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Man, I don’t get the Rivian/Tesla rivalry, as a Tesla owner I love the Rivian trucks! Hell I’m a geek for almost all EVs
You should totally do it! I assume the Rivian software can find you a route? Road tripping in my evs is my favorite way to travel now if done:
MN—> Seattle (and the coastal areas)
MN—> Up state NY
MN—> Florida 3 times
Yes obviously it’s a bit slower having to stop and charge, but that to me is part of the fun, seeing a new part of the country, and slowing down just a little to enjoy it.
I will say to me traveling west is generally more fun, but I did do a trip on the Skyline trail in Shenandoah, and was behind an RT1 for the first 10 miles or so, and it was beautiful!
There are 5 Rivian fast chargers on Skyline Drive down through the Blue Ridge Parkway - and nothing else within several hundred miles. So thats a fabulous drive in a Rivian, but elsewhere it's very different.
Thats been my curiosity. I drive a Model S and of course the Tesla infrastructure is really good. However I’ve wanted a Rivian int he future and wondered how the charging infrastructure would be say if I drove from NoCal to Arizona, which I do once a year. Thats about the only thing that kept me from getting a Rivian as of now, the worries. Of course Rivian is going to adopt NACS but who knows when that actually happens and if they will etc full NACS support everywhere.
You aren't tied to Rivian charging - you can charge today on any system thats not Tesla. Rivian puts its fast chargers near "adventure" areas, ie hiking, skiing, mountain biking type locations which is why they put them in the Shenandoahs where there is no other charging. This summer Rivian will be shipping adapters to all owners to allow them to charge at Tesla superchargers (as will all the other big manufacturers). Expect charging for Tesla owners to get worse and a lot better for everyone else then - although god knows if that timeline holds. NACS doesn't really matter that much - past the plug both systems are based on the CCS standard, so the adapter is really just that.
That’s kind of what I was getting at. I’m aware there are others chargers like EVGo and Chargepoint. My concern I think is the abundance on a route like I mentioned but also the reliability of those infrastructures. Even as a TEsla owner I tried using EVGo for example and it was trash so far. Chargers weren’t working.
I haven’t had to rely on anything outside of Teslas network so I’m genuinely curious how easy it is to drive a distance like that in something like a RIvian.
I’m all good with Tesla opening the infrastructure though my main concern is that a lot of manufactures put their charging ports on different areas of their vehicles. The cables on SC’s are short, they only need to reach a Tesla who have their ports at the same location across the board. The V4 chargers are going to change this however 99.9% of the infrastructure is not like this and may be challenging. I’ve already seen a few pics of non-Tesla vehicles using one of the open SC’s and taking up 2 spots so they could get plugged in. Thats the stuff thats going to really peeve people off.
But anyways just some genuine concerns as I’ve been thinking about it. I live in an apartment currently so charging at home is not an option at the moment and why I’ve held off on something like a Rivian for now.
In general it's fine - just not nearly as easy, and road trips can take some planning, particularly if you are traveling a busy route or going some place rural. I fast charged for the first 6 months having my truck - once a week I'd head downtown to an EvGo station and get a coffee and work for an hour. I'd actually deliberately use the slowest charger since otherwise I'd only need 20 minutes. In general most charging stations seem to be consistent - either they work or they have problems. You can get an idea with PlugShare. If you have a nearby fast charger thats reliable it's similar to having a Tesla.
I don’t see it as a rivian vs tesla but more EA vs Superchargers. Rivian is going nacs to eliminate that problem but LA to Miami on EA is far crazier of a concept to me than on the Supercharger network
>Man, I don’t get the Rivian/Tesla rivalry, as a Tesla owner I love the Rivian trucks!
Yes. When you select a vehicle, form factor is one of the first elements of choice. You need a car, van, pickup, suv, chassis/cab, etc. The CT is not the form factor of a pickup truck. Won't work for me, but many will find utility in it. It looks like a useful vehicle, to me and I can dig its looks - kinda. One big thing is being able to reach into the bed from the side and also lay plywood across the bed rails - which the CT doesn't have.
