Solar charging Citroen Ami in La Turbie with Bluetti AC200max 🇫🇷

[@andygriffiths9916]

You guys have become like pioneers and sagacious electrical wizards to me whilst letting me share in the dolce vita! Much love.

[@MeandMonAmi]

Thanks Andy. Life’s a funny business!

[@mattlawton4715]

@@MeandMonAmi I think if you lift it at the back and give it a good push just might squeeze in. You are brilliant great content and I am a fan of the ami and interested in the bluetti. Looking forward to moor.👍👍

[@vwestlife]

Techmoan recommended your channel in his latest Patreon monthly update, and I love it!

[@MeandMonAmi]

Thanks and thanks to Techmoan who weirdly I was watching for the first time last night and loved. He was doing Some of Kenny Everett’s old jingles!

[@garryclayton8297]

Guys this is an incredibly helpful review. Just for future reference these battery packs don't like the sun or heat, although yes they have internal cooling fans. I'm test driving an Ami on Friday and definitely considering the bluetti ac200max. Love your videos, this one's worthy of two coffees

[@MeandMonAmi]

Thanks Garry. Hope the test drive goes well and if you buy A BLUETTI please do so via the link in our description as we will get a small commission for the channel

[@ricklingard]

Excellent, not just pretty faces , V educational , love the channel , love the back drop . Keep em coming guys

[@MeandMonAmi]

Thanks Richard

[@ricklingard]

If you ever fancy a holiday in brazil drive her over , il buy her and fly you back home , just a thought ! ( Recife )

[@rachaelghostcat8584]

Very informative, makes you look at using energy wisely without getting ripped off by the big energy companies. Thank you for this! By the way your rapport with each other is amazing you could have a tv chat show all of your own!

[@MeandMonAmi]

Thanks Rachel. Yes Solar has really surprised me!

[@Seasidesurfer]

These two are better than any presenters on GMB, what a lift to the day seein their antics on daytime tele!! Funny but informative, great channel.

[@ToreHansen]

This channel is pure joy to follow! And since I like technical stuff this episode was bonkers!

[@MeandMonAmi]

Thanks Tore. I hope bonkers in a good way!

[@ToreHansen]

@@MeandMonAmi Sure is!

[@rebekahlow8375]

You chose a gorgeous place to review the Bluetti! This was a fun and interesting video.This is all new to me and I enjoy learning about how to best run an electric car. Love from Vermont

[@MeandMonAmi]

Thanks Rebekah. Amazing view there!

[@jimmykucera8627]

Wow, that’s fantastic.. Extra 22km of range from the Bluetti charge would definitely help to calm range anxiety.

[@MeandMonAmi]

That’s true!

[@SashasRevenge]

Awesome, so glad that it works, YAY. WHAT A GREAT COMMERCIAL FOR BLUETTI!

[@richardcastle9341]

You are the future, Tim! 😉 Good to see you get your leg over Mr Boo’s power pack.

[@MeandMonAmi]

As the old prostitue said: ‘it’s not the sex it’s the stairs’

[@jackoneil3933]

Very cool Tim ! Much thanks for the Informative and compelling demo. The Bluetti looks like a powerhouse of a unit, and considering the cost and weight of a 2000w to 2800W Honda portable generator costing $1,500 to $2,500 and other benefits of the Bluetti such as instant on and solar charging it's worth considering as generator alternative. Also, with the possibility of rolling blackouts across Europe along with severe food shortages predicted, having a clean petrol free power source you can keep in a town home or apartment to keep essentials such as a fridge and freezer running for days could prove not only a luxury but a necessity! An hour or two of mains AC should be enough recharge it for another few days of survival use. As for the Ami, as it has about 5 kilowatt-hours of battery, having almost half that capacity in the Bluetti should nearly give almost 50% more range, and I'm guessing you might see a bit faster charging if you are charging from the low end of the Ami's battery than the top half. The portable solar kit is impressive for size, wight and performance, and I might suggest trying something like reflective panels or film like the windscreen reflectors, on the ground reflecting on to the panels, you should be able to increase output 10 to 30%. And if you watch the temperature of your panels they should damage them, especially in cloudy or less than scorching sun. Used Solar panels can be found for a fraction of the cost of new and often deliver nearly 100% of new power and can be taken out of storage and placed on a lawn porch or driveway when needed making the Bluetti even more attractive. I figure I could build a 2.4kwh 48v battery pack alone without the inverter for about $500 that would weigh in at about 23kgs.That could possibly be plugged directly into the Ami's battery and charged from it's charger, or connected to a 3000w $200 portable inverter. If anyone is interested in talking about ideas feel free to let me know.

