I think EVannex has found themselves with the same problem.
Most of their offerings (like their downright superb CCI-- which is leaps and bounds better than Tesla's own) are innovative and class leading designs of quality that laid a foundation worthy of building a company on. I've written this review twice because I was so conflicted about the product. In the end, I think it is a viable offering and my high expectations were perhaps unreasonable at this price point. Moreover, its best selling point has been overlooked by EVannex... and I'm going to show it to you. However, there is no escaping the whiff of desperation. It's Christmas Eve and they're still shopping and hoping for a miracle find.
The Adaptable Storage and Lighting Kit (ASLK) is a collection of pieces assembled to address a perceived problem: storing the charging adapters and lighting a very dark trunk. To solve this the ASLK uses a false trim panel to mount a plastic case and flashlight. Filling out the case are some accessory tools.
The trim panel is the biggest selling point of the kit. As advertised, It fits the space perfectly and is easy to install. The panel is just grained plastic, but from a few steps back it does a reasonable job of mimicking the trunk liner carpet. The panel is held in place by a couple bent tabs that you flex the panel to slide in behind the trunk's trim. The panel probably had its flimsiness dictated by how much it had to flex to pop the tabs into place and though rugged, it does feel very coarsely made, like recycled dollar store toys.
The case itself is underwhelming. On mine the EVannex sticker refuses to live up to its name and no one will mistake this for a factory accessory. The foam inserts are perfectly shaped and cut for the tools and adapters-- this is the high point of the ASLK-- and made of a good quality foam. Each opening is specific to a particular adapter, the NEMA 50, J1772 and standard plug. The case latches very securely and has loops for a lock but-- let's not kid ourselves-- the case would be pulverized by a moderately sized boot heel.
Joining your adapters are some EVAnnex branded tools. Provided with the kit is a tire gauge and multi-tool. The tire gauge is an eye catching red and will read pressures up to 50 psi. It didn't feel any more or less robust than other gauges I had so I did a test using all my other gauges. The results suggest the EVannex gauge is no better or worse than what I already had-- none of which were what I would call expensive test instruments.
The final piece the ASLK puzzle is the clip-on flashlight. It's small enough I was concerned it would be a watch-battery powered affair where replacing the whole unit is cheaper than new batteries. Thankfully it uses a standard AA battery to light up the LED and it is BRIGHT. The aluminum housing has a clip attached, is weatherproofed and with a rotating head.
With the panel popped into place, assembling the rest of the ASLK is simple. The case is loaded, latched, balanced into the opening and held there by an elastic cord (it will not stay there otherwise). There is a square hole in the panel where the flashlight is supposed to clip on but I found it impossible to attach directly. So I jammed on the clip first (where it will stay forever) and then I could easily mount and dismount the flashlight as needed. Unlike a factory trunk light, this one requires you to click it on and off, obviously. Worth noting, this installation is fully compatible with the rear jump seat-equipped cars and doesn't not impinge on elbow space.
The hidden feature that EVannex doesn't advertise is what happens BEHIND the case. With the storage hole covered, there is a VAST space still available as the case doesn't really extend back behind the panel. Though the valet mode in the 6.2 firmware update makes this less important (allowing the frunk and glovebox to be locked), the possibility remains that you could have a large out of sight and not immediately obvious space to stash expensive items. To really secure them you'd need to plug the opening between the central lower trunk as well, but there is a lot of potential for cleverness here. I would suggest an add-on lower panel would be worth EVannex's consideration, but they'd need to hold the line on price.
I happen to think that the value is there. It would take me a couple hours and a lot of messing around to make a panel of this unique shape and colored to match... and at my hourly rates, with my to-do list already long, the ASLK becomes a better choice and clearly EVannex hasn't priced it unreasonably. The real question then becomes, do you need/want it. That's a harder question to answer. When a heavy hitter comes up to bat you expect a home run from them and this-- as it is sold now-- is more of a bunt.
Craftsmanship 3
Fitment 2.5
Aesthetics 4
Usefulness 3
Value 3
--------
Summary 3
EVannex offers a modest product at a modest price. It is somewhat of a solution looking for a problem. With few proprietary parts, it lacks the flair we're used to but they've assembled a kit that works as advertised. Storage space loss is minimal but now mostly hidden, a side benefit for cars with jumpseats or without the parcel shelf. Finish quality keeps this from being something you'd give as a gift but it blends in nicely enough for personal use.
Thanks for visiting us here! CLICK to read more at www.TeslaPittsburgh.com, check out the videos on our YouTube channel at www.YouTube.com/NZCUTR and follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TeslaPittsburgh. PITTSBURGH AREA OWNERS, join the conversation here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/TeslaPittsburgh/
This review originally appeared on Teslarati.com.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Comments are moderated-- yours will post once approved.