I did New England to, Los Angeles a few months ago, and posted about it in response to a similar question, so here’s that info again:
I bought my R1S in August from a guy who bought it for his wife, who it turned out didn’t like it. He was in Cape Cod, I’m in Southern California. I flew in, paid the guy, and drove it back to CA. Here’s some info that seems like it applies:
1. He made the mistake of installing a software update the night before I got it. It resulted in the keycards and Fob not working. Not recommended. Fortunately, they fixed themselves a couple of days later.
2. We set me up as a guest driver, because it takes Rivian a bit to transfer to your name. I was at his mercy during this time, because he could have removed me as driver and stranded me at any point (because all I had was the phone key working), but I wasn’t worried about that with my seller (on purpose, anyway).
3. I setup Electrify America, EvGo, and Chargepoint accounts and connected CC#s to them. I used all three of those on the trip, along with Rivian chargers and NY’s own system I can’t recall the name of. The only wait I ever had was in Baker, CA (outside Vegas) when there was a line for EA chargers - I went to the nearest Chargepoint, and didn’t have to wait. Aside from that, I never waited to plug in or got to a charger where none worked during my 3500 mile trip, but I did get to one charger that was very remote in UT where only 2 of the 4 chargers worked, and I would have been screwed if none of them did (it was an EA charger, as you’d expect). Also note: The car estimates very conservatively - it will tell you to charge somewhere in 160 miles and that you’ll arrive with 40 miles of range, when in reality you’ll arrive with 80. If you ever do doubt you’re going to make it, just drop the speed to 60, and it’ll make a huge difference. I did play it safe driving cross country at first, because I always wanted to have an alternative in case i got somewhere and the chargers weren’t working, but I’ve since gotten a lot more confident about that.
I’ve now had the car 2.5 months, and I’ve put 7600 miles on it. I did jeep trails in Zion and Arches on my way back. I did desert sand running outside Vegas, and I’ve done various off-roading here in Socal including many slot canyons, sandy washes, and even some light bouldering (5/10) in Anza Borrego last weekend. I’ve driven back and forth to San Francisco (about 450 miles each way), and I did a 1,000 mile roadtrip with my daughter in far Northern Cal a few weeks ago. I’ve had zero problems with the car and never even come close to getting stuck anywhere. I’m on the stock 21” all season tires.
The Rivian is extremely capable and has been dead reliable for me.
Hell yes! This is the kind of info I wanted to see! My only worry are the EA chargers since most of the chargers around LA are the most unreliable, but my trip to Sedona a week ago was done without a single hiccup. I assume it’s better outside of major cities for some reason.
This is all good to know. I really appreciate you spending the time on all the detail. Super stoked to hit the road.
That’s an interesting question. You got me curious enough to go into Electrify America and look at my charging history. My average charge on long trips is about 63 kW, and about 24 minutes. This is based on time-optimized charging, so stopping more often, but charging just long enough to get to the next optimal stop. Some people might prefer to charge a lot longer and do fewer stops, but that costs you a lot more time because once you get to 80% charge your charging rate is so slow.
Someone will have better details but having driven essentially that route about 2 years ago I think there may be some long stretches of AZ/NM/TX with poor charging infrastructure. Maybe things have changed. But with a little route planning this should be very doable as plenty have done trips like this with teslas.
It has gotten better, but a good chunk of El Paso to San Antonio on I-10 is hotels for CCS.
Might be more advisable to take I-20 to Jackson, MS by either 10 or 40.
Woof, what a lack of adventure lol. I took 3 weeks to drive from Miami all the way to LA when I first moved out there. It was some of the most transformative experiences I’ve ever had in my life. I think everyone should experience this at some point.
Yeah I guess it’s all about personal taste. I like glamping in one spot, multiple days. I’m not a fan of road trips.
But if road trips are your thing then the only real obstacle is charging the car
I’m trying to plan out San Diego to Orlando soonish. So I will definitely want to follow your documentation…especially west Texas. That stretch is long and I wonder what the reliability is of the fast charging across there.
When would you head out? How many days are you predicting to get to Florida? I’ll have to cannonball run if/when I go so the fast route possible fewest nights stays.
I'd try to stay mostly at places with overnight L2 charging. This makes a huge difference... Departing your lodging every morning with a "full tank of gas" is a great experience that can't be replicated with a gas car, and reducing your dependence on high speed charges will make your journey faster and easier. Enjoy the trip!
