Glad to have a Gen 1

[zefram47]

Maybe when there are reliable charging stations that can handle that, sure. But, these 800V architecture vehicles with native NACS make little sense today.

+maybe I'm in the majority, but public charge speed as they are today are fine for my needs, would faster be better, yes... but I maybe fast charge 3 times a year saving 15 minutes each charge doesn't change my life at all. People who buy EVs and need public charging, bought the wrong tech IMHO.

Clearly you don't road trip either. I've done around 10k miles of road tripping and close to 3k miles of towing. Truck tows beautifully, but the distance between DCFC stations out west leaves something to be desired, so charging performance is actually very important to me...especially crappy top-charging behavior as I often need to charge over 80% to make it to the next station, sometimes as much as 94% which takes *forever* in an R1. As infrastructure improves I'll care less, but there's no reason why a 130 kWh battery should charge this slowly, relatively speaking, except that they didn't size the cooling system appropriately for the task. I'm even happy with the peak charging rate...it should just be able to hold it for much longer and top-charge better. If Rivian improves thermals and gives me closer to the original 180 kWh max pack size I'd happily upgrade.

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[RivAW]

I feel the same as many of the opinions here. I have an early day one reservation for R2 that i'm unlikely to act on because I'm so happy with my Gen 1 R1T. Maybe I can make the argument for an R3X as an additional vehicle and keep the R1T, but it doesn't make sense for R2.
That said, I'm nearing the end of my warranty (almost at 60K miles) and I am nervous about future repair expenses. It may come down to whether I want to pay ~6K for an extended warranty, or just trade in (probably waiting for Tri to become available)....

 

[narmstrong79]

Clearly you don't road trip either. I've done around 10k miles of road tripping and close to 3k miles of towing. Truck tows beautifully, but the distance between DCFC stations out west leaves something to be desired, so charging performance is actually very important to me...especially crappy top-charging behavior as I often need to charge over 80% to make it to the next station, sometimes as much as 94% which takes *forever* in an R1. As infrastructure improves I'll care less, but there's no reason why a 130 kWh battery should charge this slowly, relatively speaking, except that they didn't size the cooling system appropriately for the task. I'm even happy with the peak charging rate...it should just be able to hold it for much longer and top-charge better. If Rivian improves thermals and gives me closer to the original 180 kWh max pack size I'd happily upgrade.

I usually take a couple of road trips a year—mostly to Western MA in the summer and occasionally to the mountains in winter. I used to drive to Philly for work, but that’s about it. Honestly, I think that’s typical for most people: maybe two round trips of 300–600 miles per year.

For EV adoption, infrastructure and access are critical. Beyond charging time, cost is another factor—at many stations, charging can be as expensive as gas. Daily commuters are a great fit for EVs, while road-trippers might benefit from range-extended options in the future.

That’s why I don’t see ultra-fast charging as a big deal for real-world use. The charging curve matters far more than an 800V architecture. If Rivian could nail thermal management, charging would be a non-issue. Personally, I’d love to see automakers optimize charging curves and consider smaller batteries. 100+ kWh packs add cost and weight that most drivers don’t really need.

 

[jerseyff]

Actual door handles on the inside and Meridian sound FTW

Same! Plus I'm tickled to be getting Rivian Assistant and I'll happily keep manually driving my truck! That is what I expected to do when I bought it...

AND they are bringing Launch Mode to the OG LE in early 2026!

 

[NC-Rivian]

Technology is moving fast. Gen 2 will need to be upgraded in a year or 2. I am holding out for gen 7 in 2030. Ps..thanks to comma

I am still rocking that Compaq 386 bad boy while I wait for yet again one more generation of processor.

 

[zefram47]

Personally, I’d love to see automakers optimize charging curves and consider smaller batteries. 100+ kWh packs add cost and weight that most drivers don’t really need.