[@MeandMonAmi]

Thanks Jack. Someone could do very well upping the range!

[@jamesb.492]

Searching for the Citroen Ami I found your channel. Love it - entertaining and informative ! Bluetti got me thinking. Install a fixed 300+ Watt solar panel on the roof (those new roof rack anyone) and plug it into the Bluetti inside the Ami. The solar will charge the Bluetti when driving and parked ! Plug in the Ami. Whenever parked switch on the poweroutlet of the Bluetti to top-off the Ami. With regular day to day driving you probably never have to plug it in again. Side remarks. Me too I was in Thailand when C hit. Arrived on March 12th. But I decided to stay and enjoyed visa free LoS until end of July. I got pictures in the middle of Sukhumvit at Asok with NO car in sight ! Best time ever in Bangkok. Silent night sleeps every night. I truly enjoyed it.

[@MeandMonAmi]

We thought about staying but there was too much on the negative side eventually re lack of health insurance, parents etc. Glad you are enjoying the channel! More on solar to come..

[@ricktownsend6979]

Mr Fountain and Mr Boo... Great video and lots of fun info!! XX

[@MeandMonAmi]

Thanks Rick

[@DamianMontero]

You have the only solar powered Citroen. Fantastic work chap

[@MeandMonAmi]

Thanks 👍

[@Cayres9]

The Bluetti is a genius device and saves you a tow truck call out if you did drain the Amis battery

[@MeandMonAmi]

Absolutely!

[@mystisith3984]

Should be sold with any new EV as the traditional jerrican of yore.

[@e-trippingwithadamgebbett8024]

A highly charged electrifying experience. The Ohm's are good👍

[@MeandMonAmi]

Thanks

[@LifeinLancashire]

After your last Bluetti video where others and myself suggested that a more powerful Bluetti would hopefully charge the Ami, it's absolutely fantastic that Bluetti sent you this one to review and that your test proves that it can charge the Ami 👍. That puts a whole new slant on the possible range of the car now. I wonder how many times the Bluetti can actually be charged up

[@MeandMonAmi]

Thanks Annie’s!! I think about 3500 charge cycles.

[@parkview113]

@@MeandMonAmi and only 800 on the Eco Flow 2000 max at which point max charge volume drops to 80 % of original - weight of Bluetti is significantly more than Eco Flow Max...

[@MoonlightEmbrace]

@@MeandMonAmi So, with about 20km / charge cycle and a battery cost of 2k, you'd get a price of about 2.8 cents / km from your investment. Which is about the cost of fuel / km for a hybrid at Malta fuel prices. With the difference that this car costs like at least 3 times less than a hybrid and probably doesn't require as much maintenance. Now, don't quote me on the figures, this is just advanced napkin maths. Now, if you could feed the solar power straight into the car without degrading the lifespan of the battery, you've truly hit jackpot there

[@franciscouderq1100]

As clear as impressive, Bravo! Next let’s see how this could help cooling down your oven on wheels…to be continued , I trust.

[@MeandMonAmi]

It could certainly power an aircon if such a thing exists!

[@backwoodsbungalow9674]

Very interesting result; thanks for sharing. It seems like you could travel 22km per day by charging the Ami from the Bluetti. The 300 Watts of solar panels will be enough to recharge the battery on a sunny day plus provide some solar energy for charging a fone and some filming equipment.

[@thorbjrnhellehaven5766]

Or rather travel at night, and charge during the day. 😀

[@MeandMonAmi]

Enjoy the views!;

[@MeandMonAmi]

You could also recharge the Bluetti from a charging point whilst using it to charge the car

[@lucius574]

You need 6 days of sunshine to fully charge this bluetti from 0-100% with 300 watt panels, so 6 days to achieve 22 km produced by sunlight.

[@megapangolin1093]

Very interesting video. Set up a car port to protect the car and put panels on the roof connected to the car..

[@MeandMonAmi]

Would if we could but unfortunately we don’t have a drive but that’s definitely the way to go!

[@kjh789az]

These real-world tests are so valuable! Thanks for sharing. Next question? How long does it take your modest solar array to fully replenish the portable battery, given the lovely french sunlight?

[@MeandMonAmi]

Gosh this is an old video so I’m going to say, from memory, about 7 hours. (bigger panels would obv be quicker!)

[@Lawman212]

Great work on what must have been an entirely too hot day. I have two questions. 1.) Can you plug the bluetti into the car while driving? How great would that be. I'm sure Citroen prevents this though. But maybe? 2.) Does the weight of Bluetti affect the range of the car? If you brought it along, does it reduce autonomy of the car batteries? Thanks to Bluetti for supporting great video makers.

