R2 range based on ABRP (implied highway ranges)

[ksurfier]

Thanks. I use ABRP, and it has an option called 'fastest,' but you have to set your own max speed in settings. I'm looking for the optimal speed to drive at that will get me to my destination as quickly as possible.

(I am not familiar with Rivian's nav component, but look forward to it! I currently have an ID4 and have found it much easier to just plan my next stop while charging at the current stop, because ABRP does not offer dynamic in-trip data for my EV.)

99% of the time, the highest practical cruising speed results in the shortest overall trip time. While driving faster is less energy efficient, the time you save on the road almost always outweighs the additional charging time required. Charging power is so high (often 180–350 kW) that replacing the extra energy consumed at highway speeds typically takes only a few extra minutes.

The exceptions are uncommon: very long stretches between chargers, vehicles with unusually slow DC fast charging, severe headwinds or cold weather, or if you’re driving well above ~85–90 mph where aerodynamic losses increase dramatically. Under typical interstate conditions, however, if your goal is the earliest possible arrival, setting your maximum speed to the fastest speed you’re comfortable and legally able to drive is usually the optimal strategy.

In other words, optimize for time, not efficiency. Every minute saved while driving generally costs only a fraction of that minute at the charger, which is why the fastest driving speed is almost always the fastest arrival speed.

Sponsored

 

[Qamera]

Thanks, yes, that would make sense with a relatively straight speed-to-range line. But with the R2, the faster you go, the greater the drag in relation to other more aerodynamic cars. So I was wondering if there is a point at which increased speed exceeds decreased range. Just wondering.

 

[TexasBob]

99% of the time, the highest practical cruising speed results in the shortest overall trip time. While driving faster is less energy efficient, the time you save on the road almost always outweighs the additional charging time required. Charging power is so high (often 180–350 kW) that replacing the extra energy consumed at highway speeds typically takes only a few extra minutes.

The exceptions are uncommon: very long stretches between chargers, vehicles with unusually slow DC fast charging, severe headwinds or cold weather, or if you’re driving well above ~85–90 mph where aerodynamic losses increase dramatically. Under typical interstate conditions, however, if your goal is the earliest possible arrival, setting your maximum speed to the fastest speed you’re comfortable and legally able to drive is usually the optimal strategy.

In other words, optimize for time, not efficiency. Every minute saved while driving generally costs only a fraction of that minute at the charger, which is why the fastest driving speed is almost always the fastest arrival speed.

^^^ This. Even at 50kw you are adding range at over 150 mph.

 

[Qamera]

Yes that's the third component:
Driving Speed
Number of stops
Charging speed as function of SOC

Sponsored