That's what Standard and current Large pack are for. Those of us that tow absolutely need all the capacity we can get because you can't beat physics. Even towing an open car hauler I'm seeing 1.1-1.4 mi/kWh for an effective 80-10% range of 100-130 miles depending on conditions. Those towing trailers with larger frontal areas will be much worse than that.

 

[ThumprMN]

I’m perfectly happy with my Gen 1, but when i am ready to upgrade, i am happy to see there will be a lot to look forward to. I specifically want to see how things play out with new battery technology and advanced voltage architecture. I also really want that R2 steering unit with the scroll wheels.

Again, this has been my dream truck (always wanted an electric truck) and the fact that it maneuvers like a sports car and off roads like a beast… i have more car than i expected. Love seeing how Rivian is hungry to advance whats possible. Looking forward to my next Rivian in a few years (maybe it will fly by then ).

 

[narmstrong79]

That's what Standard and current Large pack are for. Those of us that tow absolutely need all the capacity we can get because you can't beat physics. Even towing an open car hauler I'm seeing 1.1-1.4 mi/kWh for an effective 80-10% range of 100-130 miles depending on conditions. Those towing trailers with larger frontal areas will be much worse than that.

Again, I think EVs are more the commuter, occasional road-trip option ...IMHO. Those who do big mile regularly or tow, I think a range extended EV (EV w/ Gas generator) will better tool for the job. For my use case, EV is perfect, I could never see myself getting a ICE car again.

Us nerds and geeks who use forums aren't the norm, most people don't understand EVs and Range - so when they go shopping they want to but the biggest # even if they don't need it.

 

[VandalSibs]

Again, I think EVs are more the commuter, occasional road-trip option ...IMHO. Those who do big mile regularly or tow, I think a range extended EV (EV w/ Gas generator) will better tool for the job. For my use case, EV is perfect, I could never see myself getting a ICE car again.

Us nerds and geeks who use forums aren't the norm, most people don't understand EVs and Range - so when they go shopping they want to but the biggest # even if they don't need it.

It's interesting how driving philosophies change over time for some people - I used to be the "get there as fast as possible" kind of driver, but as I've gotten older (and especially when towing/camping) I've gotten used to - and even looked forward to - the breaks that come with stopping to charge... and that applies to towing my camper as well.

I can get 120-140 miles when towing my trailer with my Gen 1 large pack, and taking the time to stop and charge while getting out and stretching my legs is so valuable.

In summary, I have realized that I've become a "stop and smell the roses" kind of driver.

 

[zefram47]

Again, I think EVs are more the commuter, occasional road-trip option ...IMHO. Those who do big mile regularly or tow, I think a range extended EV (EV w/ Gas generator) will better tool for the job. For my use case, EV is perfect, I could never see myself getting a ICE car again.

Us nerds and geeks who use forums aren't the norm, most people don't understand EVs and Range - so when they go shopping they want to but the biggest # even if they don't need it.

Likewise, your view is not necessarily the majority held one. I have zero desire for a range-extended EV. 95% of the time I don't need or want an ICE that requires more maintenance and adds weight and complexity. The beauty of an EV is efficiency, simplicity, and less maintenance. I'm willing to deal with charging on the road, just give me a big-ass battery to make it easier. The R1 is an amazing swiss-army-knife of a vehicle and it's why I own one instead of a GM truck with over 200 kWh. I do go off-road, and those trucks can't do it. Hell, the GM trucks make even more sense since you can use ADAS while towing, which Rivian refuses to allow/develop. Among other things, trucks should be able to tow and that means you need battery capacity. It still amazes me they dropped the Large pack to 108 kWh for Gen2 and an absurd 92 kWh for Standard. Unladen the 131 kWh (usable) in my Gen1 Large is fine...towing it's marginal and I can't imagine having less without more efficiency. Weight is only a small part of that on the highway...wind resistance is far bigger and unless you make the vehicle overall smaller (less frontal area) you aren't going to pick up much efficiency, which also goes out the window if you attach a trailer.