[@MeandMonAmi]

Thanks. We were melting by the end. No you can’t recharge and drive at the same time. Not sure impact of extra weight but it must have some though I guess it depends on terrain. I feel another experiment coming on!

[@66hayles]

@@MeandMonAmi ooo. That would be great

[@hardyvonwinterstein5445]

Very enjoyable episode.

[@MeandMonAmi]

Thanks Hardy

[@TurnFullCircle]

Wow great video......really good experiment...cheers

[@MeandMonAmi]

Thanks Chris!

[@beaker9videos]

It's great that the Ami charged this time. I was hoping to see the same exercise with the solar panels charging simultaneously.

[@MeandMonAmi]

We decided to save that for another video as it would have made it hard to work out exactly what the ac200 max could deliver range wise (and also it was quite cloudy so not a perfect scenario!)

[@ITSREALLYNOTYOURFAULT]

@@MeandMonAmi Glue the panels to the roof and away you go.

[@Ag3nt0fCha0s]

@@ITSREALLYNOTYOURFAULTwarranty would likely be voided. Pity.

[@theeuropeancyclepaths8206]

Great stuff mate. Regards from Cyprus. I’m seriously looking to power as many things as possible with this method 👍

[@MeandMonAmi]

Thanks. I am surprised how simple the tech is for solar generators really…

[@LWJCarroll]

And it all packed back in the Ami ok!….very interesting thanks Laurie NZ.

[@MeandMonAmi]

It did. Even in the crazy big cardboard box!

[@Donncada1]

absolutley fabulous😀😀

[@MeandMonAmi]

Thanks

[@MegaProtius]

Excellent videos thank you 😊

[@bedaralva]

This Bluetti is great, super versatile stuff. For Ami charging I have my reservations on the battery + solar panels combo, I think direct solar charge at 48V makes sense for the Ami (since the Ami battery is 48V) without the AC complication. The economy: 2-3000 EUR charging from the grid covers 130000km-200000km (correct number of zeros, it's that cheap) with the Ami the way I charge now, so there's very little incentive to spend this amount of money upfront on an extra battery + solar panels. Suppose the cost of electricity doubles, 2-3kEUR still gets you 65000km-100000km in the Ami, still a lot of years worth of travel: for many people even this reduced mileage represents the entire lifetime of the car. I would consider the direct solar DC/DC charge at 48V, that is economically viable with the Ami, so the Bluetti panels can potentially be a candidate if the voltage works out, but the solar panel + battery is not worth it in my opinion.

[@MeandMonAmi]

I think the solar generator/ battery is about more than just free/ green power for the car. It’s a kind of range extender and also something potentially useful for home in blackouts and storms etc but for sure it’s an investment and it has to make sense for you.

[@jwracingteam]

Big up for the Brid!

[@MeandMonAmi]

Can’t beat Brid!

[@tpbtpbtpb]

Love your travel adventures, the info commercials, not so much.

[@MeandMonAmi]

We have to pay for the channel somehow!

[@tpbtpbtpb]

@@MeandMonAmi balance, my friends, balance!

[@MeandMonAmi]

@@tpbtpbtpb It is also almost impossible to adventure in the fourth french heatwave of the year on the busiest roads on the riviera. Adventure will return soon!

[@tpbtpbtpb]

@@MeandMonAmi oky doky! Love, love, love your channel!

[@MeandMonAmi]

@@tpbtpbtpb I’m so glad.

[@66hayles]

Oh my god. Imagine my joy when I got when are you coming home from work to find your video downloaded. Woop I’ve looked at these online so not surprised it was the one you got. You lucky lucky guys. 22km/13.67miles. So enough to get you to another power point or to get you home. Result!! Beautiful spot to review it too. Keep it coming guys. Was Mr Boo as happy with it?

[@MeandMonAmi]

Thanks. I think it’s safe to say Mr Boo isn’t quite as excited by tech products as me!

[@66hayles]

@@MeandMonAmi oh that sounds like me and my partner. I have got iPhones, iPad etc… and recently bought a new ebike which is great. Do you still cycle? Such great exercise. I’m waiting for my loan on our Duster before seeing about getting my own Mon Ami.

[@MeandMonAmi]

@@66hayles Yes I still cycle but not as much as I did! Swimming more to make up for it!

[@66hayles]

@@MeandMonAmi oh I used to swim before lockdown but they allowed 6 people for each lane and found myself drowning between all the fast swimmers wash. Yugh. Too close for me especially during the “plague” as you call it. Lol

[@66hayles]

Oh and I wondered whether the weight of the Bluetti would make the distance travelled shorter? How big is the space behind your seat by the way? No-one really shows that area. (Below the fuse box). Did you check your fuses by the way?

