They haven't because the whole idea is dumb. If you want more range it's more economic to just increase the battery in the car. That is because you loose power due to efficiency reasons when you charge one battery with another. Specially if you do it by converting it from DC from one battery to AC with a inverter, only to convert it back from AC to DC again with a charger. Also just increase battery size in the car will save you the space of the inverter and the cooling for the inverter and the money that in this case a 2000W inverter would cost.
Citroen has stated before that they are more committed to smaller batteries because they have less environmental impact and less troublesome. Their game is making the vehicles lighter to maximise range, hence the Oli concept.
The perfect portable power station charger hasn’t been invented yet. It needs to be made lighter, thinner and smaller with a shorter recharging time. This one is good but still falls short. Thanks for the review! 😊
Hi lads from Spain. Something like that could be used as a back up for solar. I remember during the 70s having a 12v battery and battery charger set up supplying 12v bulbs and a portable television to overcome the consequences of the miner's strike. A plus was it would also keep the central heating going.
I loved the variety of USB ports, and the autonomy it added to the Elton from such a compact power bank was not bad at all, It exceeded expectations, yet another excellent review.
Excellent hands-on review. If you have room, you could take both those packs, maybe? Maybe someone can advise what that yellow socket of caravaning joy is for.
You can easily take both if travel alone. Or the aferiy if travelling alone though you can have a passenger and the aferiy it’s just not as comfortable
A quick search for the model says "2-ish kWh". That's an impressive amount of added range (12+km per kWh if I've understood correctly?) by EV standards. There's probably a reason why they don't come with A-G energy efficiency labels! That's a decently small unit for 2kWh compared to the beast Lead Acids in my solar shed.
Thanks Tim Impressive unit and good review. Seems an ideal sized capacity to meet the needs of most people and then some. Price with your discount is competitive as well.
eco flow delta max will fit space ! I have two and second will go transversely next to other on floor in front of passenger seat - each 2400w output therefore 4800w total extra
As someone with a vintage. pre-war car, I'm wondering if it's possible to make and fit a rear fold-down luggage rack that is similar to what was fitted to cars before the boot/trunk was designed into the body of the car. You may need to relocate the number plate to the rack in such a way as it can been seen in both positions. You can then increase you luggage capacity. It would need to be fitted to the 'chassis' of the Ami with some decent sized nuts and bolts (probably two each side to provide strength).
@@MeandMonAmi Yes, I know of the Topolino but wasn't aware FIAT had a luggage rack on its options list. Is it one that attaches to the body just beneath the rear window, or is it one that fits to the underside of the car and when folded down it's only around 6ins off the road? It's that design I'm thinking of. It'll be stronger than one bolted to the plastic body. As an aside; a friend owns a 1938 FIAT Topolino (the original Topolino).
I do have one question! Can the door close when you are using a bank from inside the car? I know it won't when the charging point is outside, but curious about this bank! Great video thanks ❤
Yup great range and we’ve travelled with one this size and mr boo’s legs but obviously one that fits in luggage but is preferable. Great range on this though
Why we cant buy li ion battary with bigger capacity, lets say twice bigger, and instal it in 3rd party service center? is it that expensive or here is other reason?
@@MeandMonAmi I was told they received a lot of complaints about how the wind and rain gets in through the badly designed door locks, so they are going to fix that problem. They are supposed to be taking the DNR from the door and putting it on the dashboard. Finally, they are going to replace the Heater with one that actually works.
@@MeandMonAmi Maybe i was not clear. Have you a power cord between the extra battery and the plug (charging port) on the outside of the car. I have never heard of a ev that has a charging port on the inside of the car.
Since you're going to have to replace the battery sooner of later, I wonder why you don't just buy a new one and carry the old one as reserve? Shouldn't be that hard to hard wire so you'd just have to flip a switch and you'd never miss lunch in the mountains again!
@@MeandMonAmi I should think if you couldn't come up with a better place, you could just put it where your charger goes now, between Mr. Boo's feet. Wiring would go back to your current battery terminals. I'd be surprised if your Citroen dealer couldn't fix you up. Bonne chance...(Also might be a good idea for video).
