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⚡️ Charging in the Cold! IONNA 2-Year Anniversary Event in Simsbury, CT (12°F!) ❄️

Join us for a frigid celebration of the IONNA Charging Network’s 2-Year Anniversary! We set up at the Simsbury, CT Rechargery in sub-freezing 12°F (-11°C) temperatures to put the chargers—and our EVs—to the ultimate test. In this video, we bring out a Tesla Model 3 Highland Performance and a Rivian R1T Quad Motor to see how quickly they can regain range when cold-soaked. What’s inside: ❄️ Extreme Cold Charging: Watch the real-time charging curves to see how sub-freezing temperatures affect charging speeds on the IONNA network. 🎥 Driver Interviews: I chat with other EV owners at the station about their experiences, range anxiety, and thoughts on the IONNA infrastructure. 🍔 Amenities & Swag: We highlight the convenience of the site, hand out exclusive swag to attendees, and share some snacks to keep warm. 💡 Stress Test Results: Does the cold hamper performance? We analyze the data to see how the chargers hold up under pressure. Whether you’re a seasoned EV owner or curious about winter electric driving, this video covers the practical reality of charging in the cold.

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Rivian Software Update 2025.18.01 Multi-Factor Drive Energy and Charging With Manual Preconditioning

I go over Rivian Update 2025.18.01 this has Multi-Factor Drive with a new Energy monitor and Charging App and now includes Manual Preconditioning for DC fast charging. There are also DC fast charging speed improvements with this update for some configurations.

Get $500 off Rivian Gear by using my referral link when you purchase a new vehicle through Rivian’s R1 Shop https://rivian.com/configurations/list?reprCode=JEFF1724973

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Rear Display Function of the Rivian R1T / R1S Compared to Tesla Model 3 Highland and Model Y Juniper

I go over all the functions of the rear display in the Rivian R1T / R1S and compare them to the Tesla Model 3 Highland and Model Y Juniper

BestEvMod 3PCS Matte Screen Protectors Tempered Glass for Rivian R1T & R1S 2022-2025 https://ev-vida.store/products/3pcs-matte-screen-protectors-tempered-glass-for-rivian-r1t-r1s-2022-2025?rs_ref=GozCQL4o

Amazon https://amzn.to/4kb1J2B

Get $500 off Rivian Gear by using my referral link when you purchase a new vehicle through Rivian’s R1 Shop https://rivian.com/configurations/list?reprCode=JEFF1724973

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Rear Display Function of the Tesla Model 3 Highland and Model Y Juniper Compared to Rivian R1T / R1S

I go over all the functions of the rear display in the Model 3 Highland and Model Y Juniper and compare them to the Rivian R1T and R1S

Koolatron Mini Fridge https://amzn.to/43in1VO

USB C Male to 12V Car Cigarette Lighter Socket https://amzn.to/43syfG1

Apple AirPods Pro 2 https://amzn.to/43CNWup

Tesla Gaming Controller https://www.jowua-life.com/products/multi-device-wireless-controller?ghref=5866:706223&discount=JEFF2025 save %5 with code JEFF2025 at JOWUA

Get $500 off Rivian Gear by using my referral link when you purchase a new vehicle through Rivian’s R1 Shop https://rivian.com/configurations/list?reprCode=JEFF1724973

Save up to $2,500 by using my referral code https://ts.la/jeff383315 when placing a order for a new Tesla

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How Efficient are the Michelin Defender LTX Tires on the Rivian R1T Quad Adventure Truck?

Get $500 off Rivian Gear by using my referral link when you purchase a new vehicle through Rivian’s R1 Shop https://rivian.com/configurations/list?reprCode=JEFF1724973

Michelin Defender LTX 275/55R21 116H XL https://www.tirerack.com/tires/TireSearchResults.jsp?tireIndex=0&autoMake=Rivian&autoYear=2022&autoModel=R1T&autoModClar=275%2F55-21&width=275%2F&ratio=55&diameter=21&sortCode=61062&skipOver=true&minSpeedRating=H&minLoadRating=XL&performance=ALL

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My Review of Tire Rack Mobile Install Service

Installer arrived on time with the correct tires for the Rivian R1T. However the truck was not equipped with long enough jacking pucks to lift the Rivian. The installer mounted and balanced the new tires quickly without damaging the rims. I installed the rims with my jacks and lift pucks. The new tires were needed so the end result was great for me will use mobile install again. I would recommend reviewing the Rivian tire service guide and getting the correct lifting pucks https://assets.ctfassets.net/2md5qhoeajym/5HOJlFn8au2jEOws2LDCtu/f80cbfdc2bb9db75b95935c57b35d1b7/R1-tire-service-guide-en-us-20240621.pdf

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GoPro HERO13 Black Review

I was coming from a Hero9 which still had great 4k video but was lacking a good mic for in car audio recording. The built in Mic of the Hero9 worked well for slow speeds but not highway. I noticed with the latest firmware the Hero13 Black could pair with Bluetooth microphones including the Apple AirPods Pro 2 and DJI Mic Mini. However I discovered The built in mic and noise canceling of the Hero13 is now good enough for most in car audio. See my first test below with Apple AirPods Pro 2.

and this one with the DJI Mic Mini

One of the other advantages of the Hero13 is the new enduro battery for longer run time and less overheating. I put this to the test while skiing and the battery performed well in cold conditions also. Some of the additional new features are the new vertical shooting mode and 120FPS super slo mo mode. See my skiing video below.

Because the new enduro batteries are larger the ones from previous gopro’s are not compatible. I would pick up a couple of the new batteries and use a stand alone charger like the TELESIN unit below.

So if you have a older GoPro Hero the Hero13 black is a solid upgrade.

You can purchase the GoPro Hero13 here https://amzn.to/42dlvUO