R2 vs Model Y 70-MPH Highway Range Test (by Out of Spec)

[Holler Wanderer]

On weekends, I often drive to scenic spots to enjoy hiking or mountain biking on the trails.

In such cases, since I need to return to the location where I last charged, my usable driving range is effectively half of the vehicle's total range.

For instance, if I charge the battery to 90% and return with 10% remaining, assuming a total range of 250 miles, my actual usable range works out to approximately 100 miles (250 miles × 80% × 1/2).

It would be incredibly helpful if that driving range could be extended further.

Same for me, with the added battery drop of camping in the vehicle during the summer (losing about 8 percent battery overnight). This makes the 300 mile range of my R1S pretty perfect; I only need to charge if the hiking spot is more than 120 miles away.

Sponsored

 

[Dark-Fx]

BMW iX3 reports from Europe show similar drops vs stated range though still good. Lots of data points from Chris' video in Bavaria. He's posted in a BMW forum that his urban driving is pretty exceptionally good for range.

God damn that thing is an ugly pig though.

 

[Holler Wanderer]

God damn that thing is an ugly pig though.

I actually like how it looks. BMW always at the top of the game.

 

[tivoboy]

God damn that thing is an ugly pig though.

the vehicle itself isn’t really so bad, but the INTERIOR is WAAAY to future foward for me, and my SO would never drive it.

 

[Dark-Fx]

I actually like how it looks. BMW always at the top of the game.

You already seem to own a recent BMW, which I also find hideous. I guess beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

 

[Rivian Roamer]

But dude, it's not "so off". The rated range is not performed at 70 MPH and you and Kyle both know this! The EPA test cycle is a mix of driving conditions and averages - your criticism of the range being "off" is entirely expected and you know how this works. The EPA does need to do a better job of making this easier to understand for consumers, such as doing HWY vs city range.

This isn't entirely true. There are multiple cycles and the manufacturer can also take a voluntary range reduction as well. The Germans do this.

Rivian chose the more favorable test cycle for marketing, not for realistic range.

This is why the Highland Model 3 and Juniper Model Y often meet their stated range, they used the more realistic test cycle. The EPA should probably get rid of the cycle Rivian used for R2.

 

[Rivian Roamer]

You already seem to own a recent BMW, which I also find hideous. I guess beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

*beerholder

 

[Holler Wanderer]

It comes down to two things.

1. EPA allowing non-ideal testing cycles
2. Rivian choosing the more favorable testing cycle

Rivian chose one that made their range look better. Likely so they could compete with Modle Y in marking. At the cost of actual real-world range. I don't think it's on the buyer to have to do their due-diligence to derive real-world range.

I'm disappointed in this move by Rivian. I think most enthusiasts know a brick moving through the air won't be efficient. But, for the more price-conscious buyer like an R2 buyer. They may not know.

I am definitely disappointed too. But I was disappointed in the EPA numbers when they first came out, because I knew that range wouldn't be close to real-world.

 

[Holler Wanderer]

C'mon, don't hate on my beautiful i4. That's not nice

 

[kcsf]

Mostly disappointed in RJ. He already lied about Driver+ capabilities. If he doesn't deliver on his PTP promises, he will have lost all credibility.

Is it possible the R2's drivetrain IS more efficient than the MY's and the 18-26% difference in efficiency range is due to aero differences only? (A stretch I know, but I'm trying to somehow rationalize Rivian's claims)

Or is it we're simply being gaslit by RJ?

 

[Dark-Fx]

*beerholder

Oh, sorry, didn't notice my typo. Thanks!

 

[shandering]

One thing also not mentioned is the model Y has a top speed of 155mph. That means they are using tires that are rated for those speeds

If you use slower tires and do not drive 155mph you can get better efficiency

 

[DaveA]

God damn that thing is an ugly pig though.

Interior is even worse.

 

[Dark-Fx]

C'mon, don't hate on my beautiful i4. That's not nice

BMW hasn't made a good looking car since the E30

 

[macb00kemdanno]

BMW hasn't made a good looking car since the E30

Early 2000s BMW was

Sponsored