@@MeandMonAmi Oppps. Sorry guys. Not the greatest suggestion. I didn't realize the battery was quite as big as it it. You could probably find a smaller 48 volt battery with less Amh but that probably wouldn't get you much more range than your charger.
Sadly the amount it Adds doesn’t seem quite worth it to us (plus as you will see in other videos we need the roof!) Airports have amis with solar but it only powers peripherals
There are videos on RUclips where people with normal ebikes are using small petrol generators plugged into the battery and charging it as they go along. The original one I saw was an old boy in America who's sight was too bad for him to drive so he bought a trike and was able to go longer distances with this setup. Other people who use the method claim a distance of up to 200 miles per gallon. Toodle pip.
@@MeandMonAmi I can't find the original post but there are loads of people who have done the same. I'm not sure if YT allow links in posts so I have split it in two you just have to put the HTTPS in front of the link bit. ruclips.net/user/results?search_query=e+bike+with+generator. If you do a general search for "ebike powered by a generator" there will be loads of results. You probably wouldn't want to drive through town with it running but out of town no problem.
The whole idea is dumb. If you want more range it's more economic to just increase the battery in the car. That is because you loose power due to efficiency reasons when you charge one battery with another. Specially if you do it by converting it from DC from one battery to AC with a inverter, only to convert it back from AC to DC again with a charger. Also just increase battery size in the car will save you the space of the inverter and the cooling for the inverter and the money that in this case a 2000W inverter would cost.
@@MeandMonAmi i know that this is not a simple diy job. But people where discussing why Citroën is not making a charge station. For you as a enduser without knowledge of modifying electric cars a charge station is the only solution. However it is still a very inefficiënt solution.
@@chinesepopsongs00 you also then take the weight of the vehicle over 500kg which means it is no longer a light quad and it therefore requires a licence to drive in France
25km is huge in Europe. We just need batteries tech to increase their power density by two ans these power bank would give almost 50km of extra range for an ami...
Very interesting vlog, Tim! I am still learning how these EV batteries work. Yes, this battery sounds fab for giving you extra range, but the size will impose on poor Mr. Boo's leggy space! So, when you plugged this into the Ami, it told you how much extra range you would get via extra wattage? Were you transferring the entire charge from the battery or adding on? ... It's all Greek to me, so forgive my ignorance. I am trying to understand how your battery works! Did I tell you I just got a new ebike? I haven't ridden a bike in decades, so this should be interesting (lol)...My ebike has the option of having 2 batteries for extended trips, however I only opted for the single as I don't plan on needing it for long range. I get 28-32km on one battery on a flat surface....anywho, thanks for the update. I LOVE LOVE THAT LOCATION, BY THE WAY! I could so totally sit there all day and picnic and read....deep sigh....🥐🧀🥗🥮🍹📖
….. and play a guitar. Agree on that parking lot! That’s basically the view the Glimmer Twins had in the summer of 1971. Maybe one of the reasons why Exile on Main St turned out to be one of the greatest records of all time. Another great Vlog. Thanks!!
I’m surprised Citroen haven’t developed their own power pack .
They’ll only do what they perceive will make them money! To make a power pack would be an admission that their batteries aren’t up to the job!
They haven't because the whole idea is dumb. If you want more range it's more economic to just increase the battery in the car. That is because you loose power due to efficiency reasons when you charge one battery with another. Specially if you do it by converting it from DC from one battery to AC with a inverter, only to convert it back from AC to DC again with a charger. Also just increase battery size in the car will save you the space of the inverter and the cooling for the inverter and the money that in this case a 2000W inverter would cost.
@@chinesepopsongs00 so you think I’m dumb . You know absolutely nothing about me , who’s dumb now ?
@@chinesepopsongs00 In the end, all forms of energy end as heat!
Citroen has stated before that they are more committed to smaller batteries because they have less environmental impact and less troublesome. Their game is making the vehicles lighter to maximise range, hence the Oli concept.
