R1T Range Extender!?

[Robin]

The market demand for an EREV is really not going to be very large at all and not worth Rivian's time. The vast majority buy a truck for perceived truck things and things they might do...often not reality. I've towed a car on a 1000 mile roundtrip. The biggest annoyance wasn't really the range of my R1T while towing, it was lack of convenient (pull-through / where we need them) and fully-functioning infrastructure leading to much deeper charges than I really wanted in order to make it to the next one. If we actually had reliable charging every 50 miles on all major routes it would be *far* less of a problem. But even then, the number of people that actually tow long-distance is probably the smallest fraction of Rivian's target market. For those folks, the GM EV trucks with batteries nearly twice the size of Rivian's are the answer. Or if folks really believe this is a big enough issue to leave Rivian, look at the RAM EREV, if it ever actually comes out...but the efficiency is not good...and it's a Dodge.

Agree, if the infrastructure was set up with more fast chargers along the routes of about every 50 miles in a perfect world, it would make long distance towing an RV less hassle and hopefully smoother with trailer pull throughs Towing with our 20 foot +RV, my roommate made it a point to look for Tesla adapter superchargers with 15 or more so we could swoop and scoop with his R1S DM or use the Rivian trailer friendly chargers when we could find them.
Having to unhook at EV Go or Electrify America is a hassle. We even went to zero miles on the trip home but thru pure luck and lots of praying limped to a Electrify America behind a motel in Mojave Ca. Just my 2 cents…

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[Robin]

The market demand for an EREV is really not going to be very large at all and not worth Rivian's time. The vast majority buy a truck for perceived truck things and things they might do...often not reality. I've towed a car on a 1000 mile roundtrip. The biggest annoyance wasn't really the range of my R1T while towing, it was lack of convenient (pull-through / where we need them) and fully-functioning infrastructure leading to much deeper charges than I really wanted in order to make it to the next one. If we actually had reliable charging every 50 miles on all major routes it would be *far* less of a problem. But even then, the number of people that actually tow long-distance is probably the smallest fraction of Rivian's target market. For those folks, the GM EV trucks with batteries nearly twice the size of Rivian's are the answer. Or if folks really believe this is a big enough issue to leave Rivian, look at the RAM EREV, if it ever actually comes out...but the efficiency is not good...and it's a Dodge.

Agree, if the infrastructure was set up with more fast chargers along the routes of about every 50 miles in a perfect world, it would make long distance towing an RV less hassle and hopefully smoother with trailer pull throughs Towing with our 20 foot +RV, my roommate made it a point to look for Tesla adapter superchargers with 15 or more so we could swoop and scoop with his R1S DM or use the Rivian trailer friendly chargers when we could find them.
Having to unhook at EV Go or Electrify America is a hassle. We even went to zero miles on the trip home but thru pure luck and lots of praying limped to a Electrify America behind a motel in Mojave Ca. Just my 2 cents…

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

We don't need no stinking range extenders. We need better charging infrastructure.

Drive anywhere... Anywhere you see power lines, there ought to be charging opportunities.

Even if you don't care about the environment or believe in climate change...

Adding a gasoline engine to serve as generator = You're still not insulated from price fluctuations on a barrel of crude. You're still dealing with cost and complexities of maintaining a combustion engine, which has hundreds of parts. Just so you can take one extended off-grid vacation once per how many months?

Adding more batteries = more cost = more weight and fewer miles in return for every single cell you add. It's not efficient nor cost effective.

The ROI is very weak in either case. You're better off enrolling yourself and all of your passengers in a weight loss program. /s

 

[Mellowyellow]

Tesla just killed off their range extender for the cyber truck. It won’t ever get made.

 

[CANCERDOC]

This! I really don't get why folks are so much against having the gas range extender as an option. So narrow minded..

No one is saying it is not a useful option. It just isn't part of Rivian's philosophy to offer ICE range extenders. The same would apply to pure EV companies like Tesla or Polestar. You won't see them offering a range extender either.

If range anxiety is an issue for you, go buy a vehicle with a range extender when they become available.

 

[CANCERDOC]

Tesla just killed off their range extender for the cyber truck. It won’t ever get made.

The Tesla version was just another battery added into the bed of the CT. It isn't what the OP keeps harping about how Americans are clamoring and kicking down the doors for ICE range extenders. It kind of goes to show that there isn't even much of a market for a larger battery.

 

[CharonPDX]

The Tesla version was just another battery added into the bed of the CT. It isn't what the OP keeps harping about how Americans are clamoring and kicking down the doors for ICE range extenders. It kind of goes to show that there isn't even much of a market for a larger battery.

"Clamoring for ICE range extenders" - see the BMW i3 and Chevy Volt.

How they're hugely in demand - no, wait, they've both been discontinued.

It will be interesting to see how popular the RAM Charger is compared to the REV. Or if Stellantis even gives them a chance.

 

[Thedude]

There’s a definite market to be had among truck owners who haul and tow or live in remote areas. Most people who drive an EV agree that the drivetrain is superior, it’s the range limitations that discourage their purchase. There isn’t an EV truck on the market that fits the needs for many owners but a Ram Charger does. It has a chance if it lives up to the marketing specs.

 

[JamuJoe]

With Scout and Ramchager coming, when will Rivian introduce a R1T with a range extender?
That’s is a must when towing!

Hardly a must. Just a polluting complication. I have over 8000 miles towing a 28’ Airstream, and no desire for a range extender.

 

[Captblue]

If you don’t mind stopping every 150 miles, then is perfect for you

 

[av8or]

FWIW I’ve towed over 14k (11 western states) with my R1T and I don’t want a range extender. I also own an ICE tow vehicle that stays home most of the time. Energy density will continue to increase and negate the problem long before the kinks are worked out of EREVs.

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