

Oh how I'd love to be rich enough to live in your world. I'm sure my 12 year old Jaguar X-type diesel has you and many of your viewers thinking i'm some kind of evil villain. But some of us have absolutely no ability to spend this kind of money, I simply couldn't afford even the worst cheapest junk version of these vehicles. I respect you very much both past and present Mr Llewellyn, but it's clear your channel was not made for people like me. Keep up the hard work.

[@paynebabes123]

You should try the Rimac Concept one :D

[@Sergeant898]

AND the Nio EP9!

[@josephk6373]

how did you like Bristol? such a pretty place!

[@volvodashcam]

Have you ever tested the Volvo V60 D5/D6 TE?

[@robsmith1a]

I struggle to see the point of PHEVs once pure EVs start to hit 200 mile real world range (which is looking like being very soon). I think maybe you are right that PHEVs may start to wean people off petrol and diesel. I am probably buying the new Zoe and I was asked yesterday how many times I'd have to stop and charge on a trip to the coast (50 miles each way), I forget that most people have pretty much no knowledge when it comes to EVs and still think in terms of a slow quirky tiny car with a 20 mile range that takes hours to charge. The petrol station mentality also makes them forget that they will always leave home with a full tank.

[@auspiciouslywild]

By this point it is obvious that all personal cars will be EV at some point. But PHEV will probably have a significant role in the transition. Here in Norway there are people that drive 100 mile+ to a cabin without electricity many times a year, often in winter when the range is poorer. But the PHEV will become more and more focused on the electric part. I predict that soon PHEV will all be serial hybrid, with a small ICE which will essentially just be a generator. That way they can drastically reduce the mechanical complexity and super-optimize the ICE to always run in optimal condition. At the extreme end of that is the free piston engine which Toyota is researching. After that, PHEV will come with larger and larger batteries, until the gasoline engine is barely used at all. Maybe this will lead to a generator which is so small, efficient and portable that EVs will come with a space where you can either slot in an engine, or use as trunk space or tire storage. And if this engine runs on methanol or ethanol sourced from bio sources, we wouldn't have to worry about CO2 emissions. Or maybe the whole hydrocarbon economy will just collapse once EVs hit a certain threshold, and ICEs and PHEV will disappear in an instant.

[@robsmith1a]

Thanks Audun - interesting thoughts. I don't see the oil companies going down without a fight, they remind me very much of how tobacco companies used to behave.

[@mftgdeserteagle]

PHEV still make loads of sense. In a pure EV, the larger the battery, the more you pay (which is still considerable) and the heavier the car. Just think a Tesla 100D weighs 2.4 or 2.5 tons, somewhere around there. So, in terms of absolute range, it's awesome, but it isn't the most efficient eletric car. Then you have a PHEV like the upcoming Toyota Prius Prime, which has just 25 miles of range, but that's exactly the point. It has enough range to cover the average daily distance covered, so most people will be able to run full eletric 80% or more of the time. Yet, because it has just the "necessary" amount of battery power for most daily driving, it'll be considerably cheaper than an equivalent EV and obviously much lighter. the result: it's going to be the most efficient car (on a MPGe basis) when operating full eletric, topling the king of efficiency so far, which has been the i3. So, yes, at least in my view, PHEVs make a lot of sense.

[@dankspain]

We're still a few years away until we can see EV cars with a 300 miles range go below 30.000€. PHEV can fill this gap meanwhile. Not talking about this particular car but the PHEV versions of the Niro and the IONIQ.

[@dansanger5340]

There are no affordable 200+ mile EVs on the market yet, at least where I live. Even after they arrive in a few months, the fast charging infrastructure doesn't cover all the areas I want to go to. In five years time, it will, but not now. In the meantime, I bought a PHEV that goes 53 miles on a charge, which covers essentially all my driving in the city. And I still have the range when I want to go on a road trip. My next car will be a pure EV, but my PHEV is perfect for right now.

[@RogerKeulen]

Energy is joul en length is in meter ! Energy density of petrol (euro 95) is around 34.2 MJ per liter.

[@Coyote92936]

Are you planning a Tesla model X review at some point? would love to see it

[@PaulHawkins87]

Rob, please review the new Passat GTE, it only has a 1.4 litre engine and it's pretty light for a large car, so it should be very efficient for a PHEV.