 

[narmstrong79]

Likewise, your view is not necessarily the majority held one. I have zero desire for a range-extended EV. 95% of the time I don't need or want an ICE that requires more maintenance and adds weight and complexity. The beauty of an EV is efficiency, simplicity, and less maintenance. I'm willing to deal with charging on the road, just give me a big-ass battery to make it easier. The R1 is an amazing swiss-army-knife of a vehicle and it's why I own one instead of a GM truck with over 200 kWh. I do go off-road, and those trucks can't do it. Hell, the GM trucks make even more sense since you can use ADAS while towing, which Rivian refuses to allow/develop. Among other things, trucks should be able to tow and that means you need battery capacity. It still amazes me they dropped the Large pack to 108 kWh for Gen2 and an absurd 92 kWh for Standard. Unladen the 131 kWh (usable) in my Gen1 Large is fine...towing it's marginal and I can't imagine having less without more efficiency. Weight is only a small part of that on the highway...wind resistance is far bigger and unless you make the vehicle overall smaller (less frontal area) you aren't going to pick up much efficiency, which also goes out the window if you attach a trailer.

I purposely picked the Gen 1 Standard+ ( 131kwh capacity, software locked at 121 kwh for 300 EPA range) I'm fine with lugging around that extra weight as it doesn't really impact efficiency , plus I could charge to 100% daily if i wanted (which i don't). They brought down the capacity on Gen 2 but theoretically increased the efficiency, which makes sense to me.

If Scout actually makes it to market, i think you'll be surprised how many people choose the range extender option ..even though full battery would likely be the better option. A little 3-4 cylinder engine running at a low and constant RPM wont add weight as the battery is smaller and will require minimal service. Again. not for me not for my use case but i see that being logical step forward, get rid of PHEV and replace that who market with RE/EV.

 

[mkg3]

Again, I think EVs are more the commuter, occasional road-trip option ...IMHO. Those who do big mile regularly or tow, I think a range extended EV (EV w/ Gas generator) will better tool for the job. For my use case, EV is perfect, I could never see myself getting a ICE car again.

Us nerds and geeks who use forums aren't the norm, most people don't understand EVs and Range - so when they go shopping they want to but the biggest # even if they don't need it.

Fundamentally agree. The use-case really drives the decision as to what makes most sense.

I used to be in, until couple of years ago, the EV only going forward camp. Over time, I have made 180 from the EV only camp. I now see things as the right tool for the right job.

For daily use, such as commuting, errands, short trips, EV is the way to go. It has lower total ownership costs and skip the gas stations (if one can charge at home or at workplace). Simply the best tool for this.

Road trips are bit different. As a 8 year EV road tripper (Tesla and Rivian) with the longest road round trips over 2,500 miles in a single trip on R1S, I find the EV is not the best tool. It is just as good tool, in most cases for leisure road trip, but not for gotta get from A to B quickly road trips. The charging infrastructure is still lacking in the open western states.

The time added to charge AND the destination traffic impact due to delayed arrival compared to ICE travel times becomes significant if its between two large cities (e.g., if charging 2x at 40 min each will add 90 minutes or so combined and that may be just enough to put you into heavy commute traffic at the destination adding additional 30~60 minutes making the whole trip longer by up to 3 hours)

So does EREV the right answer? I don't know. Maybe ordinary hybrid or even PHEV is more than sufficient. Even a pure ICE works just fine with more flexibility than EVs.

I don't tow regularly so cannot really comment other than to say, it sounds like EV towing is trying to put a square peg into a round hole. Sure it can be done, That doesn't mean that it's an ideal tool for the job. The times I have towed (U-Haul closed trailer), it sucked even driving at 60~65mph. The range hit is too great compared to ICE vehicles for the same distance.

Last, small and very specific niche, sports car category. The need for light weight is a paramount for handling and vehicle dynamics, EVs are simply too heavy today. Maybe when SSB is available it will change the equation but today, beyond pure acceleration, EV is a very poor tool. Just ask any real 2 seater sports car owner. There is a reason why no pure 2-seater EV sports car is on the market (other than super low quantity hyper cars at well over $2M). The power to weight ratio is still on the ICE vehicle side for sports cars.