The perfect portable power station charger hasn’t been invented yet. It needs to be made lighter, thinner and smaller with a shorter recharging time. This one is good but still falls short. Thanks for the review! 😊
Charge time on this is pretty good as is range but I wish it were taller and thinner
@@MeandMonAmi What? Isn't Mr Boo tall enough? 🤣
@@mikehipperson lol
There's the anker which is tall and the ecoflow which is flat
Hi lads from Spain. Something like that could be used as a back up for solar. I remember during the 70s having a 12v battery and battery charger set up supplying 12v bulbs and a portable television to overcome the consequences of the miner's strike. A plus was it would also keep the central heating going.
Oh it certainly could and I’m going to look at another modular system soon which is even more suited to domestic use
Another mid week video - yay 🎉
I loved the variety of USB ports, and the autonomy it added to the Elton from such a compact power bank was not bad at all, It exceeded expectations, yet another excellent review.
Thanks I thought the added range was very impressive. Best so far
The yellow socket you showed us at 3.12 is to charge LIPO batteries as used for model planes, model cars and drones and so on so very useful!
thanks Henk. My drone goes in usb c but it’s only little
That’s a great bit of kit and the extra mileage is amazing, new Boottery makes the car go farrrrrrr
Excellent hands-on review. If you have room, you could take both those packs, maybe? Maybe someone can advise what that yellow socket of caravaning joy is for.
You can easily take both if travel alone. Or the aferiy if travelling alone though you can have a passenger and the aferiy it’s just not as comfortable
Very interesting! I always wonder how much the range of the Ami is affected by carrying the extra weight of the battery.
I don’t think it has much impact, I mean a passenger is three times or more the weight of the battery
@@MeandMonAmi Who? Fat Brenda or beanpole Mr Boo?
The most important bit of technical information with any powerbank like this is, how many Kilowatt Hours does it have. (it's storage capacity)
Indeed
A quick search for the model says "2-ish kWh". That's an impressive amount of added range (12+km per kWh if I've understood correctly?) by EV standards. There's probably a reason why they don't come with A-G energy efficiency labels! That's a decently small unit for 2kWh compared to the beast Lead Acids in my solar shed.
Thanks Tim Impressive unit and good review. Seems an ideal sized capacity to meet the needs of most people and then some. Price with your discount is competitive as well.
Yes these things are becoming much more affordable
At the end, Mr. Boo and Twiggy are sitting on the roof... :-)
With a brolly!
eco flow delta max will fit space ! I have two and second will go transversely next to other on floor in front of passenger seat - each 2400w output therefore 4800w total extra
Thanks Bill.
In the electric Aixam there seems to be much more room in the back for things like this. Perhaps a tripple set witch should double the range?
Yes I think it has a boot?
I read a rumour citroen are researching a 54mph ami with more range. Anyone else heard any rumours about future amis?
It’s perfectly possible given Renault did the same with Twizzy (a sans permis one and a permis one with faster top speed)
A more powerful Ami with air conditioning would be perfect
@@Filipe1020 I’m all for air con!
If someone could have built a portable AC with Vents for Ami Window, that would be so awesome. The only thing that i think that Ami is missing to me.
Yup would be great!
Thanks for putting this together. Solid state batteries will transform the EV landscape - these cars included. The 500 mile range AMI will be a thing.
I think so
Coolus love these vids 😀
Thanks David
If Ami was able to go arround 70kms easily, I would consider buying one. How long does it take to go from 0-50km/h ?
As someone with a vintage. pre-war car, I'm wondering if it's possible to make and fit a rear fold-down luggage rack that is similar to what was fitted to cars before the boot/trunk was designed into the body of the car. You may need to relocate the number plate to the rack in such a way as it can been seen in both positions. You can then increase you luggage capacity. It would need to be fitted to the 'chassis' of the Ami with some decent sized nuts and bolts (probably two each side to provide strength).