[@martingrady7278]

Got mine 2 weeks ago, charge it every day, some times with top ups, done over 550 miles, put half tank of fuel in when purchased and now have a 3rd of a tank left. Its amazing, my tax has gone down by thousands after changing from my Optima diesel to the Optima PHEV. It is also very smooth, feels well built, over all I highly rate this vehicle, for many reasons. If you drive a company car, this is a no brainier. go to the comcar web site to see comparisons on tax calculations!

[@Veghmester]

do you still have the car? how much trouble has the ownership been throughout the years? I`m thinking about getting a PHEV but aiming for something that has proven its reliability over time. Rob`s review is great and all, but he was testing a brand new car for a couple of days, hardly representative of any maintenance or wear-and-tear cases.

[@Q3ToPBuZz]

Yeah but how quick does it get around the Nürburgring and will it drift? Those are the important things! ;)

[@GuyMorrisUK]

Also think how much weight we'd all loose not visiting a petrol station!

[@ianpdavies1]

There is now surely an argument that there is enough consumer interest that some terrestrial TV channel with foresight should commission a programme about eco friendly vehicles and lifestyle products. Robert would be the perfect presenter.

[@artkincell]

I was thinking the same thing! Here in the states, the "middle" of the country has the fewest EV charging locations. I would love to see Robert do a video series of traveling all the way across the USA in an EV- and NOT a Tesla.

[@mipmipmipmipmip]

Ian Davies Why watch terrestial TV? I'd rather watch something like that on Netflix

[@ianpdavies1]

Yeah ok. I watch Netflix as well. It's great

[@welshjim22]

Morning about filling up with fuel, it takes a few minutes every 400 plus miles depending on car.

[@Musicgutbucket]

You mentioned the Ampera, Vauxhall Are withdrawing from that (sadly), aren't they?

[@kongyang3897]

Wow so cool

[@naeemrafique7338]

I used to walk across the Clifton suspension bridge to get to and from school.

[@olivergunn1913]

1:30 i like the way that when talking about EV range we casually don't include tesla because nothing compares

[@whatthefunction9140]

in america the green fuel nozzle means diesel.

[@summetj]

Anybody know the steps to run an inverter off the battery long term for backup power? (i.e. how do I keep the car "active" so that the 12v system is powered by the traction battery...and then the ICE kicks in when the 9.8 kWh traction battery is used up?) I'd love to put it to use as a "generator on wheels" for hurricane backup power.

[@FormulaWhine]

Interesting that it appears to have a manual gauge for displaying battery level!

[@dhunt217]

Robert has a very polite way of saying the throttle response is a bit pants

[@Supanova7G]

This looks like the sort of car that would be great for fleet / company vehicles that are doing lots of miles between customers and can't really manage with the available offering of electric car ranges.

[@OscarLeeMX]

Look at that boot alignment @0:17.

[@Whiskyandwavesscotland]

Oscar Lee Yes, I always notice these things too. I see it as a sign of quality (or lack of).

[@EngineeringNibbles]

Sharkotron that definitely is more of a sign of design, panel gaps make stuff cheaper but are also ugly and a sign of a cheap car ( look at the hood gaps )

[@lellobgc]

@3:38 you'll see a great (minor) panel gap on the hood. that tells you that the boot alignment is design. i know some premium brands with worst panel gaps... just saying

[@nickwills6042]

Black Boy Hill, top of Whiteladies road! I walk past that Asda every day to get to University (of Bristol)

[@mustsilm]

Wow still so sunny in England?

[@Lawiah0]

I just received notice of this video, about 24 hours after it was posted.

[@HoofHearted2DAY]

^^^ What above you mentioned - I think I saw him say in a video somewhere that if you're a supporter, you get like a pre release access

[@MatthewWilliamsFly]

youtube can be slow sometimes in informing people of stuff

[@jameshartley95]

i have just got it now.

[@mipmipmipmipmip]

Schpankme Verimuch Big oil bribes youtube to hide our electric car news!

[@Lawiah0]

***** HAARP

[@EyesOnlyNL]

Robert, you drove the VW GTE's. They also run the electric motor through the gearbox. But they're DSGs so you hardly notice.