[@wootoo6304]

Another interesting video!, thanks 🙏

[@MeandMonAmi]

Thanks

[@LWJCarroll]

Hi fyi, the KZbin app on my iPad Pro had the buy a coffee icon just below the title this morning, but after an update this evening has disappeared. I will use the Paypal on later. Thanks Laurie NZ.

[@MeandMonAmi]

Thanks Laurie. Much appreciated.

[@jean-pierredevent970]

The transition to more electric seems to have driven a wave of creativity and innovation. The normal car engine blows out two thirds of the energy as heat and this didn't drive any really major innovation. I just read that the synthetic fuel"dimethyl ether "can also makes a Diesel engine also more efficient (and extremely clean too). It could be made from biomass, fascinating.

[@MeandMonAmi]

Yes I think it’s a very interesting time in car development and use cases

[@J500ANT]

It's like QVC on tour!

[@MeandMonAmi]

Ha! We’re big fans of QVC!;

[@kiplott5815]

my ecoflow 1800w charges in five- six hours with full sun and 2 panels. It will also charge fully within two hours with household current.

[@MeandMonAmi]

I think with two power bricks used the Bluetti does a similar charge time but that’s good going time wise on your Ecoflow

[@maxcopen4676]

Excellent.

[@MeandMonAmi]

Thanks Max

[@suzannehall9595]

Hi you two saw Mr boo in Marché u at Beaulieu sur Mer today ....I spy with my little eye 👀..love your videos guy's xx

[@MeandMonAmi]

Thanks Suzanne. I hope he was buying something for me?!

[@suzannehall9595]

@@MeandMonAmi yes I bet he was .. something nice for dinner 😉

[@chriscuthbertson]

I guess I could charge the Bluetti during the day at work and then use it to charge the Ami overnight. Free travel to work and back.

[@MeandMonAmi]

Yup!

[@NewsAtt20]

Great review, just a small comment. 735,5W is one horse power.

[@MeandMonAmi]

Thanks

[@NormanF62]

The limitation is you won’t get a full recharge but I think the Bluetti could charge an Ami sufficiently to keep you from being stranded. Its a backup power source and not a replacement for a home charger or an EV public charger terminal. It may be worth the price depending on what your needs are. Good review! 👍

[@MeandMonAmi]

Thanks Norman

[@EdmediaDeyerlerEric]

I user an Jackery 2000 Pro to put in my Opel Rocks-e, it is the German AMI. So I drive to my destination, put the Jackery to charge, meet some friends and then enough battery to travel home. So my distance steps up to nearly 100 km autonomy

[@jackoneil3933]

You could also charge the Bluetti from a second EV charger while charging the Ami as well.

[@EdmediaDeyerlerEric]

@@jackoneil3933 but makes it to heavy and to great for Ami

[@parkview113]

@@EdmediaDeyerlerEric Brilliant Eric ...

[@stevemccormack9948]

By the way guys, why not wrap the roof of the Ami in white? This would help to take away some of the heat in the hot sun. It would still look well. You could even stick your logo in the middle of the rook.

[@MeandMonAmi]

I suspect this would help as the black is a total heat soak

[@TheSchiffReport]

And as technology keeps on improving and gas prices keep on increasing this thing starts to look like a screaming deal....

[@MeandMonAmi]

So far absolutely!

[@jcreswick]

That's their plan

[@johnkay3277]

Still stick with my M5

[@stevemccormack9948]

The likes of that Bluetti when plugged in at home along with solar panels can supplement the Fridge. A typical 2/3 size fridge pulls about 90-120 watts - 24/7 !!. Additionally you can add a 2 amp timer for the fridge so that its not on all of the day. 1 hour in 3 might be fine. The fridge is the one thing that is plugged in all the bloody time so why not give it the sun? When I was living in Spain I did this and it cut my bill be 50%

[@MeandMonAmi]

Very interesting statistics Steve. I suspect many people will be thinking more seriously about Solar in the coming years

[@yangtse55]

You must have a very old fridge ... When the electricity prices increased this past winter, I realised it was worth buying a new fridge .. it uses about 0.3kwh per day making an average consumption of only 12.5 watts ! Though with the compressor working flat out when you first switch it on uses 410 watts ... so no need for a timer on a modern fridge - especially if - unlike me - you keep riskier things than salad in it ...

[@stevemccormack9948]

@@yangtse55 Actually, that fridge I mentioned was new in 1998

[@dsman2968]

second video seen...Cool and pragmatic.

[@MeandMonAmi]

Thanks

[@fenceup07944931177]

Now how long to recharge the bluetti with solar from empty. And it would be a great idea if the cars built-in charge controller had a solar input.