Fiat have done it to the Toplolino which is almost identical to the Ami
@@MeandMonAmi Yes, I know of the Topolino but wasn't aware FIAT had a luggage rack on its options list. Is it one that attaches to the body just beneath the rear window, or is it one that fits to the underside of the car and when folded down it's only around 6ins off the road? It's that design I'm thinking of. It'll be stronger than one bolted to the plastic body.
As an aside; a friend owns a 1938 FIAT Topolino (the original Topolino).
@@crashbox7130 I think it attaches to the frame through the body
Why transfer charge? Why not plug in and drive from it.?
You can’t
The demand is too great and would result in a burn out.
I do have one question! Can the door close when you are using a bank from inside the car?
I know it won't when the charging point is outside, but curious about this bank!
Great video thanks ❤
It does close from charging points outside and you can cheat it to a power bank
Interesting review thank you. Wonder how long all of the little flappy “doors” will last before they break 😄
We have another with similar and they have lasted 18 months plus
It’s a shame it is a little too big, otherwise it would be perfect.
Yup great range and we’ve travelled with one this size and mr boo’s legs but obviously one that fits in luggage but is preferable. Great range on this though
Great range gain!
@@MeandMonAmi perhaps after you review, they will resize for the next model 😉🤞🏻
Why we cant buy li ion battary with bigger capacity, lets say twice bigger, and instal it in 3rd party service center? is it that expensive or here is other reason?
The issue here would be the vehicle then ceases to be a ‘light quad’ and would therefore require a licence to drive.
How much range does carry it in the car take? Since the more weight in the car the more energy needed to move it
Never seems to make much difference To be honest
Mister Me and Mister Boo, well yet another portable power bank Tim,one thing you'll always stay charged 😂🎉
True!
Nice printer
It’s a great printer we love it
I know you car stuff in the boot, but??? Is it more important than getting home?
Have you had a go in the microlino yet? Still waiting for them to show up in 🇬🇧
No I cant til I pass my test!
What a pity that all of these batteries cannot be connected while driving, simply adding to the car main battery.
It is but they can ‘t
I heard that Citroen are going to change they layout of the Ami. Have you heard anything.🧸🧸🐕🚙
I can’t see that
@@MeandMonAmi I was told they received a lot of complaints about how the wind and rain gets in through the badly designed door locks, so they are going to fix that problem. They are supposed to be taking the DNR from the door and putting it on the dashboard. Finally, they are going to replace the Heater with one that actually works.
Y have a question, i want to buy an AMI buy i dint know to chose the Orange model and the tonic what its the BEST??
Well they’re the same so it’s all about stickers and trim!
Maybe i missed it. But where do you connect the charging car port to the batterypack. Via the outside??
The ami just plugs into it like you’d plug a kettle in
@@MeandMonAmi Maybe i was not clear. Have you a power cord between the extra battery and the plug (charging port) on the outside of the car. I have never heard of a ev that has a charging port on the inside of the car.
@@aamiddel8646 you just pull a wire out of inside the ami. Check out some of our other Wednesday playlist videos it’s all there (I think!)
@@MeandMonAmi Will look good on a Tesla...
do i spy a Citroen H van , how lovely...x
Yes I think it came in on a low loader. There’s a modern one around Villefranche too
Would it fit behind the drivers seat?
Sadly no
Since you're going to have to replace the battery sooner of later, I wonder why you don't just buy a new one and carry the old one as reserve? Shouldn't be that hard to hard wire so you'd just have to flip a switch and you'd never miss lunch in the mountains again!
Where would we put it?!
@@MeandMonAmi I should think if you couldn't come up with a better place, you could just put it where your charger goes now, between Mr. Boo's feet. Wiring would go back to your current battery terminals. I'd be surprised if your Citroen dealer couldn't fix you up. Bonne chance...(Also might be a good idea for video).
@@MeandMonAmi Put it on a trailer. More weight to lug around and negating the range improvement!
@@MeandMonAmi Oppps. Sorry guys. Not the greatest suggestion. I didn't realize the battery was quite as big as it it. You could probably find a smaller 48 volt battery with less Amh but that probably wouldn't get you much more range than your charger.
