What would you do (drive or transport)?

[Lil'Dave]

Be ready for significantly reduced range due to temperatures and headwinds, etc. We are taking a trip to the UP next week and I didn't even give a thought to taking our MY even with the SC network. Not worth the extra time

Weather here in Central IL is gonna suck the next 3-4 days but next week is looking ok so far.

Good luck if you decide to drive it. EV in the winter for a long trip is a no-go for our household.

Sponsored

 

[kizamybute']

I'm set to pickup my new R1S in Normal in the next week or so (I've been waiting 4+ years).

With winter weather and NEVER owning / driving an EV, I'm apprehensive about driving it from Normal back home here in Washington state. The alternative would be to have it transported.

So, knowing my complete 0% experience with EV's, what would you do? I could fly out with my son and take turns driving (we need to be back within 4 days), or spend $2k+ having a covered transport bring it back for us.

What would the community recommend? And depending what you say, any tips / suggestions on how to be effective?

Thanks in advance!

I'd transport. Simply to save the mileage. But also for other reasons too.

As another asked, why are you not having Rivian deliver it to a service center near you?

Also, if this is your FIRST EV experience, it might be a little daunting to travel that far as your first experience. I have driven EV's now for 10+ years and could never go back to gas, but admittedly, long distance travel can still be a bit of a challenge, especially with a non-Tesla. Might be a little much for your very first experience.

Plus, I read another post where someone wanted to take an EV along the northern states and chargers along that route were a bit sparse. They took the long way, adding about 300 miles to their trip to ensure adequate charging. Also, with non-Tesla supercharging public networks, always want to make sure you have a back-up plan incase the public charger isn't working when you arrive, which is a little more common with non-Tesla chargers.

As noted, I LOVE my EV, but still am not a big fan of long distance travel with one. For me personally, I won't take a trip that requires more than one stop to charge. The added time to the trip is significant when compared to a gas car. Especially from Illinois to Washington.

I say the above as an experienced EV owner to hopefully help you not spoil your first EV experience as, aside from Long Distance travel or moderate distance towing, they are AMAZING in every other way! Experience that before experiencing the challenging part of owning and EV.

Just my 2 cents.

 

[EarlyAdptr]

Why are you being charged for transport? I thought delivery was included. I would normally say drive but its winter so its no for me. You could always do a road trip when the weathers better. All the best!

Yes delivery is included. But to be assured of the 2022 tax rebate I'd like to take delivery this year. That requires a Normal, IL "delivery"

 

[mgc0216]

Plus, I read another post where someone wanted to take an EV along the northern states and chargers along that route were a bit sparse. They took the long way, adding about 300 miles to their trip to ensure adequate charging. Also, with non-Tesla supercharging public networks, always want to make sure you have a back-up plan incase the public charger isn't working when you arrive, which is a little more common with non-Tesla chargers.

I couldn't go through Wyoming, so I had to go a bit out of the way, but they have put the EA charger in Laramie it looks like, so that route is not feasible. Although there is a dodgy stretch in the middle.

 

[Trandall]

I would normally vote for a drive (asked for this for my delivery) but given the time of year and road conditions I would probably have it transported. If you decide to drive I don't think the learning curve will be more than a few hours to get used to the EV aspect. Whatever you decide congrats and good luck!

 

[NY_Rob]

Yes delivery is included. But to be assured of the 2022 tax rebate I'd like to take delivery this year. That requires a Normal, IL "delivery"

I'd claim it "delivered" the day Rivian puts your name on the Title vs. the day it's physically delivered to you. I don't think anyone would ever dig that deep to find the actual day you first climbed in the vehicle.

 

[kizamybute']

Just saw this video. Watch around the 30 minute mark to see what issues can arise with public charging for non-Tesla cars. He was fortunate that one of 8 chargers ended up working, but was a hassle that can be taxing on your nerves when all you want to do is "fill it up".

www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUHyQREPxRc

Some other interesting comments about the 50 minute mark as well.

If you decide to make the drive, just be sure whatever route you take has back-up plan chargers. For me, that would mean having AT LEAST two potential charging locations within 200 miles of my last stop. I would then stop at the first one and use the further one as a back-up if the first one doesn't work, or as a top off location if you need it to make it COMFORTABLY to the next charger along your route.

 

[R1Tacoma]

Weather would for SURE remove driving it back here as an option for me personally. I-90 and RT 2 have been rough over the last few days in WA, and I couldn't imagine how pissed I'd be if I made it all the way here only to get hit because someone spun out.

 

[Bullitt]

Drive. Enjoy the adventure! Seriously. Take a little extra time and go around areas of concern as noted above. Im jealous!

 

[EarlyAdptr]

Thank you for all your wisdom and thoughts. In the end, the cold weather combined with NO experience caused me to look for a non-driving alternative. My awesome Guide helped me arrange for local delivery. I was OK with that after the Treasury delayed their decision to March 2023 - keeping the "old" tax incentive rules in place for now.

Thanks again! Looking forward to finally getting this rig after 4+ years of waiting

 

[wicked2112]

I VOTE DRIVE!!! ENJOY!!!

 

[ORFynder]

Thank you for all your wisdom and thoughts. In the end, the cold weather combined with NO experience caused me to look for a non-driving alternative. My awesome Guide helped me arrange for local delivery. I was OK with that after the Treasury delayed their decision to March 2023 - keeping the "old" tax incentive rules in place for now.

Thanks again! Looking forward to finally getting this rig after 4+ years of waiting

as a backup option, I'll drive it back for you.

 

[CharonPDX]

I am disappoint they wouldn't let me pick up at the factory (after my guide telling me I could) - I would absolutely do factory pickup rather than shipped if they let you.

 

[iansriv]

Thank you for all your wisdom and thoughts. In the end, the cold weather combined with NO experience caused me to look for a non-driving alternative. My awesome Guide helped me arrange for local delivery. I was OK with that after the Treasury delayed their decision to March 2023 - keeping the "old" tax incentive rules in place for now.

Thanks again! Looking forward to finally getting this rig after 4+ years of waiting

After seeing the news about all the tragedies related to the recent weather, I'm glad you didn't drive. We are expecting loads of photos once you take delivery. Congrats! Enjoy the car in good health!

Sponsored