[@MeandMonAmi]

Yes we are going to do that quite soon!

[@Ag3nt0fCha0s]

“Steady on” Poor mr boo lol

[@SashasRevenge]

Did the panels come in the same box, I couldn’t tell?

[@MeandMonAmi]

No they are separate

[@robduncan599]

Fantastic! Expensive but Fantastic! , your 17km would be about right without the solar?

[@MeandMonAmi]

We got 20-22KM from it fully charged so same from solar but with obviously longer charge time. I’m going to be looking at another device soon with a shorter charge time to see how that fares

[@parkview113]

Tim. just heard from DPD that they are delivering my Eco Flow Delta Max 2000 with 400w. solar panel and extra cabling to give me 8m. run to garden for panels... £2800 as a bundle from Hampshire Generators - will let you know how I get on ... the The Eco Flow Delta Pro was just too big to contemplate ! May move to this in future as has over 3500 power cycles before dropping to 80% capacity... the Delta Max 2000 has 800 cycles before dropping to 80% capacity - but the max costs considerably more and is less portable. Ultimately spare batteries and a petrol generator as additions are all sensible add-ons... will let you know how I get on but yet to take delvy of the Ami ... covered anyway for power outages with small electric fridge and cooker with 2 x hobs that will keep me going with the powerbank. Thanks for helping to foster and encourage my interest both with the Ami and the solar powerbank - still confident Eco Flow Max will fit in the luggage area to the back... !

[@MeandMonAmi]

Let us know how you get on!

[@chatters7969]

Does the eco flow you ordered pump out a constant 2kw? Ami I believe draws 1800w

[@MeandMonAmi]

@@chatters7969 ours peaked at 2051w using the Bluetti

[@chatters7969]

@@MeandMonAmi good to know, you wouldn’t want to spend a load of money on a power bank to discover it doesn’t output enough to work

[@parkview113]

@@chatters7969 ... obviously !!

[@uberrex8425]

Interesting review with Mr. Boo too ! 👍 3 gee-gees of power ? Nayyyyy ! 😂 Shame that the Blueetti is a little big for the footwell, maybe a couple of wooden blocks in there underneath & it would fit ? 🤷‍♂️ £2k you say for it. Do you have it on trial or have you bought it Tim ?

[@SashasRevenge]

Tell me how to add a coffee please. 👍🏼👍🏼

[@MeandMonAmi]

Click the link in the description below the video

[@DroneHDTV]

I could charge your car for 700 euros with 700 watts direct with foldable solar lol. did enjoy this video one of the best

[@MeandMonAmi]

Thanks. How long would that take?

[@nicolasmuller-marc7914]

Foldable solar delivers DC, but Ami needs AC for charging

[@MeandMonAmi]

@@nicolasmuller-marc7914 but foldable Solar charges the Bluetti which can deliver ac and dc output?

[@DroneHDTV]

@@nicolasmuller-marc7914 yes thats why you need a inverter

[@nicolasmuller-marc7914]

Correct. And enough panels to fulfill the Ampere needed to start charging defined by the Ami. Tesla Model 3 needs 5 or 6 Ampere in 230 Volt System so without battery more than 1 kW solar panel

[@kevanparker908]

Been watching your channel for a few months or more. I think Citroen could fit two solar panels to the roof of the car the front half sliding out over the glass portion of the roof when the car is parked up, being slid back before continuing on the journey batteries always being charged.

[@MeandMonAmi]

They could Kevin but I think they’ve tried to keep the cost of this thing as low as possible. I’ve seen an airport version of an Ami adapted in this way

[@howard922]

The inverter is 2200w total ac output so you can take your pop up toaster and coffee machine with you on your picnic 😁

[@MeandMonAmi]

I think so! We might open a take away!

[@grobbosixtyone]

Does the extra weight of a massive device like the Bluetti also put more drain on Elton in regards to her distance limitation?

[@MeandMonAmi]

I guess if going up hill a lot you would maybe suffer a little but if you didn’t have another passenger it would balance out

[@wesleyfoster1967]

Could you point a battery powered led, Work light at the solar panel for 30mins, in the dark, to see how much it charges, as a international charger? I am a IEEE Computer Engineer. The light isolates the load.

[@backwoodsbungalow9674]

I am puzzled that the Ami does not have a hatchback. Is the space behind the cabin filled up with the electric motor and its controls?

[@MeandMonAmi]

I think there is room under there for mods

[@iMcWatch]

How much space is behind the drivers seat, is that perhaps big enough to fit the Bluetti?

[@MeandMonAmi]

More than you think but sadly not enough to fit this Bluetti.

