R2 as our only car

[Gen(R3)Xer]

My wife convinced me to keep my ICE car when I leased an EV for the first time. I ended up selling the ICE car a few months later. The EV was leagues ahead of it in every way.

Although we don’t know the reliability of the R2 yet, Rivian has learned a great deal from designing and manufacturing the R1T and R1S. I’d say go for it.

How long are your longest trips?

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[iansriv]

Do it! There are plenty of people in the world surviving with one car. It's better for you and the planet. My R1S has been very reliable. It's my primary car but I could just have gone on in life with it being my only car. Cheers.

 

[JacobAZ]

These days charging is not an issue except in really remote areas, mostly the mountain west. When you get your L2 installed, round trips under 200 miles are covered. Plug in over night. Longer trips you just need to do a little planning. The A Better Route Planner app will show most charging stations and plan a route for you to just about anywhere in the continental US.

The only challenge of having one vehicle, is you don't have a backup. ICE or EV does not matter. So if you are good with that, then an EV is fine. As for me, we have been driving EVs for 12 years. We have been one vehicle EV owners for six years (Model Y, now R1T). Both Tesla and Rivian service centers are 2.5 hours away (we live in AZ mountains). Closest charge stations, and cities, are 40 - 50 miles away. We have taken long trips of over 1,000 miles one way. So, if you are comfortable with one car, get the car you want, even an EV.

 

[Redmond Chad]

Just piling on...

My only concern (for OP) is the same as BigSkies': the distance to the service department. If OP can live with that, and OP is otherwise fine with one car, so I don't see why it can't be an EV.

While we have two cars, they have both been EVs since 2009 - not only do we not have any regrets, we far prefer it this way. And it's not like we don't like to travel, here's where we have been in our EVs:

 

[CrazyOne]

It's a new vehicle with a lot of new things. It will have some problems and you should expect it. However you will get a loaner/rental from Rivian when things go bad. So, you can do it.

 

[CharonPDX]

Yes. I will need to add a level 2 charger, but that's not a problem.

Our primary use of our car is daily shopping, and occasional trips to Jacksonville, about 25 miles away, with several long trips per year.

Heck, for a "regular maximum-length" trip of 50 miles, even a standard household outlet would probably do you fine.

But a level 2 would let you take advantage of off-peak energy pricing. Which, if available from your electric utility, and you can shift other electrical loads outside "peak pricing" times, could save you a lot.

 

[midnightscavenger]

If you are hesitant, keep both for a bit if you are able to then sell if and when you are comfortable. I might plan on dropping down to just the R2 as well when the time comes.

 

[wavetraced]

Hi Everyone, as the time to configure an R2 (hopefully) is getting closer, I have a question, and would appreciate honest opinions. My wife and I live in Florida, NE of Jacksonville. We are living quite well with one car (a 2023 Subaru Outback).

We would really like to sell the ICE car, and have an R2 when available, but are concerned about having an EV as our only car. The nearest service center is about an hour and a half away, and although we do plan on installing a level 2 charger, there are quite a few Tesla chargers in the area.

Our primary use of our car is daily shopping, and occasional trips to Jacksonville, about 25 miles away, with several long trips per year. Do you feel that the R2 is a good choice for us as our only vehicle, or should we consider keeping the ICE Subaru as well?

Your thoughts are greatly appreciated!

Roger

Family of 4 with a dog that goes on trips often here. We gave up gas and have a Model Y and an R1S. Two Level 2's in the garage. No regrets with road trips/charging from NJ to Florida and Ithaca.

Just know that A/C or heat will eat up half your range wherever you go, and trying to get to places by a certain time on road trips won't be a thing anymore due to charging times.

Out of all the issues to think through, the distance to Rivian service is the biggest concern. It's just not a Japanese car that has been sorted out and it just works for the next 200k miles. After 1.5yrs and 15 service visits w a Gen 2 R1S, they've dealt with most of the quality issues. I have to find solutions for the rest myself. If the thought of this terrifies you, then run away from Rivian. They're too new. Stick with Model Y.

 

[savethemanual]

Family of 4 with a dog that goes on trips often here. We gave up gas and have a Model Y and an R1S. Two Level 2's in the garage. No regrets with road trips/charging from NJ to Florida and Ithaca.

Just know that A/C or heat will eat up half your range wherever you go, and trying to get to places by a certain time on road trips won't be a thing anymore due to charging times.

Out of all the issues to think through, the distance to Rivian service is the biggest concern. It's just not a Japanese car that has been sorted out and it just works for the next 200k miles. After 1.5yrs and 15 service visits w a Gen 2 R1S, they've dealt with most of the quality issues. I have to find solutions for the rest myself. If the thought of this terrifies you, then run away from Rivian. They're too new. Stick with Model Y.

To be fair, Japanese cars are not what they used to be with regards to reliability. Don't get me wrong, still pretty good...especially compared to the R1 but I know many folks that have had issues on their Toyota & Honda vehicles.

 

[reodds]

Based on your use case, installing a level 2 charger at your house, and living in Florida, I would have zero concerns getting an R2 as my only vehicle. Florida is a big EV state so to its good weather. I would bet a service center will open in Jacksonville in due time also. What town or area in Jacksonville are you? More specific that NE.

Amelia Island

 

[Jeremy3292]

Amelia Island

There is a new Rivian service center that just opened in St Augustine.

245 Foundry Ln #110, St. Augustine, FL 32092

Perhaps that was the one you were referencing already?

 

[reodds]

The Rivian service center in St Augustine is now open. It is about 65 miles from me. Thanks!

 

[reodds]

Thanks once again for all your answers. It makes me (and most importantly my Wife!) feel much better about our decision.

 

[gvtucker]

My R1T is a 2022. When we initially purchased it, we also kept our ICE for the same concern. We're about an hour away from our local service center.

I sold our ICE last week. It is definitely not necessary. If you need to take your car to the service center, you can eiter ask for a loaner (for the one time I needed it, that was the case) or if a loaner isn't available, just rent a car from Enterprise and have them meet you at the service center.

If you have a level 2 charger installed, charging will not be an issue at all.

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