Honest Opinion From Current Owners? - Re: R1S

[usulio]

I agree with others that the SC distance is the main potential problem. We have 1.5 years / 12,000 miles and no SC visits on our Gen 1 Quad Large. I agree with buying used and looking for an R1S with no history of problems. I think Gen 1 Quad Large with efficient tires will be enough range.

In cold temperatures, if you precondition for 30 minutes while plugged into the wall and get the battery heated up, the hit to range due to cold will be MUCH smaller.

Range depends highly on driving speed, which I don't think I've seen you mention. 80mph versus 70mph is a very big difference, could be 20% difference in range.

I am skeptical of some other models like the EV9 and Mach-E because for winter driving, you'll want the AWD versions, and your range on those versions is not going to be high enough IMO.

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[Kylechoffman]

With the nearest service center being 5 hours away, I wouldn't take the plunge.

 

[Jiji]

250 miles with a single charge when temp is under/around 10 degrees.

That is tough range number to meet for many EVs but you will take a further hit with wet roads, more with snowy roads, and some high winds blowing the wrong way.

But not all news is bad, where in upstate NY are you? Rochester has an SC and I just saw an Amazon RDV here in Skaneateles so the Syracuse SC might not too be far away.

 

[s4wrxttcs]

How fast are you driving in this case?

That's a variable that I can control along with what mode I'm in and what charge percentage I charge to. Luckily I can also change what route I take as one route is predominately freeways and the other is a more efficient route that has lower speed limits, but higher risk factor (animals, icey roads, etc).

My point was that for a once or twice a month drive that its reasonable to control for the variables I can control to ensure that I have enough range. Or to simply stop at a charger in case I need a bit more range.

But, I don't think I'd want to do it on a daily commuting basis unless I had charging at work to make it easier.

For daily use I want to drive as fast as legally allowed (as in the maximum speed that cops will still ignore you), and without having to use conserve mode. Conserve is great for cases where you use a bit more range than anticipated due to winds/rain/etc.

The Max pack might be an option or a more efficient vehicle.

 

[White Lighting]

Thanks guys. Yes, R1S is too big for my needs, single driver daily commute. But I do not have an alternative than to buy another Tesla. Lucid Air is nice but no ground clearance only 4.6 inches. Frustrating that there is no alternative to Tesla and Musk.

I took delivery of 2025 R1S dual Motor Max - All Terrain September 3rd. I sold a 2022 AWD Model 3 Long Range to get the R1S. My difference - Model 3 is more of a sports car. R1S is a SUV with sports car feel and drive. Model 3 interior is minimal. R1S is definitely luxury. Ride adjustment is amazing. Range better than Model 3. Both have OTA updates. In my opinion Musk has damaged the brand and I will never purchase another Tesla. There are other EVs out there. I just prefer Rivian and what the company represents. The customer service with Tesla was awful and their guides always seemed to BS and give a I don’t care attitude. So far Rivian guides and online chat representives have been responsive, knowledgeable, courteous and friendly. The face of a company does make a difference. And what the owner of a company speaks loud and clear makes a difference of where i spend my money.

 

[Hereforthesnacks]

I agree with others that the SC distance is the main potential problem. We have 1.5 years / 12,000 miles and no SC visits on our Gen 1 Quad Large. I agree with buying used and looking for an R1S with no history of problems. I think Gen 1 Quad Large with efficient tires will be enough range.

In cold temperatures, if you precondition for 30 minutes while plugged into the wall and get the battery heated up, the hit to range due to cold will be MUCH smaller.

Range depends highly on driving speed, which I don't think I've seen you mention. 80mph versus 70mph is a very big difference, could be 20% difference in range.

I am skeptical of some other models like the EV9 and Mach-E because for winter driving, you'll want the AWD versions, and your range on those versions is not going to be high enough IMO.

Agree that EV9 and Mach-e will not meet this use case.

