After three years and close to 100,000 miles, I'm giving my thoughts on my initial electric vehicle, the Rivian R1T, before I trade it in for the newer Gen 2 version.
Rivian's Mature Phase: A Mixed Bag for Long-Term Owners
Rivian, the up-and-coming electric vehicle manufacturer, is currently experiencing a significant transition - moving from experimental stages to a maturing phase, a rarity among new automakers. This evolution has not gone unnoticed by its growing community of long-term owners.
One such owner, Shaun Nixdorf, shared a detailed account of his three-year ownership experience with the Rivian R1T. His post covered topics ranging from tire wear, charging costs, software issues, comfort features, and reasons for sticking with Rivian.
Shaun's R1T has nearly 100,000 miles under its belt and has gone through two sets of tires. The current tires are Continental A/Ts with 8/32" left. Despite the high mileage, Shaun has only had one major repair at $1200 in three years. However, he notes that other repairs are coming up.
Shaun's likes include the truck's comfort, Rivian's customer service, the camping features, pet mode, and storage. On the other hand, he has expressed dislikes such as the navigation system's lack of control and options, HVAC system's frustrating quirks, and the motors leaking at 75k miles and again at 98k miles.
Shaun's story demonstrates that a well-supported vehicle can have a lasting positive impact, even with bugs and minor frustrations. Early adopters reported serious issues, but some are now seeing meaningful fixes and quality-of-life improvements in Rivian's second-generation vehicles.
For instance, Shaun noted software updates have improved small issues like leveling and suspension. The Gen2 Rivian has shown improvements in areas such as HVAC, suspension, and highway comfort compared to the first generation.
Rivian is actively incorporating feedback from its owners to shape the development of its vehicles. This proactive approach is evident in the trade-in offer of $51k for a nearly 100,000-mile truck, a strong commitment to its community and a desire to encourage loyalty.
Seth Van Eyks, another commenter, traded in his Gen1 Rivian for a Gen2 S Tri and noticed improvements in A/C, quietness, and highway ride. He also praised the enhanced driver assist when available.
The EV journey with Rivian is not just about range and charging, but also about safety, comfort, and emotional connections, such as camping convenience. However, platform maturity issues like electronic glitches and build quality inconsistencies still temper the ownership experience for some.
Real-world ownership costs for a Rivian, such as charging costs, can be significantly lower than those for gas trucks, especially when factoring in solar power. Although the R1T is rated for around 350 miles, real-world use often results in closer to 240 miles, necessitating managed expectations especially compared to gas trucks.
Minor software or control bugs, like issues with trailer lighting controls, have also been reported. While Rivian's customer service is generally responsive, the frequency of service visits needed for these ongoing issues may be higher than some buyers expect.
In conclusion, long-term Rivian R1T owners enjoy durable, highly capable electric trucks ideal for adventure and daily use, with excellent battery longevity. However, platform maturity issues like electronic glitches and build quality inconsistencies still temper the ownership experience for some.
For daily news coverage about cars, follow Aram Krajekian, an automotive journalist, on X and LinkedIn.
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- Electric-vehicle manufacturer Rivian, in its maturing phase, has resulted in both positive experiences for long-term owners and ongoing challenges, such as software issues and repairs.
- While Rivian's customer service has been responsive, the frequency of visits for ongoing issues may be higher than some buyers expect.
- Industry experts such as Aram Krajekian offer daily news coverage about cars on X and LinkedIn, providing insights into the latest trends in technology and the automotive world, including electric vehicles like Rivian's offerings.
- The Rivian R1T, despite platform maturity issues and electronic glitches, is valued by its owners for its durability, performance, and capability, serving as an ideal electric vehicle for adventure and daily use.
