Do cooling vests, like the one I am wearing in the video, actually work? Let’s find out.

Product Link: Iaigogo cooling vest

I have been using this cooling vest for several months now, primarily while doing yard work and mowing, but also while riding my motorcycle. It’s inexpensive, costing around $20. The vest holds a total of six ice packs, which are included alongside an extra set. This allows you to easily swap them out once the first set melts. If you are working from home, you can take a quick break to grab the second frozen set directly from your freezer.

Answering the question of whether cooling vests actually work: yes. On a recent motorcycle ride, the ambient temperature in Jacksonville was 91°F, with very high humidity—likely around 95%. I definitely felt the coolness. After riding around for roughly 20 minutes, I jumped on the interstate to head home, and the vest made a noticeable difference for the entire ride. However, you will likely find that it is only effective for one to two-hour rides before the ice packs melt.

Here in Florida, the vest is most helpful during the peak mid-afternoon heat. Because I started the ride later in the day, I got the full benefit. However, if you are going on a day-long ride, you probably wouldn’t need the cooling vest when you first start out in the morning. By the time you need it in the afternoon, the ice packs stored in your saddlebag would likely already be melted. While it has a limited use case for motorcyclists, it offers a much better use case for people working outside for an hour or so.

Another factor to keep in mind is that while you will feel cooler, the vest will not keep you dry. You will still get wet due to condensation from the ice packs, and you’ll likely still sweat depending on the intensity of the heat. These vests are adjustable. You will want to pull it as taut as possible against your torso so that the ice packs remain firmly against your body.

In conclusion, I can recommend this cooling vest for specific situations, particularly outdoor work. Just remember that it will not last all day. The ice packs melt after about an hour. In a best-case scenario—where you have the second set of packs on ice or you are working near a freezer—you can swap them out to get up to maybe two hours of relief in summer heat. Once the packs melt, it’s time to take off the vest and try to finish up as soon as you can.

This vest was not provided by the manufacturer, nor is this content sponsored. It is simply a product I chose to purchase and test on my own.

The post Do $20 Cooling Vests Work? Florida Summer Testing appeared first on EV Rider.

Use THIS LINK and discount code 25EVDBILL for 25% off the EVDANCE charger extension cable

If you’ve ever been traveling and run across a level 2 EV charger cord that’s too short—or maybe even at home—this episode of EV Rider is going to solve that problem once and for all.

In the video at the top of this post you’ll see EVDance’s 40-foot-long, Level-2 EV charger extension cable in action. It’s rated for 50-amps or up to 12 kW of continuous current.

I’m sure long-time EV owners are already running through the scenarios in their minds of how this extension cable could help out in a pinch. But for you newer EV owners, let me give you a couple of personal, real-life examples.

I tend to go on a lot of road trips. I put more than 67,000 miles on my last EV, driving to more than 20 states. Sometimes I stay with friends or family, or at hotels. Occasionally what I’ll find is the cords are just too short. Or, if I’m overnight charging at a friend’s house with just a regular household outlet, maybe that outlet is in the back of the garage and my charging cable just won’t reach. This solves all those problems.

Another problem that you’re likely to run into at some point is you’ll occasionally find gasoline drivers that park smack in an EV spot in a shopping center or a parking garage, blocking the charger. When this happens if there’s another spot one or two spaces over, you’ll have no problem since you’ll have 40-feet of additional length to work with.

I’m fortunate to live in a home with a garage, but I do remember the days of living in downtowns, so I do understand the plight of EV owners that might be in an urban environment, in an apartment complex, or another spot that might be away from chargers. Again, a 40-foot extension cable—in addition to whatever your regular cable’s length is, gives you a lot of flexibility that’s likely to come in handy.

Having the extension cable could also save you money by allowing your electrician to skip a long cable run when installing a charger. Or, if you’ve already got a Level 2 outlet, for example in the laundry room, the extension cable might save you from needing to install a second outlet in the garage or driveway.