But I’d really take a look at the Silverado EV. It’s 4WD and has almost 500mi of range.

 

[Rivian Head]

As an owner of MY, R1S and R1T, I will chime in.
R1S will give u more storage space but the rear seat leg room is not any better. Its software, driver assist system( lack of FSD), especially Alexa, is annoyingly bad.
R1T is a phenomenal off road and towing vehicle. But Rivian Service center is so booked up, and often wait 2 months for a service. The biggest concern to me, however, is Rivian may not be in business in 2-3 years unless their R2 platform sells like MY did. Both R1T and R1S are selling worse than last year, and hemorrhaging money like crazy.
MY is much more energy efficient , and will give you better ride quality, none of trucky/porpoising ride quality of R1S. MY also has better soft ware and FSD options. It’s the best selling vehicle in the world for obvious reasons. That gives me peace of mind that Tesla will be around for very long time to take care of their products. I have enjoyed Rivian for 2 years, but moving forward I won’t buy any more Rivian.

 

[Dmroc]

Where in NY do you live where the closest SC is 5 hours away? There are several unpublished locations that may be closer. You don't need to go to Brooklyn if that's what you're thinking.

We love our R1S Quad, easily the best and most fun vehicle we've owned. Longer drives seem to go by much faster. We've had it 16 months so out of the honeymoon phase. Mobile service for minor work and tire rotations. If it's dead they'll tow it and provide a loaner, but you still need to pick-up. We had one SC trip for the 12v battery.

As others have suggested, get a used R1S Quad (Gen 1). A lot of the issues will be worked out or at least well known. 20" wheels will give you more choices for tires. 180 miles round trip isn't a stretch in the cold from a full charge. Maybe mountains UP both ways it might be tight.

If you MUST have EV it's a great choice. Hopefully you can get some KW at work or have solar to keep your electric costs down.

I am closer to Rochester. So Brooklyn is 5+ hours and Toronto is 3.5 hours. I do not know of any Rivian service centers closer to Syracuse or Rochester.

 

[Dmroc]

That is tough range number to meet for many EVs but you will take a further hit with wet roads, more with snowy roads, and some high winds blowing the wrong way.

But not all news is bad, where in upstate NY are you? Rochester has an SC and I just saw an Amazon RDV here in Skaneateles so the Syracuse SC might not too be far away.

As far as I know, there is no SC in Syracuse or Rochester.

 

[Hereforthesnacks]

I think you have your answer, my friend.

 

[Dmroc]

For such a long commute you not be able to completely recharge at home every day.
Are there DC quick chargers that you could use on your route if needed?

I am able to charge once a night with my Y. Only during winters I have to worry about getting back home with out charging. Believe it or not with 95% charging at home, I can make it back and forth 180 miles in even brutal cold weather in the Y, but I have to drive very slowly like 65mph.
So looking for alternatives so I can drive reasonably fast like occasional 75 and steady 70mph.

I narrowed it to Lucid Air but the ground clearance is only 4.6". Next comes Tesla [again Tesla, geez] S clearance 4.5 to 6.2 inches. Then comes Rivian R1S. But it is too big for me.

As it stands, I am leaning towards Tesla S with EPA 405 miles. So even in winters, I am hoping it will give at least 250 to 275. Concern is the low ground clearance.

 

[Hereforthesnacks]

Is there a particular reason you are not considering the one option with max range and ground clearance?

 

[Dmroc]

Is there a particular reason you are not considering the one option with max range and ground clearance?

Service center distance.

 

[Dmroc]

Is there a particular reason you are not considering the one option with max range and ground clearance?

lol... I tried calling/chatting with Rivian about service center location in Rochester as someone mentioned in the forum. The wait time for talking/chat to someone about anything is 45 minutes minimum.... ROFL...

Perhaps there is my answer, why I better for a few more years before considering Rivian..

 

[Hereforthesnacks]

Service center distance.

I was thinking the Chevy ?

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