[@iMcWatch]

@@MeandMonAmi damn, how big is it. I’m looking into getting an ami and was thinking about using solar too, so I can extend the range a bit, so looking at solar chargers that can charge it and fit behind the seat like a 1kw ecoflow delta perhaps

[@jjbiggmann5576]

SUBSCRIBED,,,,EXCELLENT..

[@MeandMonAmi]

Thanks

[@chatters7969]

Great video, so annoying it’s not slightly narrower, I think anything less than the 2kw wouldn’t be enough to charge. Not sure if you have a garden or roof access but maybe you could set this up as a semi permanent way of charging outside your place

[@MeandMonAmi]

Thanks. Yes it would be really great if it fit into the suitcase compartment.

[@parkview113]

@@MeandMonAmi Tim. any chance you can "expand" the suitcase copartment.. ? maybe take a Stanley Knife and "loosen off the offending edge (the right vertical edge at the back of the compartment so it pivots to the right a bit giving you those extra cms .. ? !

[@hanwellfoxfoxy5008]

An informative real world experiment/review, but could you to speak up the lime green Converse are a tad loud...

[@MeandMonAmi]

Loud! Loud!

[@susihormon7821]

Yeah. Can confirm it works. With the extra Battery for the Powerstation you can push 3kWh in total into the ami. yesterday it made plong…so our Ami is broken. We will see how Stellantis acts. The ami is not sold im Germany but the sippling from „vauxhall“.

[@MeandMonAmi]

Oh no that’s bad news. what was it?

[@susihormon7821]

@@MeandMonAmi can not tell yet, we try a diagnosis via utube. Its a sound which doesnt feel allright.

[@MyKharli]

I guess in windy Scotland a portable windmill would be a thing

[@MeandMonAmi]

Would work I imagine!

[@remorossi5487]

Have you tried putting the solar panel on top of your roof and it's making electricity all the time while your driving wouldn't that be great

[@MeandMonAmi]

It would but you couldn’t recharge the car at the same time, but you could recharge an external generator like the Bluetti

[@ArtyVanHoming]

can you drive the Ami with Bluetti still plugged in ? charge whilst driving

[@MeandMonAmi]

Afraid not. Only charges with handbrake on

[@nicolauvalente3155]

Great content! You guys are hilarious 😂 Have you ever tried a portable battery powered AC? I suggested one in another comment but it appears that it was deleted.

[@MeandMonAmi]

Not yet we still haven’t found one that we think will really work. The swamp cooler type don’t convince..

[@nicolauvalente3155]

@@MeandMonAmi Not sure if you can order it in France, but Zero Breeze Mark 2 is a battery operated AC available in the US. It's compact and probably would fit well in the luggage space. Just needs a vent, although some people run it without, but not as efficient.

[@MeandMonAmi]

@@nicolauvalente3155 Thanks. Will look it up

[@mikecane]

Science! Thanks. But ow. Haven't most of your recharges been in the US$2.00 area for double that added range? Is $2K worth spending to avoid asking people for a cup of electrons? IDK. I've finally caught up to the present with your AMI videos. Fantastic work!

[@MeandMonAmi]

I think it really depends on your use case. It would of course also power quite a lot of a small house in the event of power outages etc

[@EdmediaDeyerlerEric]

with Jackery 2000 Pro it was normally between 26 und 27 km additional capacity

[@parkview113]

hi Eric been enjoying your Facebook posts !

[@MeandMonAmi]

Thanks Eric. Is the capacity 2048 too?

[@EdmediaDeyerlerEric]

@@MeandMonAmi 2.160 Watt, but I controlled Charging and 15 % stay in the solargenerator! Or the rate of Bluetti i think is between 17-18%! So you can only use 82% of the capacity

[@wayneswarbrick7717]

If you could secure you're solar panels to the roof, you could top up you're Bluetti whilst keeping the Ami cooler 😎

[@MeandMonAmi]

You could. Maybe bringing in 150w or slightly less?

[@jackoneil3933]

Ami owners could also charge the Bluetti from a second public EV charger while charging the Ami.

[@MeandMonAmi]

That’s true!

[@onbedoeldekut1515]

You already have the solar panels from the previous Bluetti charger, so you could theoretically connect them all together for even more vim and electric vigour!

[@MeandMonAmi]

I used those in this and Bluetti sent another two

[@apexdesigns3136]

Solar air con next?

[@MeandMonAmi]

Here’s hoping!!