The extension cable comes with its own carrying case, so it’s easy to just put it in your frunk or some place out of the way. It includes a UL-rated cable, IP 66 water and dust resistance rating along with a 4400-lb load resistance. Bottom line: this is one sturdy accessory that appears very well made. During my day-long testing, it never became warm to the touch inside the garage.

Although it’s rated at 50-amps and 12 kW of continuous current, I personally wouldn’t push it that hard. I would limit it to no more than just under 10 kW. That’s because I prefer to maintain a wide safety margin, rather than pushing a product to its absolute limit.

For new EV owners that may not be aware, most EVs allow you to manually set the amperage that the EV will accept in your car’s infotainment system when you’re AC charging.

If your car doesn’t have that feature, and if you’ve got a smart charger, the charger or the charger’s smartphone app may also allow you to adjust amperage.

There are a few EVs out there that can take in more than 12 kW of continuous power. For example, Hummer EVs can handle 19.2 kW, so you’ve got to be sure if you’re going to use this cable with the fastest AC charging EVs that you dial the power back. Exceeding any charging component’s power or use rating is never a good idea.

Another thing, if you’re new to EVs: this cable will only going to work for level 1 or level 2 AC charging. It will not work at level 3 DC fast chargers, such as a Tesla Supercharger or an Electrify America station. And again, for you new EV owners, there are two main types of level 2 chargers: J-1772, which is what my review unit has, and NACS, which is what you see on Teslas and some of the brand-new EVs.

EVDance has got you covered either way. You can get either an NACS or a J1772 extension cable. And for you EV Rider viewers, the company is offering a 25% discount for anyone that want to purchase one. Use THIS LINK and discount code 25EVDBILL at checkout

Editor’s Note: EVDance provided EV Rider with the charging extension cable featured in this review but did not have any editorial input into this video’s or post’s production, nor did it see an advance copy of the video. EV Rider’s editorial policy regarding review units is available here for anyone that would like to review it.

The post Is Your EV Charger Cable Too Short? Here’s The Fix appeared first on EV Rider.

If you’re looking for a few easy, inexpensive ideas to spice up your EV, this episode is for you.

Now that I’ve put more than 66,000 miles on my 2022 Mustang Mach‑E, I felt the time was right to add a bit of extra bling.

Editor’s Note: Links to all the products mentioned are at the bottom of this post

Interior LED lighting has become a big theme in new cars, making some of them absolutely stunning at night. So it’s no surprise the aftermarket has quickly caught up with cheap, do‑it‑yourself products.

I’ve added six pieces of LED lighting to my interior for less than a hundred dollars.

Let’s start with my favorite addition: an acrylic LED strip light.

It was easy to install—taking roughly an hour—with most of that time spent doing test placements.

It easily snaps into crevices and comes with tape in case the openings in your car are wide enough that a little extra securing is needed.

More Mustang Mach-E Coverage (story continues below)

EV Swap: Mustang Mach-E To Charger Daytona

EV Vs. Gas Mustangs: Fuel Cost Difference Is Striking

60,000 Miles Later: 2022 Mustang Mach-E Review

Should Ford Build This Mustang Mach-E Convertible?

Ford Shows Off Tri-Motor Mustang Mach-E For NASCAR

Mustang Mach-E EV Sells Better Than Gas Mustang

What I like about this particular kit is that no complicated wiring into a fuse box or battery is required. You can hide the wires under your dash and side panels and then plug it into your car’s USB port.

Once you’ve got it installed, it will turn on and off automatically since it’s being powered by an accessory port.

What really makes it fun is the nearly unlimited number of color combinations and patterns, so you can match or contrast it with your car’s other lighting. It also includes an app and a remote control, along with about five different brightness levels so it’s not too dim during the day or too bright at night.

One thing I don’t like is the app. It requires GPS to work, which is unnecessary and makes me wonder if some sort of tracking is enabled. It also doesn’t work with Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, which pretty much defeats the purpose. So I just use the remote control if I want to change the color.

