kizamybute'
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Found this video on youtube. Not mine, but I've experienced the exact same scenarios on road trips.
No fault of Rivian, same is true for any non-Tesla EV. With the Tesla superchargers supposedly opening up to Rivians this month (13 days left), should change the perception.
But, after having had the Rivian now for almost two years, I can no longer handle the unreliable public charging networks nor am I willing to spend the time charging. Even when everything works as it should and there are no issues. a significant time investment is required as compared to simply filling with gas.
My limit, is possibly, one necessary stop per trip. Any trips that would require more and I choose alternative vehicles. Have been doing this over the past 6 or so months and I can't express in words how much I appreciate getting home at 2:30 or 3:00 AM instead of closer to 5:00 AM on common trips I have to take. That time adds up. Then double it for the round trip. Plus, when you arrive at your destination, you have to find charging again.
Someday, the RAN will be better with more chargers and more reliable. But for now, having to rely on public chargers, potential long lines, chargers not working or charging at very slow rates, for me personally, just not worth it. I LOVE driving the Rivian. Drives to wonderfully and would love to take it everywhere. But, even as someone who has committed to EV's over the past 12 years now, the benefits no longer outweigh the sacrifices, on long distance trips.
Hopefully the Tesla Superchargers provide us with a more reliable network, which I'm sure it will. But, from everything I've heard, while more reliable, will actually be slower than 350kw EV America chargers, thus the time investment is still significant. But, at least you shouldn't get stuck in 1 to 2 hour long lines to charge at an EA network location where 3 of the 4 chargers aren't working or are charging at only 30 kw.
Although, as more EV's are given access to the superchargers, it could clog those up too, creating long lines. Based solely on the fact that Tesla superchargers will be slower and almost certainly more expensive than properly functioning EA or RAN chargers, I'll still view the Tesla Superchargers as only a backup option. Certainly won't be the first choice.
Certain trips, still willing to do. L.A. to Vegas, now there is a Rivian charger in Barstow, which is great. If that happens to be down, there are plenty of other options available on that route to ensure that you shouldn't have any problem finding a charger. And if I am staying at a hotel with EV chargers, then I'm willing to do that kind of trip. Beyond that, I completely understand why 90% of buyers are still hesitant to go full EV as their only car.
I could never give up my EV's as my daily driver for an ICE vehicle. Just have gotten too spoiled with the MASSIVE benefits EV's provide when you drive less than 250 miles per day. The above is only referencing long distance trips. Other than that, there's nothing better than an EV for typical everyday driving needs.
Until the day comes that EV's have 500+ miles in range and can charge up to 400 miles in 15-20 minutes or less, we're going to struggle convincing the 90% that haven't yet made the switch to do so. Even me, convinced to make the switch 12+ years ago to EV's, has backtracked to other options on the long distance trips. If I was someone that needed to two regularly, I'd be in the same boat.
When I only did one two trips a year, wasn't as glaring. But, now having to do long distance trips over 12 times a year, it became too much. While I still drive the Rivian as my primary vehicle daily, my solution, I purchased a PHEV. I get the best of both worlds. I've always said, if any manufacturer would build a PHEV with 100 miles in EV range and a gas backup, that is a quality car, they could likely convince just about everyone to make that switch. The upcoming Ramcharger PHEV with 150 miles of EV range, could be a game changer.
No fault of Rivian, same is true for any non-Tesla EV. With the Tesla superchargers supposedly opening up to Rivians this month (13 days left), should change the perception.
But, after having had the Rivian now for almost two years, I can no longer handle the unreliable public charging networks nor am I willing to spend the time charging. Even when everything works as it should and there are no issues. a significant time investment is required as compared to simply filling with gas.
My limit, is possibly, one necessary stop per trip. Any trips that would require more and I choose alternative vehicles. Have been doing this over the past 6 or so months and I can't express in words how much I appreciate getting home at 2:30 or 3:00 AM instead of closer to 5:00 AM on common trips I have to take. That time adds up. Then double it for the round trip. Plus, when you arrive at your destination, you have to find charging again.
Someday, the RAN will be better with more chargers and more reliable. But for now, having to rely on public chargers, potential long lines, chargers not working or charging at very slow rates, for me personally, just not worth it. I LOVE driving the Rivian. Drives to wonderfully and would love to take it everywhere. But, even as someone who has committed to EV's over the past 12 years now, the benefits no longer outweigh the sacrifices, on long distance trips.
Hopefully the Tesla Superchargers provide us with a more reliable network, which I'm sure it will. But, from everything I've heard, while more reliable, will actually be slower than 350kw EV America chargers, thus the time investment is still significant. But, at least you shouldn't get stuck in 1 to 2 hour long lines to charge at an EA network location where 3 of the 4 chargers aren't working or are charging at only 30 kw.
Although, as more EV's are given access to the superchargers, it could clog those up too, creating long lines. Based solely on the fact that Tesla superchargers will be slower and almost certainly more expensive than properly functioning EA or RAN chargers, I'll still view the Tesla Superchargers as only a backup option. Certainly won't be the first choice.
Certain trips, still willing to do. L.A. to Vegas, now there is a Rivian charger in Barstow, which is great. If that happens to be down, there are plenty of other options available on that route to ensure that you shouldn't have any problem finding a charger. And if I am staying at a hotel with EV chargers, then I'm willing to do that kind of trip. Beyond that, I completely understand why 90% of buyers are still hesitant to go full EV as their only car.
I could never give up my EV's as my daily driver for an ICE vehicle. Just have gotten too spoiled with the MASSIVE benefits EV's provide when you drive less than 250 miles per day. The above is only referencing long distance trips. Other than that, there's nothing better than an EV for typical everyday driving needs.
Until the day comes that EV's have 500+ miles in range and can charge up to 400 miles in 15-20 minutes or less, we're going to struggle convincing the 90% that haven't yet made the switch to do so. Even me, convinced to make the switch 12+ years ago to EV's, has backtracked to other options on the long distance trips. If I was someone that needed to two regularly, I'd be in the same boat.
When I only did one two trips a year, wasn't as glaring. But, now having to do long distance trips over 12 times a year, it became too much. While I still drive the Rivian as my primary vehicle daily, my solution, I purchased a PHEV. I get the best of both worlds. I've always said, if any manufacturer would build a PHEV with 100 miles in EV range and a gas backup, that is a quality car, they could likely convince just about everyone to make that switch. The upcoming Ramcharger PHEV with 150 miles of EV range, could be a game changer.
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