Help. Why not the Rivian?

[Unemployed]

I’m an early reservation holder, around 50k. Live in Connecticut so nowhere close to CA or TX. I’ve been a happy waiter, like so many. Have a model Y, have a couple power walls and a solar array. So I get it, mostly.

And I watch these threads closely. But with low range expectations and our needs, I’m struggling to justify the cost and tradeoffs of the CT.

As big skiers, we drive to Vermont most weekends all winter. 180 miles each way. Temps can can be low, 5 degrees not uncommon, and 10 below some mornings is not uncommon. And a lot of weekends, we are plunging far deeper to remote parts of Vermont for ski races. Elevation change from about 500 ft to 2,200 for most trips.

We’ve got a garage and home charger at both ends of trip.

Charging infrastructure in VT (and CT too) is really quite limited at this point. If you’re happy with slow crowded charging stations (if working) that a few generous ski hills have put up, I suppose things are workable. But barely.

So really, range and infrastructure is a huge issue for me. 400 to 500 miles as promised was keeping me on list and prevented me from going another way. I really do feel misled, like so many.

I’ve read all about pending revised 4680 chemistry and perhaps 10% to 20% longer range coming soon.
But jeez, if my order comes up (maybe any day now) I’m really debating taking a pass and pulling trigger on Rivian.

Out of Spec tests have everyone’s attention, and while not perfect, what else do we have to go on?

facts:

250 miles for CT, 290 for Rivian.

135kWh pack in R1T vs 120kWh pack in CT

2.2 miles/kwh R1T DM AT tires (34”)
Vs
2.0 miles/kwh CT AT tires (35”)


What am I missing?

What’s the Tesla quoted range on your model Y? How does that do on the trip with cold weather?

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[Haopec]

The R1's are a great vehicle. My T has had no issues in first year and has been best vehicle ever owned. Once have access to Supercharger network this year removed only issue the charging network. It gets the range promised and no we know the charging curve isn't that bad.

Interior is nicer on it as well but backseat area is my only issue. Family of 5 is cramped. Also super thin body panels and crazy repair bills on minor accidents has me concerned on insurance going forward. The gear tunnel is amazing and while the bed is small but has taken care of most of my needs.

I was really hoping the CT would have amazing range and curve to make it a no brainer moving forward on losing the few items that really makes the R1T standout but that definitely hasn't happened. I will likely live with both for 6 months and then make decision.

I will add Rivian has made it a way better truck over the year with updates and I'm sure Tesla will do the same.

Spot on from my experience as well. Giving up the gear tunnel and large frunk is going to be a bummer. I struggle with the rear seat space as well, just a little to small for long trips, so we end up taking the MX (not to mention Supercharging, even though our MX has almost 100miles shorter range!), which is wh6 I'm not overly concerned with the CT 318 mile range.
I also have had my share of small dents ( easily removed by paintless dent repair), so the durability of CT entices me.

 

[Keeney]

If you need room for 5 for comfortable longer rides, the Rivian R1S 3-row SUV may be a better choice. Or the Ford with its monster 2nd row.

If you really need the range, the CT range extender may be a good future choice. Probably not going to help you this year.

 

[heems]

Op what you are missing is all the other stuff. You have picked one use case. Going skiing 180mi away. If range is the only thing you care about get the EV with the most range that fits your skis and boots. Done. No need to read further. Your Model Y awaits.

But if you throw in other use cases then you can make a more honest comparison for yourself. Rivian is smaller. Is that an issue ? Maybe you need to haul sheetrock flat here and there in your life. Maybe you are not a small person. Can you fit inside the Rivian comfortably? It’s charging network is not good at this time. Is that an issue in other aspects of its ownership? Maybe you want to power a 240v appliance in your circumstance. Does the Rivian provide that? See now the picture is more complex than a one line post. Picking a single random number and focusing on that means you are missing a lot.

 

[Woodrick]

What’s the Tesla quoted range on your model Y? How does that do on the trip with cold weather?

I don't really remember, maybe 320.
It doesn't bother me.
People don't worry about range with ICE vehicles, most people have no idea what the range of their vehicle is.
People are listening to the media and hear the problem with charging locations.
That's not really Tesla's problem. From Atlanta to Orlando, I have Superchargers every 50 miles or less.
Up the east coast, as well as Ca, chargers can be less than 10 miles apart.

As I was leaving Branson Mo headed home, the temperature was below freezing. The car was parked outside of the hotel, but plugged into a 120V outlet. That meant that the battery was warm, the car was warm, and the trip out of town was easy. And that happens to be one of the lower Supercharger density areas.
Tesla sales the RWD models with about 230 EPA range, they don't have any issues.

For Tesla batteries are better than good enough and the Superchargers are located better than good enough.

Check abetterrouteplanner.com to see how your trip could be.
And don't forget to combine charging with bathroom and meal stops

 

[Petertsai]

I’m an early reservation holder, around 50k. Live in Connecticut so nowhere close to CA or TX. I’ve been a happy waiter, like so many. Have a model Y, have a couple power walls and a solar array. So I get it, mostly.

And I watch these threads closely. But with low range expectations and our needs, I’m struggling to justify the cost and tradeoffs of the CT.

