Rivian W/ 410 mile range

[Ray-IN]

2025 Rivian R1S Gen 2 Goes Long: First-Take Review

The first thing that struck me about second-generation Rivian R1S SUV was its range. And that’s the focus of this short first-take review.

www.forbes.com

J
And this for a 7,000# vehicle; just keeps getting better and better for EV's.

 

[Chef Duane]

Where do you go if you need service on a Rivian when you are on the road? Does Rivian have a built out service network?

(This is not a comment made to ignite an EV/ICE service network debate, I'm simply curious.)

 

[Ray-IN]

Where do you go if you need service on a Rivian when you are on the road? Does Rivian have a built out service network?

(This is not a comment made to ignite an EV/ICE service network debate, I'm simply curious.)

Where are Rivian Service Centers located in the United States? - Support Center - Rivian

Rivian is building out a network of Service Centers to support all Rivian owners. Currently, visits to our Service Centers are by appointment only. If you need vehicle service, you can report vehicle issues and request a service appointment in the Rivian app or by calling the Rivian Service...

rivian.com

 

[DonTom]

just keeps getting better and better for EV's.

Like I used to say about computers. The best time to buy one is well after we are dead!

So how long do we wait for something better?

We have to decide when it is good enough for our needs.

For myself, around 150 miles is enough range--unless for an E-motorhome where I would want at least 500 miles and more million-watt charge stations.

-Don- Auburn, CA

 

[Derby6]

It’s a good start. About 1/2 the states included. Less than that early covered.

 

[TonyL]

But what's the range towing a decent size travel trailer?
And then how long to recharge?

 

[Chef Duane]

Like I used to say about computers. The best time to buy one is well after we are dead!

So how long do we wait for something better?

We have to decide when it is good enough for our needs.

Sage observation.

"It could be said that in most things we have reached a state of ultra sophistication. But man has probably thought that since the discovery of the wheel." - Me. Circa 1980

 

[DonTom]

But what's the range towing a decent size travel trailer?
And then how long to recharge?

Charges at ~210 KW on a DCFC. 140 miles of range will be added in 20 minutes. If towing, figure 70 miles added in 20 minutes. Less if towing something extra heavy.

The battery size is up to 220 KWH.

Around three times the battery size of my 2018 Tesla M3.

-Don- Auburn, CA

 

[IBTripping]

Since I stopped lusting for a Ram truck hybrid, I'm now lusting for a Rivian....................... or Studebaker Hawk.

 

[richclover]

Since I stopped lusting for a Ram truck hybrid, I'm now lusting for a Rivian....................... or Studebaker Hawk.

No electrics for me, but I wish I had my Dad’s 1956 Golden Hawk. He bought it brand new. 3 on the post with overdrive and the speedometer scale topped at 160 mph.

 

[Ray-IN]

Like I used to say about computers. The best time to buy one is well after we are dead!

So how long do we wait for something better?

We have to decide when it is good enough for our needs.

For myself, around 150 miles is enough range--unless for an E-motorhome where I would want at least 500 miles and more million-watt charge stations.

-Don- Auburn, CA

Off-topic; i used to work with a man who's son was a chip designer in Silicone Valley. He came to visit his dad and brought along a clear plastic container about the same size as a can on snuff. Inside the container were discs, on those discs were computer chips ( he brought defective chips only). He said by the time the latest, newest computer is in stores for sale he's already made it obsolete with new chip designs.

 

[DonTom]

Where do you go if you need service on a Rivian when you are on the road? Does Rivian have a built out service network?

(This is not a comment made to ignite an EV/ICE service network debate, I'm simply curious.)

I think that type of info. is right on the screen. They have their road service as does Tesla. But I do not know of anybody who has had to use it. Rivian Road Service.

About charging:

Rivians can charge with almost anything. CCS, Tesla V3 & V4 (Tesla Superchargers have to be 250 KW or above to work with Rivian). And they also have the Rivian network--which usually doesn't work with all other vehicles. Many (most?) Rivian locations are "Rivian Only" much like Tesla V2 superchargers are "Tesla ONLY".

Examples:

Here is a Rivian-only charge location (new but Rivian's private network).

Here is a Tesla-only charge location (old Telsa 150 KW V2 Superchargers).

Here is a location near here that can do both. (Tesla V4 250 KW Superchargers)

Rivans are very popular for good reasons. Take them anywhere, much like Teslas.

But Teslas cannot use Rivian only and Rivian cannot use the Tesla-only chargers.

So charging is still a little confusing, but it will be all standardized fairly soon.

-Don- Reno, NV

 

[Viajeros]

But what's the range towing a decent size travel trailer?
And then how long to recharge?

Hard to say as aero dynamics and speed affect things. So it depends on both the trailer and driver.

We were at a rally where there were about a half dozen Rivians towing mid size 25 foot trailers. (It’s a half ton). Most said they had a comfortable 150 miles range with some reserve. But I think most had the smaller battery so probably a little more with the nog pack. Probably 180 to 200 miles at 60 ish mph.

 

[IBTripping]

I think they are a nice looking truck; distinctive but not radical like the Cyber Truck.

 

[Viajeros]

I think they are a nice looking truck; distinctive but not radical like the Cyber Truck.

And they fit in a garage easier.

Unfortunately we are so used to self drive now I doubt we’ll ever drive anything but a tesla again….unless tesla licenses the tech to someone else.

 

[Chef Duane]

And they fit in a garage easier.

Yes, I saw a Cyber Truck up close the other day it was a lot bigger that I thought. Beefy, too. Not sure how rugged it is but it looks rugged. But I think Rivian has it all over the Tesla as far as looks go.

 

[DonTom]

but it looks rugged.

That was my first impression of the Cybertruck as well.

-Don- Reno, NV

 

[Viajeros]

Yes, I saw a Cyber Truck up close the other day it was a lot bigger that I thought. Beefy, too. Not sure how rugged it is but it looks rugged. But I think Rivian has it all over the Tesla as far as looks go.

Yah it’s bigger than a Rivian. But slightly smaller than an F150.

On its lower setting it’s not huge. This is me standing in front of one in Idaho. That is a model X on the right. That’s radar the wonder dog I’m holding.

 

[DonTom]

But I think Rivian has it all over the Tesla as far as looks go.

The Rivian looks too much like a normal pickup truck. I don't even notice them on the road.

The Cybertruck--no way we can miss that or mistake it for something else.

FWIW, I prefer the Cybertruck's looks. But I do not buy vehicles based on looks.

IMO, too many people expect a pickup truck to look like a pickup truck.

Over the years, if most pickup trucks looked like the cybertruck, many would probably find the Rivian to be ugly.

I find this to look rather boring:



This looks much more interesting to me:



-Don- Reno, NV

 

[Viajeros]

My favourite cybertruck pic.