[@fullychargedshow]

I'm embarrassed, yes, I've been told this, just shows how smooth that GTE gearbox is, I really didn't notice at the time. #massivefail

[@EyesOnlyNL]

Not really a massive fail, now is it? :) I just drive a GTE every day AND am a massive car-bore... I bet most GTE drivers don't even know.

[@mannienicholas3693]

I think u should review a Fisker Karma next?

[@smogavc123]

PHEV has dual option specially if u go far :) sometimes u cant just wait and recharge at all, like that comparison with diesel at the end

[@IuseanXboxController]

This video gave me some good useful information like ~30 miles to a full charge and having an electric motor go through a regular transmission so it can break over time to be serviced. haha seriously though. Why were you going on about the MPG when you are giving it with the electric miles added in. The real question is. From a flat battery with a full tank of gas how much gas do you use going 100 miles? The Volt gets 35city and 40hwy miles from a US gallon of gas when running on purely "range extender" mode. What I am saying is if you add in the electric range from a recharge into the equation of how much a gallon of gas goes it could mean that gallon of gas never gets used. I drive under 20 miles a day to work and back twice daily + errands so I would never touch any gas in that car so I would be getting infinite miles per gallon but that is silly to look at it that way.

[@matthewhammant7001]

[3:57] Indicating right while making a left turn from a roundabout. Perhaps time for a drivers refresher course.

[@ericwolff6059]

The final figure of 2.7 Litres per 100 K's is pretty good, all things considered. Here in NZ the price per litre of 98 is roughly $2.20, although that can vary considerably around the country by as much as thirty cents. Still, it's not fully electric and to me that's a big down side. As always, I have been, watching.

[@nic7888]

Does anyone know if the LED light strip below the headlights comes with all plug in hybrids of this model, or just with the technology package and the moving headlights?

[@ncmartinez_his]

@7:40 you mention comparing the Kia with a vehicle from 20 years ago. The Honda Insight came out 17 years ago and made about 70mpg.

[@rogercrier]

Neil Martinez For a long time, (like 100,000 miles) my 2001 insight averaged 89 mpg. Now it no longer has low rolling resistance tyres and I no longer bother to drive as slowly and at 173,000 miles it has averaged 82.7 mpg. (Imperial gallons) It cost me £5,000, has saved me lets say £8,000 in petrol so is in my head the best car I have ever owned

[@jur4x]

Well, at least you have possibility to charge at home. Just the other day I went on autotrader and found few Leafs for under £8000. And I started to think of maybe swaping my 105 bhp petrol Ibiza for Leaf. Well, charging would be a problem. Not only I live in a block of flats with no fixed parking spaces (you get one, but you never know where), but also there is no public charging stations in my town. There is one, but zap-map says it's not operational for the last year or so. And it is not usefull for Leaf owners anyway, since it is not ChaDeMo. And there's a problem with those in Kent. And other options are out of my budget, at the moment, unfortunately :(

[@nedbulken4790]

I'm in the US, and currently have two hybrids, a Ford Escape & a 2nd generation Prius. I'm looking at buying a Ford C-Max Energi, which is their plug in hybrid, have you tested one of those? (Don't know if Ford sells them there). I consider PHEVs to be 'gap' cars to ease the general public's acceptance of EV technology while the major manufacturers play catch-up to Tesla. I thoroughly Enjoy your show!

[@JeanPierreWhite]

Why do you consider the C-Max. Isn't the Fusion Energi a better car?

[@vladzis]

Ned Bulken second gen Prius? wow, we have 4th in uk already..

[@whatistruanymore7139]

Great again Robert but I'm with you on the why not go all electric my Zoe does approx 100 miles for £1 at home charge in fact bit less as I got the new flashy smart meter it said 86p but say a round £1 it great .i talk to lots about it they just seem to not get how much they can save and time in those awful petrol stations waiting for people to buy there shopping it's so tidius. I'm smug lol but really love not polluting I so wish all would go electric now.

[@edcooper2396]

Don't overdo the petrol point, a lot of us run fuel cars and it really isn't a hassle, so stop trying to pretend it is one. In some vehicles you can fill up in Calais and drive to Milan stopping only if you want too, taking whatever route you want. There's plenty of valid reasons for wanting an electric vehicle - that's why I'm here - but the hassle of buying fuel is not one for many.

[@Noukz37]

Can anyone try to explain to me how come this is the only car on the market that has the ability to shift gears in EV mode? I didn't see any other car doing it