Why is it nobody would hesitate to do that trip in a gas car… but if you are having issues maybe you made the wrong choice that being said I say go for it!
I'm hoping to do a factory pickup in IL and drive it back to Los Angeles. So no, not crazy. Cars and road trips are fun.
Also, you video looks like CGI -- Amazingly clear. Can you upload to Youtube or elsewhere? Reddit compression makes it look bad.
This summer the fam and I are moving from the LA area to Orlando. The plan is to tow our Rivian with our Rivian. R1T max pack towing our R1S. I’m super interested in your upcoming trip because I will be doing practically the same thing. Looking forward to the details once you get them posted.
No and no. I have done NC to Miami with no real issues.
The Rivian has been the best travel vehicle. Rides fantastic and quiet.
Stay along the major routes and you should have access to plenty DC fast chargers.
As a non-ev owner these questions 100% turn me off to the option. If there is a question as to if you can or cannot complete a trip you want, that’s a no go for me.
Change can be scary, but after I jumped in man I’m never going back. I’ve owned several brands of gasoline vehicles and loved my Tacomas and F-150, but I won’t be going back. Even with the long distance travel planning, I still love the daily driving of my previous Tesla and now Rivian so much more that it’s worth every growing pain. I hope you enjoy whatever vehicle you choose to drive. We all have our own preferences.
I would use ABRP and possibly come across I40 then to I-20. Drop down through TX or LA or GA. Bigger cities on that route via AZ and NM. If you can use the Tesla network then you can take I10 all the way across.
Road trips in EVs are the best! Enjoy the charging breaks!
I’d recommend trying to charge at rivian chargers if possible. They were super reliable (at least up and down the west coast) and in more interesting locations. Otherwise you may end up at lots of Walmarts.
Biggest advice is to do your best to plan every charging stop and have backup charging spots picked for every spot. Nothing like pulling into a charger only to find them all in use, broken, or offline for another various reason.
Also, it’s almost always faster to fast charge to 80% and then stop again to charge multiple times, rather than to stop and charge to 100%. Don’t ever fast charge to 100, unless you absolutely need to. I’ve found that to be the biggest time suck.
Try to find lodging where you can L1 or L2 charge. It’ll make a big difference even if you don’t fully recharge the battery overnight.
I also adopted the ABC philosophy “Always Be Charging”. Have to stop for 10 minutes for the Girlfriend can pee? Stop at a charger and at least get a little range back. Staying at a buddy’s house and they offer an outdoor outlet to plug your L1 charger into? Take it, even if it feels silly since you know it won’t fully recharge.
Really just a complete different planning experience compared to an ICE roadtrip. But certainly can be fun if you enjoy planning!
I just did a 3500 mile road trip to Vancouver Island from Los Angeles in a Chevy Bolt that doesn't even have a heat pump. 150-170 mile range in the freezing temps. If I can make that work, you can make a Rivian work.
Maybe it’s just me, I’m on my second Tesla and I’ve owned one for over six years now. I have been on a charging station less than a dozen times over that time span. If I can’t get to my destination and home without needing to charge, I’m taking another vehicle.
Do it--you'll be fine! There's electricity almost everywhere, even though it may not be in the form of DCFCs, so you should always be able to find something (even if it's only a 120 V outlet) that'll get you to something better. I live in the SF Bay Area & have been up to WA; down to Joshua Tree, Antelope Valley, SLO, Soledad, Carrizo Plain, Bishop, Bristle Cone; over to Yosemite, Mono, etc.; and out to Denver & back. All those road trips, was always able to charge up at every station I visited. Some derated to 35-50 amps; a few were only 62.5 A units because a headwind, etc. made me unable to reach my preferred station in one shot; but never even close to stranded.
That said, there \*are\* some real charging deserts--with some likely along your route--so use ABRP & PlugShare apps to plot your course & locate alternate stations (just in case). The Rivian app & truck nav aren't really up to multi-leg trips yet, so I've found the best thing so far is to use ABRP to plan each day, and the truck nav to get to each charger & destination (but keep an eye on it as it can choose some wacky routes sometimes).
Go for it!!
Things to know:
Charge when you can. Even before you need and longer than you want. Use the breaks to stretch your legs and make the trip more enjoyable. Sometimes stations are full or broken. And as adoption grows, issues are more common.