Next on the list: custom LED cup‑holder lights. You can submit whatever logo and lettering you want—the light pucks are custom‑made.

They’re powered by rechargeable batteries with USB connectors. Whenever your car is in motion at night, they illuminate, and then shut off after about 30 seconds when the car is still or during daylight hours thanks to their light and motion sensors.

They feature seven different colors, and the manufacturer claims a single charge should last a month or more with normal use.

Next up are custom door‑sill plates. Like the cup holders, they can be customized with words and logos when ordering.

They also include a light sensor so they turn off when the door is closed but illuminate when it’s open.

They come with adhesive so you can snap them into place and easily remove them for charging. In my case, I opted to put magnetic tape on the back instead. That tape, by the way, was not included. Like the acrylic LED strip, the door sills have a seemingly limitless number of available colors and patterns.

And like the cup‑holder lights, they can be customized when ordering.

One thing I don’t like about the door‑sill lights is that the LEDs aren’t evenly lit. At night they look great, but during daylight hours they only look half‑lit.

Of the three, my favorite is the acrylic LED light strips, which—if you were so inclined—could also be added to things like door panels and armrests.

LED Car Interior Lightning Accessories Product List

• Acrylic Interior Car LED Strip Light: https://amzn.to/4o4Cotz
• 2 Pcs Led Door Sills: https://amzn.to/4ua455G
• Custom Logo LED Cup Holder Lights: https://amzn.to/4vmj39L
• Thin Magnetic Tape Roll: https://amzn.to/4fTWSDk

The post How To: LED Car Interior Lighting Accessories appeared first on EV Rider.

Google Maps, in-car video streaming and widgets are about to get a big overhaul in most EV brands.

Google has announced a major Android Auto update is coming that will do a better job of seamlessly integrating your car’s screen.

At the top of the list is a new auto-adapting feature that will allow Android auto to nicely fill the growing number of screen shapes cars are debuting.

For example, the electric MINI Countryman SE ALL4 that EV Rider tested comes with a circular display. The new Android Auto will now adapt to the circle’s shape rather than just being a rectangle in the middle of the screen.

The same thing applies to the Lucid Air’s curved display, or the new BMW iX3’s trapezoidal screen shape.

Google Maps will now be able to wrap edge-to-edge.  And speaking of Google Maps, it’s being updated with a redesigned 3D view that shows three dimensional things like buildings, overpasses and terrain.

Here’s a list of brands that Google has so far confirmed will be will be receiving the update:

For those that don’t already know, Google has also been in the process of rolling out native EV route planning. For example, in the Ford Mustang Mach-E Android Auto’s Google maps will suggest charging stops and precondition the battery as the car approaches the charging stop.

For EV owners that choose to stay in their cars while charging, perhaps the most important update is high-definition video streaming. Video apps are coming to Android Auto with up to 60 frames-per-second of full HD.

When you’re done charging and put the car in drive the stream will keep playing. Android Auto will automatically transition the video to an audio-only stream so you can keep listening without interruption. You can see how it works in the video at the top of this post.

Widgets are also coming, allowing you to put overlays on top of Google Maps. Gemini is also being fully integrated, meaning you’ll have one of the best large language AI models in your car.

While you might think that’s overkill, its going to have a lot or practical applications as it integrates with services. For example, you’ll be able to tell Gemini to order your usual Doordash meal right from your car and have it waiting for you the second you get home.

Cars with high-end audio systems will also be getting a boost with Dolby Atmos support being added. One thing that wasn’t mentioned is whether the Chrome browser might finally be allowed on Android Auto.

For General Motors brands and other car makers using Google’s built-in Android Automotive operating system, a similar host of improvements is coming.

The major upgrade is expected to roll out later this year although a specific month wasn’t announced.

The post New Android Auto With Improved Maps, Video To Debut appeared first on EV Rider.

Can a smartphone come anywhere close to DSLRs or mirrorless cameras when it comes to long-distance optical zoom lenses? We’re going find out in this week’s episode of EV Rider.