 

[narmstrong79]

Fundamentally agree. The use-case really drives the decision as to what makes most sense.

I used to be in, until couple of years ago, the EV only going forward camp. Over time, I have made 180 from the EV only camp. I now see things as the right tool for the right job.

For daily use, such as commuting, errands, short trips, EV is the way to go. It has lower total ownership costs and skip the gas stations (if one can charge at home or at workplace). Simply the best tool for this.

Road trips are bit different. As a 8 year EV road tripper (Tesla and Rivian) with the longest road round trips over 2,500 miles in a single trip on R1S, I find the EV is not the best tool. It is just as good tool, in most cases for leisure road trip, but not for gotta get from A to B quickly road trips. The charging infrastructure is still lacking in the open western states.

The time added to charge AND the destination traffic impact due to delayed arrival compared to ICE travel times becomes significant if its between two large cities (e.g., if charging 2x at 40 min each will add 90 minutes or so combined and that may be just enough to put you into heavy commute traffic at the destination adding additional 30~60 minutes making the whole trip longer by up to 3 hours)

So does EREV the right answer? I don't know. Maybe ordinary hybrid or even PHEV is more than sufficient. Even a pure ICE works just fine with more flexibility than EVs.

I don't tow regularly so cannot really comment other than to say, it sounds like EV towing is trying to put a square peg into a round hole. Sure it can be done, That doesn't mean that it's an ideal tool for the job. The times I have towed (U-Haul closed trailer), it sucked even driving at 60~65mph. The range hit is too great compared to ICE vehicles for the same distance.

Last, small and very specific niche, sports car category. The need for light weight is a paramount for handling and vehicle dynamics, EVs are simply too heavy today. Maybe when SSB is available it will change the equation but today, beyond pure acceleration, EV is a very poor tool. Just ask any real 2 seater sports car owner. There is a reason why no pure 2-seater EV sports car is on the market (other than super low quantity hyper cars at well over $2M). The power to weight ratio is still on the ICE vehicle side for sports cars.

All good points. I'm not a fan of PHEVs. you don't the advantages of either tech. I think EREV is the logical replacement for PHEV, and the generally public wouldn't even know the difference EREV and PHEV. There isn't a market for 2-door or 2-seater "sports cars" so an EV version would have even smaller segment of the market.

 

[zefram47]

All good points. I'm not a fan of PHEVs. you don't the advantages of either tech. I think EREV is the logical replacement for PHEV, and the generally public wouldn't even know the difference EREV and PHEV. There isn't a market for 2-door or 2-seater "sports cars" so an EV version would have even smaller segment of the market.

PHEVs are basically training wheels for EVs and people mostly don't realize it until they get one and see they basically use no gas over the life of ownership. It's why Chevy only put around 40 miles of EV range in the Volt back in the day. I just don't want to see people pushed into EREVs because they think they need the ICE when they really don't. I'll admit that for long-distance towing an EREV makes sense, but unless you're doing that once a month or more, it's probably not a big deal to most.

As for sports cars...there's totally a market. The tech just isn't quite there yet. I'm still waiting to see what Porsche has cooked up for the BEV 718 that we all know is coming. If they can keep it under 3500 lbs they'll have something worthwhile. Probably wouldn't replace my 2450 lbs sports car with one, but I could see adding to the fleet. I had the MINI Cooper SE which was 180 hp and 3150 lbs...easily one of the best cars I've owned and very fun. They kept the weight down by keeping the battery around 30 kWh, but also meant a range around 110 miles...perfect for 95% of my driving. If not for moving to the Rivian, I'd have easily kept it. But I merged a 4x4 and the MINI into the Rivian and have no complaints.

 

[emoore]

Hopefully holding onto my Gen 1 until I can replace it with something with solid state batteries. Nice to have faster charging than 200kW but the real game changer will be able to hold that charge rate from 0-90%+

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