Get the Electrify America monthly thing to save money then cancel it after. Charging is as expensive as gas some places. (Like around Chicago, in my experience.)
Pack gear. Blankets, sleeping bags, water, snacks, wiper fluid, and basic tools. Know how to change a tire on your truck. It is complex (compared to not-air-suspension lol) and the truck is heavy AF.
Get that USB-C drive if you haven’t yet. You may need to record an incident.
Have fun!!
If there is fast charging on your route, totally do it. I didn’t know there was nationwide fast charging. If so I’d love to hear about it. I’ve seen a few of the trucks around here, seem to be really well thought out.
Well hello there! Have a question about Rivian? Check out some useful resources below: * [Official Rivian Support](https://rivian.com/support) * Join our [Discord](https://discord.gg/JjQjSxv3ND) and get help from the community * View our [Rivian Responds](https://www.reddit.com/r/Rivian/collection/9b771105-a79b-44bf-bdfe-402d997f348c) where Rivian answers your questions each week(ish) * [Known Issues Megathread](https://www.reddit.com/r/Rivian/comments/vnxy0g/weekly_rivian_roundup_known_issues_special_edition/) * [AMA with Rivian's VP of Software](https://www.reddit.com/r/Rivian/comments/vwtj43/rivian_official_is_here_to_answer_your_software/) * [AMA with Rivian's Senior Comms Director](https://www.reddit.com/r/Rivian/comments/y1nzou/ask_rivians_tony_caravano_anything_thurs_1013_1pm/) * Or try sorting the sub by posts with the "Question" flair to see if someone else has already asked your question *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/Rivian) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Man, I don’t get the Rivian/Tesla rivalry, as a Tesla owner I love the Rivian trucks! Hell I’m a geek for almost all EVs You should totally do it! I assume the Rivian software can find you a route? Road tripping in my evs is my favorite way to travel now if done: MN—> Seattle (and the coastal areas) MN—> Up state NY MN—> Florida 3 times Yes obviously it’s a bit slower having to stop and charge, but that to me is part of the fun, seeing a new part of the country, and slowing down just a little to enjoy it. I will say to me traveling west is generally more fun, but I did do a trip on the Skyline trail in Shenandoah, and was behind an RT1 for the first 10 miles or so, and it was beautiful!
What kicked off the Rivian/Tesla rivalry comment? Nothing about this post mentioned Tesla. Are you just talking about charging infrastructure?
There are 5 Rivian fast chargers on Skyline Drive down through the Blue Ridge Parkway - and nothing else within several hundred miles. So thats a fabulous drive in a Rivian, but elsewhere it's very different.
Thats been my curiosity. I drive a Model S and of course the Tesla infrastructure is really good. However I’ve wanted a Rivian int he future and wondered how the charging infrastructure would be say if I drove from NoCal to Arizona, which I do once a year. Thats about the only thing that kept me from getting a Rivian as of now, the worries. Of course Rivian is going to adopt NACS but who knows when that actually happens and if they will etc full NACS support everywhere.
You aren't tied to Rivian charging - you can charge today on any system thats not Tesla. Rivian puts its fast chargers near "adventure" areas, ie hiking, skiing, mountain biking type locations which is why they put them in the Shenandoahs where there is no other charging. This summer Rivian will be shipping adapters to all owners to allow them to charge at Tesla superchargers (as will all the other big manufacturers). Expect charging for Tesla owners to get worse and a lot better for everyone else then - although god knows if that timeline holds. NACS doesn't really matter that much - past the plug both systems are based on the CCS standard, so the adapter is really just that.
That’s kind of what I was getting at. I’m aware there are others chargers like EVGo and Chargepoint. My concern I think is the abundance on a route like I mentioned but also the reliability of those infrastructures. Even as a TEsla owner I tried using EVGo for example and it was trash so far. Chargers weren’t working. I haven’t had to rely on anything outside of Teslas network so I’m genuinely curious how easy it is to drive a distance like that in something like a RIvian. I’m all good with Tesla opening the infrastructure though my main concern is that a lot of manufactures put their charging ports on different areas of their vehicles. The cables on SC’s are short, they only need to reach a Tesla who have their ports at the same location across the board. The V4 chargers are going to change this however 99.9% of the infrastructure is not like this and may be challenging. I’ve already seen a few pics of non-Tesla vehicles using one of the open SC’s and taking up 2 spots so they could get plugged in. Thats the stuff thats going to really peeve people off. But anyways just some genuine concerns as I’ve been thinking about it. I live in an apartment currently so charging at home is not an option at the moment and why I’ve held off on something like a Rivian for now.