Related: Apexel TeleCular 20-60x optical zoom lens product page on Amazon

The majority of EV Rider is shot on a Samsung Fold 7. It does a fine job most of the time for the type of work I do. But one area where smartphones fall short is extreme zooms.

For example, I included a video clip in this week’s episode as a sample that was shot at 12x digital zoom, which is the maximum digital zoom my Fold 7 supports when shooting 4k video. As you can see in the video at the top of this post, it’s a blurry, pixelated mess.

That’s why I was excited to try out the Apexel TeleCular 20 to 60x optical zoom lens for smartphones. It screws into a clip that goes over your smartphone’s primary lens. The clip is adjustable to fit a wide range of smartphones. The lens also supports 58mm filters such as UV, CPL and starburst.

I headed to Jacksonville, Florida’s downtown riverfront to try it out.

The video clips in the episode at the top of this post have no post-production enhancements. They were shot using my Samsung’s 8k video setting. To fill the screen and avoid seeing the lens’ outline, I zoomed in the phone’s native lens to approximately 2x, meaning the cropped video you’re seeing in the video is roughly 4k, assuming you have a screen that supports 4k and you have YouTube’s video quality set to 4k or higher.

The lens kit includes a tripod but unless you’ll be shooting on a table or other perch, it’s too short to be useful. It also includes a soft carrying case, lens cap and soft lens cleaning cloth. When not being used as a lens, it can be used as a monocular telescope by screwing on an included eyecup attachment.

When you’re zooming in this much, having a sturdy tripod is critical or you’ll end up with a shaky mess.

The lens has two rings. One is near the smartphone to zoom between 20 and 60x. The other ring is at the front of the lens and manually focuses it.

Getting your shot set up takes patience, but that’s going to be true of most extreme zoom lenses with a manual focus. If you’re thinking this lens will work for capturing spur of the moment stuff like a random bird flying by, it won’t. By the time you get it properly focused, the moment will be over.

But if you’ll be using it for shots you can anticipate, like the boats and other things featured in the video, it works as expected, although it’s not perfect.

The edges of some shots came out blurred and there’s some overall muddiness that’s tough to avoid if you’re not shooting in absolutely perfect conditions.

But from what I’ve seen, the optics on similar zoom lenses in this price class for DSLRs also struggle with details. And of course, with larger sensors and generally better optics, you should expect higher quality from dedicated DSLR OEM lenses.

A zoom lens like this requires patience to get worthwhile shots, but as you can see, it does expand the capability of this Z Fold 7.

A professional photographer or videographer with a dedicated high-end camera with glass costing thousands is not going to be satisfied with the results this lens puts out. With that said, if you’re on a budget, like most of us are, or you want to travel as light as possible, this lens is certainly serviceable.

I also took some 20 to 60x zoom photos with the lens, although I spent the vast majority of my time shooting video.The photos, in my opinion, didn’t turn out as good as the video clips, but then again, still images weren’t my primary concern for this review.

By the way, I paid for this lens with my own money. It is not a review unit. If there’s anything about the lens I didn’t answser, drop me a commeent and I’ll do my best to answer your question.

The post Review: Apexel 20-60x Optical Zoom Smartphone Lens appeared first on EV Rider.

Having a widescreen rear-view camera display along with tire pressure monitoring, dashcam recording, route tracking, wireless Android Auto, Apple Car Play, additional trip readout, GPS compass and fast Android and iPhone app playback elevates motorcycle entertainment and safety when used correctly.

This week on EV Rider we’ve got a look at how to turn your motorcycle into a high-tech powerhouse with a review of the Aoocci C6 Pro all-in-one motorcycle unit.

Related: Aoocci C6 Pro at Amazon.com

The kit includes front and rear cameras, tire pressure and temperature monitors, video recording along with wireless Apple Car Play and Android Auto. It all comes in a well-designed, easy-to-install package that includes everything needed for most motorcycles.

Aoocci’s system is the most sophisticated safety and infotainment device I’ve yet to experience on a motorcycle.