Love it!
Peak is 2150 Wh
Yup
I sat in 2 BYD electric cars yesterday. Wow! Just wow! The quality and extras are insane. Out of my price range though!
Interesting I haven’t seen one in the flesh yet
Theres a bright thing in the sky,its called the sun could have put solar on the roof,extra free range then!
Sadly the amount it Adds doesn’t seem quite worth it to us (plus as you will see in other videos we need the roof!) Airports have amis with solar but it only powers peripherals
There are videos on RUclips where people with normal ebikes are using small petrol generators plugged into the battery and charging it as they go along. The original one I saw was an old boy in America who's sight was too bad for him to drive so he bought a trike and was able to go longer distances with this setup. Other people who use the method claim a distance of up to 200 miles per gallon. Toodle pip.
That sound fabulously mad! Do you have a link?
@@MeandMonAmi I can't find the original post but there are loads of people who have done the same. I'm not sure if YT allow links in posts so I have split it in two you just have to put the HTTPS in front of the link bit. ruclips.net/user/results?search_query=e+bike+with+generator. If you do a general search for "ebike powered by a generator" there will be loads of results. You probably wouldn't want to drive through town with it running but out of town no problem.
@@MeandMonAmi Here is an electric car with one on the roof. ruclips.net/video/y3MkwTBsPqA/видео.html. www.
@@MeandMonAmi I did reply with links but I don't think links are allowed. Try a search "ebikes with gas generators."
I can add 100s of kilometres of range, in my diesel truck, in about 5 minutes!
EcoFlow…no brainer.
The whole idea is dumb. If you want more range it's more economic to just increase the battery in the car. That is because you loose power due to efficiency reasons when you charge one battery with another. Specially if you do it by converting it from DC from one battery to AC with a inverter, only to convert it back from AC to DC again with a charger. Also just increase battery size in the car will save you the space of the inverter and the cooling for the inverter and the money that in this case a 2000W inverter would cost.
Sounds complex and would definitely be a challenge to your insurance/ warranty etc
@@MeandMonAmi i know that this is not a simple diy job. But people where discussing why Citroën is not making a charge station. For you as a enduser without knowledge of modifying electric cars a charge station is the only solution. However it is still a very inefficiënt solution.
@@chinesepopsongs00 you also then take the weight of the vehicle over 500kg which means it is no longer a light quad and it therefore requires a licence to drive in France
@@MeandMonAmi very good reason, so Citroën can not be blamed. They made the best they could within the constraints they faced.
all that for an extra 24 kilometres !!!! what a waste of a power pack, just use it for what it was intended for. NOT got my vote on electric cars....
25km is huge in Europe. We just need batteries tech to increase their power density by two ans these power bank would give almost 50km of extra range for an ami...
Very interesting vlog, Tim! I am still learning how these EV batteries work. Yes, this battery sounds fab for giving you extra range, but the size will impose on poor Mr. Boo's leggy space! So, when you plugged this into the Ami, it told you how much extra range you would get via extra wattage? Were you transferring the entire charge from the battery or adding on? ... It's all Greek to me, so forgive my ignorance. I am trying to understand how your battery works! Did I tell you I just got a new ebike? I haven't ridden a bike in decades, so this should be interesting (lol)...My ebike has the option of having 2 batteries for extended trips, however I only opted for the single as I don't plan on needing it for long range. I get 28-32km on one battery on a flat surface....anywho, thanks for the update. I LOVE LOVE THAT LOCATION, BY THE WAY! I could so totally sit there all day and picnic and read....deep sigh....🥐🧀🥗🥮🍹📖
Thanks Louise. Yes he’s lose a bit of legroom. Basically it’s a giant battery and it tops up the car one until it’s flat
….. and play a guitar. Agree on that parking lot! That’s basically the view the Glimmer Twins had in the summer of 1971. Maybe one of the reasons why Exile on Main St turned out to be one of the greatest records of all time. Another great Vlog. Thanks!!