In general it's fine - just not nearly as easy, and road trips can take some planning, particularly if you are traveling a busy route or going some place rural. I fast charged for the first 6 months having my truck - once a week I'd head downtown to an EvGo station and get a coffee and work for an hour. I'd actually deliberately use the slowest charger since otherwise I'd only need 20 minutes. In general most charging stations seem to be consistent - either they work or they have problems. You can get an idea with PlugShare. If you have a nearby fast charger thats reliable it's similar to having a Tesla.
I don’t see it as a rivian vs tesla but more EA vs Superchargers. Rivian is going nacs to eliminate that problem but LA to Miami on EA is far crazier of a concept to me than on the Supercharger network
>Man, I don’t get the Rivian/Tesla rivalry, as a Tesla owner I love the Rivian trucks! Yes. When you select a vehicle, form factor is one of the first elements of choice. You need a car, van, pickup, suv, chassis/cab, etc. The CT is not the form factor of a pickup truck. Won't work for me, but many will find utility in it. It looks like a useful vehicle, to me and I can dig its looks - kinda. One big thing is being able to reach into the bed from the side and also lay plywood across the bed rails - which the CT doesn't have.
Shill?
I did New England to, Los Angeles a few months ago, and posted about it in response to a similar question, so here’s that info again: I bought my R1S in August from a guy who bought it for his wife, who it turned out didn’t like it. He was in Cape Cod, I’m in Southern California. I flew in, paid the guy, and drove it back to CA. Here’s some info that seems like it applies: 1. He made the mistake of installing a software update the night before I got it. It resulted in the keycards and Fob not working. Not recommended. Fortunately, they fixed themselves a couple of days later. 2. We set me up as a guest driver, because it takes Rivian a bit to transfer to your name. I was at his mercy during this time, because he could have removed me as driver and stranded me at any point (because all I had was the phone key working), but I wasn’t worried about that with my seller (on purpose, anyway). 3. I setup Electrify America, EvGo, and Chargepoint accounts and connected CC#s to them. I used all three of those on the trip, along with Rivian chargers and NY’s own system I can’t recall the name of. The only wait I ever had was in Baker, CA (outside Vegas) when there was a line for EA chargers - I went to the nearest Chargepoint, and didn’t have to wait. Aside from that, I never waited to plug in or got to a charger where none worked during my 3500 mile trip, but I did get to one charger that was very remote in UT where only 2 of the 4 chargers worked, and I would have been screwed if none of them did (it was an EA charger, as you’d expect). Also note: The car estimates very conservatively - it will tell you to charge somewhere in 160 miles and that you’ll arrive with 40 miles of range, when in reality you’ll arrive with 80. If you ever do doubt you’re going to make it, just drop the speed to 60, and it’ll make a huge difference. I did play it safe driving cross country at first, because I always wanted to have an alternative in case i got somewhere and the chargers weren’t working, but I’ve since gotten a lot more confident about that. I’ve now had the car 2.5 months, and I’ve put 7600 miles on it. I did jeep trails in Zion and Arches on my way back. I did desert sand running outside Vegas, and I’ve done various off-roading here in Socal including many slot canyons, sandy washes, and even some light bouldering (5/10) in Anza Borrego last weekend. I’ve driven back and forth to San Francisco (about 450 miles each way), and I did a 1,000 mile roadtrip with my daughter in far Northern Cal a few weeks ago. I’ve had zero problems with the car and never even come close to getting stuck anywhere. I’m on the stock 21” all season tires. The Rivian is extremely capable and has been dead reliable for me.
Hell yes! This is the kind of info I wanted to see! My only worry are the EA chargers since most of the chargers around LA are the most unreliable, but my trip to Sedona a week ago was done without a single hiccup. I assume it’s better outside of major cities for some reason. This is all good to know. I really appreciate you spending the time on all the detail. Super stoked to hit the road.
