Accidental Tech Podcast: R1T Test Drive report

[nc10]

One of the hosts of the Accidental Tech Podcast recently test drove a R1T, and discussed it in detail on the most recent ep (523). The podcast covers Apple and Apple products, various 1st world problems experienced by the hosts, IOS app development, general experiences with tech and occasional higher end home products (TV's, speakers, cameras, toaster, etc). Hosted by 3 programmers/tech enthusiasts (Marco Arment, John Siracusa, Casey Liss). The Rivian discussion takes up ~ the last ~ 50 minutes of the most recent episode, with the first 10-15 covering why he wants a Rivian R1S, how he sold his Tesla to Carmax, etc, a bit long for some, though I appreciate this kind of stuff.

The host, Marco Arment (Tumblr, Instapaper, Overcast), was a very, very long time Tesla owner and EV enthusiast. Currently drives a Land Rover Defender, and just sold a model S to CarMax, which is described in the run up to the R1T evaluation. Has ordered a R1S. The long discussion was about the most enthusiastic review I've heard for a Rivian recently, mostly talking about how Rivian takes ideas and design cues from Tesla, but implements them better, how the host really liked the performance, SUV feature set, regen braking, most of the control layout, available storage (but wants more cupholders), and only misses carplay a little.

Not sure there is much that would be new to forum members, but its quite fun to listen to if you want to hear an enthusiastic validation of your Rivian purchase.

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[zefram47]

I used to listen to ATP religiously, but stopped at some point. Thanks for the heads-up, will have to queue this one up.

 

[MaskedRacerX]

I'm a long time listener (and reader ... and app user ...) of Marco, Casey and John (Hypercritical, all their 5by5 network contributions, etc.)

They can be super dorks - note I didn't say nerd, they're that too - but also ... dorks. But I say that with love and affection

Cool, I know Marco has been wanting to jettison the Tesla, and I'm behind a few eps, I saw one had a summary about a Land Rover, and I was like, oh, f***, no bad choice, but this sounds like a redirect

 

[nc10]

I'm a long time listener (and reader ... and app user ...) of Marco, Casey and John (Hypercritical....

Hypercritical was "must hear podcasting", still missed.

 

[MaskedRacerX]

Hypercritical was "must hear podcasting", still missed.

John's OSX/MacOS reviews on Ars Technica were AMAZING

Listening now, thanks for the heads up!

 

[MaskedRacerX]

Well, as usual Casey has ZERO taste hahahaha ...

 

[nc10]

I just listened to the most recent Overcast podcast, was pretty depressing to hear a recently enthusiastic Rivian owner describe multiple R1S problems and hs inability to get his R1S fixed in a reasonable time frame.


On the most recent episode, 603, Marco Arment mentioned serious level 3 charging problems, and has not been able able to fast charge at times on long trips. Other problems included very weak A/C, non working seat movement controls, and Highway Assist System Failure messages. He tried to schedule a repair, and Rivian scheduled a time that would be 10 weeks out at the earliest. So now rather than being an enthusiastic owner who has basically provided free advertising for Rivian on a popular tech podcast, he is an owner of a vehicle suffering multiple significant problems and he he is an owner of a vehicle that is not an option for long trips due to unreliable L3 charging problems, and also can't be repaired for months.

His description of the problems seem very even handed, but depressing. As a Rivian owner who loves his truck, I really want to see Rivian be successful,. ( I'm sympathetic though, took Rivian a year (literally 13 months) to get fast charging reliable in my truck.) The poor reliabilty of Rivian vehicles built to date, and Rivian's continuing inablility to provide even half decent service seem likely to continue to be a drag on profits and a drag on sales growth.

I do see mentions of new service centers being opened. I hope Rivian is really stepping up their service game and soon. I hope the new R1 generation has made a step change in reliability. But I'll believe it when I see forum members talk consistently about good and timely service.


Side note: On episode 598, Marco Arment discusses body repairs to his R1S, how expensive they were, and links to this forum to support the podcast discussion.

 

[AllInev]

I just listened to the most recent Overcast podcast, was pretty depressing to hear a recently enthusiastic Rivian owner describe multiple R1S problems and hs inability to get his R1S fixed in a reasonable time frame.

Agree. Very disappointing. I’ve had lots of similar problems. In the 2+ years I’ve had my R1T, I’ve had something like 12 appointments. Some for minor issues and some for major ones like those that required flatbed tows to the nearest SC.

Because of my experience and those of people like Marco, I am no longer actively recommending Rivians to friends and family.

I love the truck, but I’m lucky enough to own two other vehicles. If I could only have one vehicle for my daily routine, I’d have to sell the Rivian and replace it with something much more reliable.

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