In the EV Rider episode at the top of this post I break it all down, from an on-the-road review to a step-by-step look at the installation.

The kit includes the main 6.25-inch, 1,000-nit brightness display, 2-cameras, remote control, all hardware including mounts, spacers, zip ties and tools.

The cameras also record sound. They can be viewed while riding in either widescreen (front or rear) or split-screen (front & rear) view. The videos can be downloaded directly to your Apple or Android smart phone via a wifi-connected app that can be downloaded by scanning a QR code in the included installation manual. Videos can also be played back directly on the unit’s screen when stopped.

They include time and date logging that can be turned on or off. The camera display also shows trip mileage and the current heading such as north, west, etc.

The app lets you track your routes or review your video library so in the event of something noteworthy you can quickly play back your video on your phone and decide whether to permanently save it.

The C6 Pro also includes a built-in G-sensor that automatically detects collisions or sudden impacts. If an accident occurs, it locks and protects footage of the incident, which could be helpful in settling an insurance claim or establishing who is at fault in an accident.

I found the kit straight forward to install, but more importantly, it’s simple to use. In addition to the touchscreen, primary functions like activating the cameras or Android Auto/Apple Car Play can be handled with a simple button touch.

The touchscreen does work fine with my gloves but when I’m riding I really don’t want to be using a touchscreen. So instead I set up the apps I want to use, such as music and maps, before my ride. Then if I want to change or see something on-the-fly while riding, I use the remote control that I mounted on my handlebar.

Another great feature is the real-time tire pressure and temperature monitoring. The sensors are easy to install, they simply screw on, replacing your standard valve caps. They then send constant updates to the unit, which can be seen on the main screen. You can also set them to automatically alert you with an on-screen warning if the tire pressure drops below whatever psi you set.

The included app is also a nice touch. It allows you to record your routes. More importantly, it also brings up a directory of all the front and rear camera videos saved on the unit’s included 64 GB Micro SD card, allowing you to quickly download anything you want to save.

For you motorcycle bloggers out there, one thing you shouldn’t do is think of these cameras as a replacement for dedicated video gear. The quality is fine for the unit’s view screen and documentation of any noteworthy events, but its not going to look as good on a 70-inch 4K TV as a dedicated 4k action cam. The videos are recorded at 30 fps in 1080p resolution.

Wireless Android Auto and Apple Car Play work as expected. The unit will send a pairing command to your phone. From there the process works just like it would in a car. Bluetooth audio for calls and music is still piped into your Sena, Cardo or bluetooth speakers of choice.

For additional information, especially concerning the installation and a review of some of the unit’s functions, watch the video at the top of this post. For Zero SR/F owners: If you’re looking for even more detail on disassembling your SR/F’s plastics and some electronics watch this eMoto Design video.

Aoocci C6 Pro Specifications

EV Rider Editorial Policy Regarding Review Units

Aoocci provided EV Rider with the C6 Pro featured in this review but did not have any editorial input into this video or post’s production, nor did it see an advance copy of the video or post. EV Rider’s editorial policy regarding review units is available here for anyone that would like to review it.

The post Aoocci C6 Pro Transforms Motorcycling appeared first on EV Rider.

I’m in the constant hunt to improve motorcycling comfort so when I finally came across a pair of underwear with memory foam specifically designed for motorcycle seats I decided to spring for a pair.

But do they work? Let’s find out.

I’ve got a Corbin aftermarket seat on my Zero SR/F. While it was an improvement from my stock seat my butt still started hurting after about 50 miles or so.

When I decided to go on a 1,400-mile ride from Florida to Georgia, North Carolina and Tennessee, I decided to order a pair of Rippl Impact ApexRides motorcycle underwear.

Answering the big question first: Do they work? Yes.

Over a one-week period I rode 1,394 miles with the underwear on, with the longest day in the saddle being 301 miles.

The last time I tried a trip like that I had a severe case of monkey butt that lasted for days and made a good chunk of the return trip miserable.