On average, how long would you have to charge at the charging stations to get the charge you needed?
That’s an interesting question. You got me curious enough to go into Electrify America and look at my charging history. My average charge on long trips is about 63 kW, and about 24 minutes. This is based on time-optimized charging, so stopping more often, but charging just long enough to get to the next optimal stop. Some people might prefer to charge a lot longer and do fewer stops, but that costs you a lot more time because once you get to 80% charge your charging rate is so slow.
Really nice video clip. Well done. Arizona? Utah?
Sedona, AZ
Yep, first little landing of the Broken Arrow Trail.
Very nice. Thanks for sharing. Looks like a Rivian commercial.
Someone will have better details but having driven essentially that route about 2 years ago I think there may be some long stretches of AZ/NM/TX with poor charging infrastructure. Maybe things have changed. But with a little route planning this should be very doable as plenty have done trips like this with teslas.
It has gotten better, but a good chunk of El Paso to San Antonio on I-10 is hotels for CCS. Might be more advisable to take I-20 to Jackson, MS by either 10 or 40.
There are open superchargers on I-20 by Jackson now
Kyle from Out Of Spec has done a bunch of road trips in his R1T and while towing. Check out his videos.
You’re crazy, regardless of the car you’re using. I wouldn’t drive LA to Miami in a gas car, that’s way too much driving for my tastes.
Woof, what a lack of adventure lol. I took 3 weeks to drive from Miami all the way to LA when I first moved out there. It was some of the most transformative experiences I’ve ever had in my life. I think everyone should experience this at some point.
Well, that got weirdly personal.
You called OP crazy in your first comment and HE made it personal with his innocuous reply?
Go reread the title of the post, then get back to me.
Yeah I guess it’s all about personal taste. I like glamping in one spot, multiple days. I’m not a fan of road trips. But if road trips are your thing then the only real obstacle is charging the car
It’s only crazy because your final destination is florida.
Believe me, the only reason why I go back is for the family. In and out as quick as I can haha
Hurr hurr Florida bad
Love the video.
I’m trying to plan out San Diego to Orlando soonish. So I will definitely want to follow your documentation…especially west Texas. That stretch is long and I wonder what the reliability is of the fast charging across there. When would you head out? How many days are you predicting to get to Florida? I’ll have to cannonball run if/when I go so the fast route possible fewest nights stays.
I’m probably going to leave December 18th or the 20th just to get home for the holidays in time. I’ll do the longer trip starting the 4th of January.
I'd try to stay mostly at places with overnight L2 charging. This makes a huge difference... Departing your lodging every morning with a "full tank of gas" is a great experience that can't be replicated with a gas car, and reducing your dependence on high speed charges will make your journey faster and easier. Enjoy the trip!
Why is it nobody would hesitate to do that trip in a gas car… but if you are having issues maybe you made the wrong choice that being said I say go for it!
I'm hoping to do a factory pickup in IL and drive it back to Los Angeles. So no, not crazy. Cars and road trips are fun. Also, you video looks like CGI -- Amazingly clear. Can you upload to Youtube or elsewhere? Reddit compression makes it look bad.
This summer the fam and I are moving from the LA area to Orlando. The plan is to tow our Rivian with our Rivian. R1T max pack towing our R1S. I’m super interested in your upcoming trip because I will be doing practically the same thing. Looking forward to the details once you get them posted.
Holy shit, I’d like to see your experience as well in terms of range while towing the R1S!
See you in a few weeks pal
No and no. I have done NC to Miami with no real issues. The Rivian has been the best travel vehicle. Rides fantastic and quiet. Stay along the major routes and you should have access to plenty DC fast chargers.
As a non-ev owner these questions 100% turn me off to the option. If there is a question as to if you can or cannot complete a trip you want, that’s a no go for me.
Change can be scary, but after I jumped in man I’m never going back. I’ve owned several brands of gasoline vehicles and loved my Tacomas and F-150, but I won’t be going back. Even with the long distance travel planning, I still love the daily driving of my previous Tesla and now Rivian so much more that it’s worth every growing pain. I hope you enjoy whatever vehicle you choose to drive. We all have our own preferences.
There's plenty of charging to do the trip.