As big skiers, we drive to Vermont most weekends all winter. 180 miles each way. Temps can can be low, 5 degrees not uncommon, and 10 below some mornings is not uncommon. And a lot of weekends, we are plunging far deeper to remote parts of Vermont for ski races. Elevation change from about 500 ft to 2,200 for most trips.

We’ve got a garage and home charger at both ends of trip.

Charging infrastructure in VT (and CT too) is really quite limited at this point. If you’re happy with slow crowded charging stations (if working) that a few generous ski hills have put up, I suppose things are workable. But barely.

So really, range and infrastructure is a huge issue for me. 400 to 500 miles as promised was keeping me on list and prevented me from going another way. I really do feel misled, like so many.

I’ve read all about pending revised 4680 chemistry and perhaps 10% to 20% longer range coming soon.
But jeez, if my order comes up (maybe any day now) I’m really debating taking a pass and pulling trigger on Rivian.

Out of Spec tests have everyone’s attention, and while not perfect, what else do we have to go on?

facts:

250 miles for CT, 290 for Rivian.

135kWh pack in R1T vs 120kWh pack in CT

2.2 miles/kwh R1T DM AT tires (34”)
Vs
2.0 miles/kwh CT AT tires (35”)


What am I missing?

The super charging network If you plan to do traveling. Hard to beat the stainless skin for reducing dings.

 

[Keeney]

FYI, there are already several Tesla Superchargers enabled for non-Telsa via MagicDock in Connecticut and Vermont. Not sure if they are on your route.

 

[Rutrow]

I’m really debating taking a pass and pulling trigger on Rivian.

What am I missing?

I too have been considering my options. My CyberTruck reservation was timed, comfortably, to fit into my retirement plans. Had it arrived on schedule, I would have had time to buy a used Airstream, with an entire fall and winter before retirement to make repairs/modifications, with a few dry run outings before embarking on a full-time RV life.

Needless to say, I'm now fully retired, several months behind schedule on my travels, and still don't have a tow vehicle. 🫤 I'm not getting any younger so I've been tempted to go with Rivian or Lightning (but not Hummer) The factor that is keeping me from pulling that trigger is NACS. Pulling a Travel Trailer with an EV makes Range-Anxiety a real thing. I need towing range that will get me reliably between DC Fast Chargers in western, mountainous states, in all kinds of weather. If Electrify America, et al, were more reliable I'd risk it on CCS. Or if my retirement plans didn't start until 2025 (universal NACS) I'd happily buy a non-Tesla. But my time frame is too rushed. I just can't stand to put off my dream for another year or more.

If Rivain checks all your boxes, I'd jump on in if I were you.

 

[jerhenderson]

I’m an early reservation holder, around 50k. Live in Connecticut so nowhere close to CA or TX. I’ve been a happy waiter, like so many. Have a model Y, have a couple power walls and a solar array. So I get it, mostly.

And I watch these threads closely. But with low range expectations and our needs, I’m struggling to justify the cost and tradeoffs of the CT.

As big skiers, we drive to Vermont most weekends all winter. 180 miles each way. Temps can can be low, 5 degrees not uncommon, and 10 below some mornings is not uncommon. And a lot of weekends, we are plunging far deeper to remote parts of Vermont for ski races. Elevation change from about 500 ft to 2,200 for most trips.

We’ve got a garage and home charger at both ends of trip.

Charging infrastructure in VT (and CT too) is really quite limited at this point. If you’re happy with slow crowded charging stations (if working) that a few generous ski hills have put up, I suppose things are workable. But barely.

So really, range and infrastructure is a huge issue for me. 400 to 500 miles as promised was keeping me on list and prevented me from going another way. I really do feel misled, like so many.

I’ve read all about pending revised 4680 chemistry and perhaps 10% to 20% longer range coming soon.
But jeez, if my order comes up (maybe any day now) I’m really debating taking a pass and pulling trigger on Rivian.

Out of Spec tests have everyone’s attention, and while not perfect, what else do we have to go on?

facts:

250 miles for CT, 290 for Rivian.

135kWh pack in R1T vs 120kWh pack in CT

2.2 miles/kwh R1T DM AT tires (34”)
Vs
2.0 miles/kwh CT AT tires (35”)


What am I missing?

Range wasn't promised.

 

[jerhenderson]

For me it is the Dyson hairdryer headlights. Just can't

Ditto. Can't stand the headlights.

 

[CyberGus]

Ditto. Can't stand the headlights.

The Rivian headlights are at least distinctive.

pretty funny to watch a bunch a bunch of Cybertruck stans throw shade at other vehicles‘ appearance

 

[CHC]

I was just thinking the same after I watched Out of Spec's comparison of the CT to driving the Rivian. Was never really considering one until now

 

[cyberboat]

Had a ski trip last week, about 110 miles one way. Owns a R1s, MY LR, and a Mach-E CR1, with R1S having a 20% (yes 20%) actual range over the other two. Taking the R1s was a no brainer for the purpose of completing the round trip without a charging stop. So if you need range and worry about charging, go for range - it's not a feature that can be compromised.

Sad thing though I still had to stop to charge my R1s, due to 1% vampire drain per day and a over conservative trip planner.

 

[Woodrick]

I was just thinking the same after I watched Out of Spec's comparison of the CT to driving the Rivian. Was never really considering one until now

Which one are you referring to?

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