Also, to clarify, these shorts aren’t a review unit sent by the manufacturer, I bought them with my own money.

What makes the underwear different than any of the other riding shorts I’ve personally found is the memory foam’s shape is designed specifically for motorcycle seats.

The other stuff I’ve seen is actually cut for bicycle seats even though they’ve also been advertised to work for motorcyclists.

The shorts aren’t perfect. I still got sore but they definitely made a big difference, especially on riding days under two hundred miles on back roads where I could stand up and stretch occasionally.

Their biggest downside is they feel intrusive when you wear them, especially the first few times.

Once you’re suited up and finally riding, you quickly forget they’re there, or at least I did.

When I got to my riding locations I wanted to get out of them as quickly as possible. I’ve been wearing them over my regular underwear but under my jeans.

They’re made of a combination of spandex, Polyster and memory foam. Rippl says they also have moisture wicking.

I found they don’t work as well once the temperature gets above about 90-degrees Fahrenheit since sweating in them can add a different type of discomfort. Although I guess that’s true of most riding gear.

I’ve only seen a handful of reviews on the shorts and least one rider said the Rippl Apex Rides didn’t work at all, so take that for whatever its worth.

But I found them to help, so I’ll continue to use them on longer rides.

Speaking of motorcycle comfort, here’s an earlier review I did of Corbin’s seat for the Zero Motorcycles SR/F. If you find either review useful, please drop a like on YouTube. Thanks for reading and watching.

The post 1,400-Mile Review: Rippl Apex Rides Motorcycle Shorts appeared first on EV Rider.

The days of going without Apple Car Play or Android Auto during motorcycle rides are over.

I’ve been using an Ottocast Android Auto/Apple Car Play unit for more than a year now, so when the company reached out to me and asked if I’d like to review their latest version I said, “sure.”

Ottocast CarPlay Lite C5 SE product page

My current Ottocast has operated flawlessly. I was naturally curious to see how Ottocast might improve an already good product.

Right out of the gate, the latest CarPlay Lite C5 SE is slimmed down. The new one features a design that isn’t as bulky but Ottocast still managed to squeeze in an ever-so-slightly wider 5-inch screen with an 854×480-pixel screen resolution.

Ottocast sent me its base model but if you want all the bells and whistles, you can also order one with a larger 6.3 inch screen that comes with front and rear high-definition cameras, DVR recording, along with wireless tire pressure monitoring.

Installing the CarPlay Lite C5 SE is easy. If your motorcycle has a USB port all you need to do is mount it on your handlebar and plug it in. It also comes with a waterproof power box for those that will instead connecting it directly to their bike’s 12-volt battery.

To see just how easy installing it is watch the video at the top of this post

Once it’s set up, the Ottocast pairs to your Android or Apple smartphone just like any other Android Auto or Apple CarPlay device. Simply follow the prompts. I was pleasantly surprised to find the Ottocast also automatically detected my Sena 50c and paired it up to with my Samsung Ultra S23’s audio as well so I hear my music and other audio through my helmet’s Harman Kardon Sena helmet speakers.

Related: Review of the Sena 50c

Out on the road the Ottocast works like any other Android Auto or Apple Car Play unit.

In the case of my Sena and Ottocast, Google Assistant works just like it does with a phone, allowing me to take or make calls or do anything via voice I could normally do. In the case of the Sena, a short button tap activates the voice assistant.

For electric motorcyclists, being able to have EV-specific applications such as Plugshare or Chargepoint available at a glance during a traffic light stop is wonderful.

The unit’s touchscreen passed the glove test. I was able to scroll and activate apps without removing them. From a safety perspective you’ll obviously want to set up whatever apps you’ll be using ahead of your ride to avoid distractions.

The Ottocast also has a physical home button and power button on the right hand side of the unit if you want to turn off the display while riding.

Now that I have Android Auto there’s no need to subject my expensive smartphone to all of the vibrations and bumps that come with motorcycling.