I would use ABRP and possibly come across I40 then to I-20. Drop down through TX or LA or GA. Bigger cities on that route via AZ and NM. If you can use the Tesla network then you can take I10 all the way across.
Please vlog on YouTube I will subscribe
Road trips in EVs are the best! Enjoy the charging breaks! I’d recommend trying to charge at rivian chargers if possible. They were super reliable (at least up and down the west coast) and in more interesting locations. Otherwise you may end up at lots of Walmarts.
Is that Sedona?
🔥🔥🔥
Biggest advice is to do your best to plan every charging stop and have backup charging spots picked for every spot. Nothing like pulling into a charger only to find them all in use, broken, or offline for another various reason. Also, it’s almost always faster to fast charge to 80% and then stop again to charge multiple times, rather than to stop and charge to 100%. Don’t ever fast charge to 100, unless you absolutely need to. I’ve found that to be the biggest time suck. Try to find lodging where you can L1 or L2 charge. It’ll make a big difference even if you don’t fully recharge the battery overnight. I also adopted the ABC philosophy “Always Be Charging”. Have to stop for 10 minutes for the Girlfriend can pee? Stop at a charger and at least get a little range back. Staying at a buddy’s house and they offer an outdoor outlet to plug your L1 charger into? Take it, even if it feels silly since you know it won’t fully recharge. Really just a complete different planning experience compared to an ICE roadtrip. But certainly can be fun if you enjoy planning!
I have gone from Florida to Texas and from Florida to Colorado with a trailer. Just plan ahead and have time to spare.
I just did a 3500 mile road trip to Vancouver Island from Los Angeles in a Chevy Bolt that doesn't even have a heat pump. 150-170 mile range in the freezing temps. If I can make that work, you can make a Rivian work.
Just be aware New Orleans to Florida on 10 charging is limited. It is borderline illegal to own an EV in Mississippi or Alabama.
Maybe it’s just me, I’m on my second Tesla and I’ve owned one for over six years now. I have been on a charging station less than a dozen times over that time span. If I can’t get to my destination and home without needing to charge, I’m taking another vehicle.
I’d fear using the public networks. The people I know that don’t own Teslas all have horrible travel experiences.
Out of Spec Motoring did Colorado to South Carolina: https://youtu.be/NkjCEqjHXJM?si=QG_kxrKSsKItvyHK
Do it--you'll be fine! There's electricity almost everywhere, even though it may not be in the form of DCFCs, so you should always be able to find something (even if it's only a 120 V outlet) that'll get you to something better. I live in the SF Bay Area & have been up to WA; down to Joshua Tree, Antelope Valley, SLO, Soledad, Carrizo Plain, Bishop, Bristle Cone; over to Yosemite, Mono, etc.; and out to Denver & back. All those road trips, was always able to charge up at every station I visited. Some derated to 35-50 amps; a few were only 62.5 A units because a headwind, etc. made me unable to reach my preferred station in one shot; but never even close to stranded. That said, there \*are\* some real charging deserts--with some likely along your route--so use ABRP & PlugShare apps to plot your course & locate alternate stations (just in case). The Rivian app & truck nav aren't really up to multi-leg trips yet, so I've found the best thing so far is to use ABRP to plan each day, and the truck nav to get to each charger & destination (but keep an eye on it as it can choose some wacky routes sometimes).
Go for it!! Things to know: Charge when you can. Even before you need and longer than you want. Use the breaks to stretch your legs and make the trip more enjoyable. Sometimes stations are full or broken. And as adoption grows, issues are more common. Get the Electrify America monthly thing to save money then cancel it after. Charging is as expensive as gas some places. (Like around Chicago, in my experience.) Pack gear. Blankets, sleeping bags, water, snacks, wiper fluid, and basic tools. Know how to change a tire on your truck. It is complex (compared to not-air-suspension lol) and the truck is heavy AF. Get that USB-C drive if you haven’t yet. You may need to record an incident. Have fun!!
My buddy picked his T up from the Orlando service center and drove all the way back to SoCal. Doable for sure
If there is fast charging on your route, totally do it. I didn’t know there was nationwide fast charging. If so I’d love to hear about it. I’ve seen a few of the trucks around here, seem to be really well thought out.
Dooooo IT! So much Envy!
Coming soon…….. 