[@cristianof.7492]

Is possibile to Connect solar panel on the roof of ami, with charger regulator 48v directly to battery inside ami 48v? What other component need? Thanks

[@MeandMonAmi]

Nope you cant charge whilst moving and the amount it would add wouldn’t make it worthwhile. Solar could power peripherals though

[@paulwootton5378]

Perhaps I am 4 months too late with this....suggestion/observation?? But.....I see that the passenger luggage (designated) area has a lip around it a floor level (maybe 5cm/2 inch) If you were to put some thing on the floor in that area/compartment of that thickness, (polystyrene/chunk of wood?) then the "Bluetti" would sit above that confining lip and the slight extra width might allow you to slide/push it all the way forward in to that "luggage" area...no?

[@MeandMonAmi]

The Bluetti is still quite a bit too big sadly. However watch out for a video we have coming about another station that does fit

[@parkview113]

Tim. I do slightly regret the descision of going for the Eco Flow over the Bluetti as the Bluetti does have better battery longevity - over 3500 charge cycles over the 800 of the equivalent Eco Flow... on the Eco Flow's plus side it is a lot lighter than the Bluetti and can fit into the well of the Ami's passenger side... (the hand luggage "port"). Still do not have the powerbank - today's DPD parcel was extra wiring to get me out to the panels in the garden... as you rightly point out the powerbank of whatever make does not not like external exposure... however I doubt I will be charging it every day - maybe once a week on average ... so that will,give me 16 years, - by which time I will be 85 and probably beyond caring... or somewhere else in the ether ! Bill Kerr in Seaford, Sx

[@MeandMonAmi]

I think you will be fine with the eco flow Bill! (Unless you live to 110!)

[@parkview113]

Thanks Tim you are probably right but it still remains that for about the same money the Bluetti has over. x 4 charge cycles over the Eco Flow... its all down to how often in the real world you are going to use it ... both have had exceelent reviews ... there is a You Tube contributor called "Hobotech" who is obviously a big Bluetti fan... he's worth a look as he is quite knowledgeable... Bill

[@MeandMonAmi]

@@parkview113 Is that the guy in the white coat? He’s good..

[@parkview113]

@@MeandMonAmi yes. the same. (+ white gloves ! )

[@johnobrien403]

Put some wood under the unit,(3x2,3x3)to get it higher up.the space is tapered

[@MeandMonAmi]

That’s an interesting idea!

[@headcrab4090]

You should do a real life test of range with the penalty of the weight of this battery and solar panels.

[@MeandMonAmi]

Yes good idea. I don't think it would make a huge difference as we carried heavy stuff to Italy and I didn’t notice much change *i guess on a very uphill drive it might have more impact

[@thorbjrnhellehaven5766]

If you had 900W solar input, my guesstimate is that it would last for 70-75 minutes,

[@MeandMonAmi]

Thanks for info

[@tordmunk]

Wont the extra weight of the battery and solar panel drain more power and thus not adding that much range?

[@MeandMonAmi]

We currently carry a 20kg powerbank which seems to have little or no impact on range TBH.

[@tordmunk]

@@MeandMonAmi Very nice

[@Jamienomore]

A very useful and informative Episode. I have a question. You keep saying iPhone, so does it only work with an iPhone or an Android Phone as well?

[@MeandMonAmi]

🍏 bias. Deffo works with android too!

[@Jamienomore]

@@MeandMonAmi That's Good to know. What was it like having that extra mileage on the Ami?

[@chatters7969]

It’s really good, however for me personally I have a 3k solar system on my house, so probably not worth the cost for the amount I would save

[@MeandMonAmi]

Fair enough!

[@anatoliistepaniuk8217]

it is not clear - is it practical to travel on Ami with solar panels. Could you please create a video that clarifies that? thank you!

[@MeandMonAmi]

Not really worth it beyond charging up the powerbank. Not possible to charge traction battery whilst moving and impact on it minimal from solar unless static for long periods

[@isabellevallois698]

I follow all your videos. I project to buy a Citroen AMI. Sorry I don't speak english well... J'ai une suggestion à vous proposer Certaines personnes ont emporté 2 bonbonnes de gaz (les cubes) derriere le siege du conducteur. Avez vous essayé de placer votre Bluetti AC200max derrière le siège ?

[@MeandMonAmi]

Merci Isabelle.

[@countteddy]

will it run a mig welder ?/

[@MeandMonAmi]

What’s the draw?

[@countteddy]

@@MeandMonAmi its a single phase welder . draws 13 A , thankyou .

[@backwoodsbungalow9674]

Maybe you could attach one or two solar panels to the roof as a sunshade and trickle charge the Bluetti all day. 🤔

[@MeandMonAmi]

You certainly could. Would probably be no more than about 150watts given the surface area. I’ve seen this done on a ami used on an airport runway

[@Rob1964b]

Next video :- Can we get across France in Citroen Ami using only Bluetti and Solar Panels? :)

[@MeandMonAmi]

A short one?!;

[@MeandMonAmi]

It’s a great idea though!