Instead, I keep my phone either safely in my pocket or wrapped from harm and charging in the bike’s trunk.

Ottocast says its CarPlay Lite C5 SE will work in temperatures ranging from 14 to 158 degrees. It also has an IPX7 waterproof rating for those rainy days rides.

I didn’t experience any connectivity dropout or other issues. It also includes an external TF card slot that accepts memory cards up to 128G so you can have your entire music collection with you, even if you’re in an area with no cell service.

Performance wise, the Ottocast is working exactly as expected. The one mild criticism I can offer is I wish the display were brighter in direct sunlight. See the video at the top of this post for a look at how the unit displays in various riding conditions.

Given how well my other Ottocast has held up, I don’t see any reason the latest CarPlay Lite C5 SE shouldn’t provide years of trouble-free service.

Ottocast CarPlay Lite C5 SE Specifications

Ottocast provided EV Rider with the CarPlay Lite C5 SE featured in this review but did not have any editorial input into this video’s production, nor did it see an advance copy of the video or post. EV Rider’s editorial policy regarding review units is available here for anyone that would like to review it. 

The post Review: Add Android Auto/Apple Car Play To Your Motorcycle appeared first on EV Rider.

This week EV Rider is reviewing one of the fastest and most comprehensive home charging set-ups available from a brand that’s gained a strong reputation in the EV charging industry.

Chances are you’ve run into an Enphase charger somewhere along your travels. They can be found at a good number of hotels and shopping centers.

They also design rugged home chargers.

“So we’re getting ready to install a 60-amp charger that is made by Enphase,” said Sonny Flores of Synergy Solar as he and his team unboxed the charger for installation in my garage.

Synergy Solar here in Northeast Florida is installing both a solar system and the Enphase charger. Look for a video about the solar installation coming soon to EV Rider. Their team handles a good number of residential and commercial battery, solar and EV charger projects across Jacksonville’s First Coast region.

I’ve been testing Enphase’s 60-amp home charger for weeks now and the amount of information and flexibility it provides is first rate.

Let’s start with the most important aspect and that’s charging speed. Emphase’s IQ 60 EV Charger puts out the maximum AC charging speed our family’s three EVs can accept. It tops out at 11.5 kW.

If your EV can accept even more AC charging speed, Enphase also makes a 64-amp charger that can deliver up to 15.4 kW per hour.

Because Synergy Solar installed a higher amp charger, they hardwired it as opposed to installing a NEMA 14-50 outlet. NEMA 14-50 outlets are normally limited to 50-amps. If your home already has a 14-50 plug, Enphase does sell chargers that work with those as well.  

Once the installation was completed, the fun part began: using the new charger. In the case of my Mustang Mach-E I’m seeing an indicated 11.2 kW added per hour, which is actually just a bit above its peak-rated Level 2 charging speed of 11 kW.

Enphase Enlighten Android, iPhone App

Enphase’s Enlighten app estimates it’s adding up to 35.75 miles of range to the Mach-E per hour.

Enphase chargers come with an all-weather NEMA-4 rating so if you need to install it outside, it should hold up well.

My Enphase review unit is ETL and CSA certified and conforms to UL standards, unlike a good number of lower-priced chargers on the market. It’s also got Energy Star’s seal of approval, so it should be more energy efficient than some competitors.

Enphase’s chargers are available with either j-1772 or Tesla NACS plugs so all modern EVs are covered without the need for an adapter.

For EV newbies, the North American Charging Standard (NACS) will be gradually replacing the j-1772 plugs that most non-Tesla’s have today. Almost every EV manufacturer has announced they will switch production to the NACS standard for their U.S.-bound EVs within the next year or two.

Since the cord length is 25-feet it should reach just about anywhere in most garages.

What really sets Enphase chargers apart are their connected software. The Android and iPhone apps offer comprehensive information. The app quickly led me through the setup process, working the first time with no issue.

Next, you’ll probably want to plug in your utility rate information so you can easily track how much home charging is costing you. Enphase can save you time here as well since it can pull in rate information from many utilities.

