What exactly does Conserve mode do? If it extends the range, by how much? Any downsides?

[Rivianready]

I’m waiting in delivery of my quad motor R1S. The range estimates on the dual motor configs look much better. Will conserve mode help extend my range? By how much? There was a lot of talk on the threads about conserve mode killing your tires. Has that been sorted out? What other downsides?

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[SparkyR1t]

Assuming the R1s is identical in the drive train as the R1t here is what happens

conserve mode disconnects the rear axles from the rear drive unit thru an electro magnet coupling. When this occurs all driving forces to accelerate the vehicle and all slowing down forces thru regenerative braking are only using the front wheels. Hence the extrawear on the front tires

 

[evhelphub]

It essentially turns off the rear two motors, making the R1T a front wheel drive vehicle.

Depending upon the conditions, you should see 10-15% more range. Another positive is that the motor whine you hear is significantly reduced.

Downsides are yes, it wears down the front tires more quickly. Handling is also noticably worse and I wouldn't personally use it in wet or winter conditions at all.

I drove my R1T is conserve mode most of the time to extend range and reduce noise. That's why I decided to sell it for a dual motor.

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

Conserve is FWD. With 20” AT and on the freeway, in All Purpose mode I would typically need to be very conscious of my speed and throttle inputs to see efficiency of over 2 mi/kWh. In Conserve (and same route) that metric is typically between 2.2 to 2.5. Downside is what one would expect out of a very heavy FWD with negative camber (induced by low and lowest ride heights)—more front tire wear, inboard half of tread. Without altering factory alignment, this can be managed by being conscious of where you use Conserve (steady open road cruising) and tire rotation every 7-9k or so to evenly wear all tires across the tread width.

 

[TD4PREZ2004]

From 2 months of driving my R1S (also in RVA - welcome!) I show full range estimate of 338 in conserve and full range estimate of 303 in all-purpose on 21s.

 

[Craigins]

Conserve mode is only intended to be used on long trips, when you need the extra range to make it to your destination/next charge stop.

People abuse the mode then come on the forums and complain about tire wear.

 

[SDH]

As mentioned above, only use conserve mode in the rare event you need extra miles to hit a charger. Otherwise, forget it. For the sake of a few more miles (or to save $ on charging) you're putting a load of weight/force thru the front motors and wheels. Mechanically that can't be good.

 

[Cascadian]

Can you modify Conserve to set Standard ride height to prevent the camber issue?
What efficiency saving would that achieve?

 

[Mathme]

Conserve mode on my 20" ATs vs. All Purpose only adds about 30 miles on a 100% charge.

On a theoretical 80-20% run, that's 18 additional miles of range (40% reduction in battery usage). Using the typical two miles/kWh of energy consumption, that's 9 kWh on that typical run. Charging at a fast charger at $.35/kWh (typical EA rate) comes out to a little more than $3.

When you factor in the additional wear & tear on your tires, etc, for me, Conserve falls into the "just not worth it" category unless you really need that range to get to the next charger.

 

[theyoungone]

Conserve mode is something that should truly be used on highways only. It's not meant for cruising around town. That being said...

DUAL MOTOR IS DEFAULT FWD. IT ONLY SWITCHES TO AWD UNDER HEAVY ACCELERATION - it's basically smart AWD. It only is full time AWD in tow mode and a few others that are listed. if you're a pre-March holder and you're only saving $500 by switching to dual, I'd personally keep the quad.

If you're a post-March holder than you're definitely saving some cash. But I just will never understand why someone would trade the drive modes and take the option away to use conserve when they want, just for like 10% extra range. A 10% extra in range you would still see if you drove conserve mode full time in your quad R1T/S.

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

Can you modify Conserve to set Standard ride height to prevent the camber issue?
What efficiency saving would that achieve?

You don’t need to modify anything. Once in Conserve set height to Standard. Unless a reset was done, next time you use Conserve it will remember the height last used in that mode. Same goes for other modes. Just know that more airflow and turbulence under the truck means more drag an less efficiency. But it’s still two motors consuming electricity vs four. How much that saves no one can tell you because too many variables are involved. You just have to try it on yours, the way you drive and the places you go.

 

[shamoo]

As someone who has all their vehicles in "sport mode" 24/7, I worry about what type of range I'll get with my upcoming quad motor R1S

I know Tesla claimed range may not be accurate (with my ~400 miles available @ 100%) on my Model S but if I drove my R1S hard most of the time, hopefully I get the similar range.

I figure with the overstated Tesla estimates vs. Rivian's more accurate estimates I should get the same.

 

[Oldsmobile_Mike]

.02 cents, don't use conserve mode. Ever. Unless as someone mentioned above, you need to squeeze a few miles in to reach a charge station.

 

[Epicloop]

Downsides are yes, it wears down the front tires more quickly. Handling is also noticably worse and I wouldn't personally use it in wet or winter conditions at all.

I drove my R1T is conserve mode most of the time to extend range and reduce noise. That's why I decided to sell it for a dual motor.

I assume you live in a warm/dry climate? Will the DM not drive like the QM in conserve above X speed?

For the sake of a few more miles (or to save $ on charging) you're putting a load of weight/force thru the front motors and wheels. Mechanically that can't be good.

How is that any different than the DM?

.02 cents, don't use conserve mode. Ever. Unless as someone mentioned above, you need to squeeze a few miles in to reach a charge station.

I don't see it being that large of a concern, the new DM will essentially be doing that most of the time. No noticeable tread concerns here with QM & hwy C mode use.

 

[Craigins]

I assume you live in a warm/dry climate? Will the DM not drive like the QM in conserve above X speed?
How is that any different than the DM?

I don't see it being that large of a concern, the new DM will essentially be doing that most of the time. No noticeable tread concerns here with QM & hwy C mode use.

Dual Motor will switch to all wheel drive when the acceleration/deceleration calls for all 4 wheels. Thus it would switch to AWD in situations that would wear drastically wear on the tires. Quad does not.

That's how it is different.

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