[@uweinhamburg]

In theory - could you charge the Ami while driving?

[@MeandMonAmi]

I’m afraid not I think it would require a lot of work

[@nicolasmuller-marc7914]

Ami can’t be charged while driving. Charging is only in combination with hand break in parking position possible.

[@philgalpin9284]

Easier option. Ciroen puts in a bigger battery, like the twizzy. But you would need to get a license!

[@MeandMonAmi]

Would you though. I mean there’s a twizzy version that doesn’t require a licence

[@thorbjrnhellehaven5766]

The price isn't that bad, it is between the Honda EU22 or EU30 generators. As well as between them regarding continous power output. Of course the solar panels cost some extra, but the smaller panels is comparable to 500 liter of petrol. After the panels has produced 800 kWh you get the power for free. Most importantly, the Bluetti is way more quiet than 90 dB 😀

[@MeandMonAmi]

Good calculations Thorbjorn! And yes it’s a little less noisy!!

[@KokkimelonChannel]

Nice videos, but you didnt do the most IMPORTANT: Charging Ami directly for the sun, with and inverter. So we can know, if with commercial solar panels, and a simple inverter, we can charge the Ami, no matter how long it can be.

[@MeandMonAmi]

Sounds good but I may need an electronics expert to help!

[@KokkimelonChannel]

@@MeandMonAmi You need exactly nothing! I am electrical engineer and i install panels for residential usage. Only you need normal solar panel, for example 180-550 watts( no problem the wattage) and one inverter that can work with battery plus without battery! For example growatt inverter does that. The more panels, the quicker it will charge. When it has sun, it will charge quicker, when it has clouds slower. But the idea is to have a system completely Free of batteries, very cheap, using commercial panels. For example 1200-1300€ is the cost of the solution i say.

[@KokkimelonChannel]

@@MeandMonAmi Only the problem is if Ami accepting slower charging, or it cuts the charging. Imagine your smartphone: You can still charge it with and old charger with less amps, and it takes 5 hours. But with modern chargers,you can charge it in 30min. Because the give more amps. This is identical to what i say. For people having own garage and working place very close this is amazing solution and very very cheap

[@nathanixslade]

It's easy just put solar panels and inverter to charge the battery car directly? without need to charge external battery.

[@MeandMonAmi]

The only downside is the wait time to recharge at least with a solar generator you can leave with 22km extra in it already and charge it and the car at the same time

[@nicolasmuller-marc7914]

Depends on the minimal Ampere needed to start charging defined by the Ami. Tesla Model 3 needs 5 or 6 ampere in 230 Volt Systems so without battery more than 1 kW solar panel

[@parkview113]

I believe the Eco Flow Delta Max will fit in baggage space all the way - the Bluetti is squarer..

[@MeandMonAmi]

Interesting. Thanks

[@johnlong3214]

👍

[@Talkathon408]

Might be a bit of an issue leaving that thing in the Ami in hot weather as it won't do the health of the battery much good.

[@MeandMonAmi]

We moved onto a smaller one which has survived so far but we don’t really have a choice

[@muggensan8611]

it's cool when you got it for free , otherwise it's very very expensive concidering the price of a normal charge

[@MeandMonAmi]

Certainly not a cheap bit of kit but a handy one that should last for many years

[@muggensan8611]

@@MeandMonAmi am'poor !! 😂 but i like the idea of solar power , obviously, not only for the car but for plenty of things that could bring you autonomy... but who knows , maybe one day i''ll become a fancy british living on the riviera 😄

[@Davidouu]

Bonjour messieurs électriques ! J’aimerais savoir si il est possible de rouler tout en roulant ? En gros, la prise de la Citroën ami branché sur la batterie Bluettiac tout en roulant ? Ça se recharge ou il y a quelques choses qui bloque cette possibilité ? Un grand merci David

[@MeandMonAmi]

I’m afraid not!

[@Davidouu]

@@MeandMonAmi dommage, selon vous le blocage peut venir de où ? Merci

[@colingarner6175]

Could you not charge the battery with solar at the same time as charging the car ?

[@MeandMonAmi]

Yes you can but I wanted to see exactly how much the Bluetti could put in without that. I figured it could all get a bit confusing. Maybe that’s another video..

[@TheSchiffReport]

@@MeandMonAmi In the next video we want to see how long would it take for the solar panels to fully charge the Bluetti ...thank you for what you're doing

[@MeandMonAmi]

That’s coming but not this week!