If yours isn’t listed, you can enter it manually. You might want to doublecheck the rate Enphase pulls in case the utility has recently changed its rate or has added surcharges that Enphase’s app might not see.

Now you’ll be able to track your charging costs by hour, day, week or month.

If your utility offers off-peak charging incentives Enphase has you covered there as well. You can use the app to start and stop charges based on when power rates are cheapest, which is usually during late night and overnight hours.

Where this is really nice is if you have multiple EVs. Instead of needing to programming two or more apps or vehicles separately, you can program just the charger.

For those of you thinking about Enphase’s solar system, as you probably have guessed by now, Enphase ties all that together as well, letting you see at a glance how much power is being generated by the sun.

If you’ve got any questions about the Enphase charger let me know in the YouTube comments and I’ll do my best to answer them.

Enphase provided EV Rider with the review unit featured in this video and post but did not have any editorial input, nor did it see an advance copy of the video or post.  Here’s link to EV Rider’s editorial policy regarding review units for anyone that would like to read it.

The post Review: Enphase Is Fast, Rugged, Smart Home Charger appeared first on EV Rider.

This week on EV Rider I’ve got a look at what’s gotta be the smallest, slickest tire pump I’ve ever used. 

Newo Mini Air Pump: Use code EVRIDER at checkout for 10% off

When it comes to EV motoring, tires play a critical role in getting the most range possible out of a battery. Keeping your tires properly inflated can make a difference. When it comes to EV motorcycling space is also at a premium, so historically I didn’t carry a tire pump with me.  

Now, thanks to a product called the Newo Mini Air pump it’s easy to fill check and top off my motorcycle tires when I’m on a multi-state journey. Newo’s pump lives up to its “mini” name. It’s small enough to easily enough to fit in my Zero Motorcycles SR/F’s trunk, top box, or even under the seat. 

Better yet, the pump comes with a built-in flashlight in case I never need to add a little air on the side of the road at night. Coolgadget.com sent me the review unit featured in the video. It appears well built and smartly designed.  

 To give you a sense of just how small the Newo is, check out the video or this photo comparison to my other tire inflator. 

To turn on the Newo you click down on the pump’s mini hose. Then you take the hose out of its out of its holder and then screw it into the unit. 

Once you’ve done that you can set your target pressure via its LED read out. Now you’re ready to screw it onto your tire and watch the magic. This pump is primarily meant to top off tires that are 5 pounds or so low. 

If you do find yourself needing more air, well first, shame on you for waiting that long. But the Newo has you covered – within reason. It also comes with a backup battery that you can twist onto the main unit to basically give you a lot more run-time.  

Let’s also be real. A pump this small isn’t meant to inflate automotive tires from flat. 

Both batteries are recharged with a USB-C cord that comes with the unit so you can charge – or recharge – them before storing them in you car, motorcycle, bicycle or other vehicle. 

The backup battery pack has a built-in flashlight with multiple brightness settings along with a flash mode so if you’re stuck on the side of the road you can set it to flash as an added safety feature. With a 2,000 mAh battery it can also recharge things like a smartphone or tablet.

The Newo includes storage bags and pressure valves for bicycles and balls. Coolgadget.com says it can inflate up to 150 PSI. The cylinder is made out of metal with a wind tunnel design.  

For anyone interested in the mini electric air pump, coolgadget.com is offering 10% off. Just use code EVRIDER at checkout. At the time of this post’s publication the Newo had a retail price of $59.19.

Coolgadget.com provided EV Rider with the review unit featured in this post and video but did not have any editorial input into this video and post’s production, nor did it see an advance copy of the video or post.  Here is a link to EV Rider’s editorial policy regarding review units for anyone that would like to read it. 

If you found this review useful, please give the video in this post a like and subscribe to the EV Rider YouTube channel so I can bring you more reviews like this one. 

The post Cool Gadget Review: Newo Mini Air Pump appeared first on EV Rider.