I think it triggered a lot of current ICE owners who wanted to switch to an EV, since this is probably the first good mass-market EV in the U.S. They usually do not dig into all the kilowatt and battery chemistry bullshit. They saw an advertised range of around 300 miles, the CEO said it was as efficient as a Tesla, and then all the independent tests came out showing that it cannot actually do 300 miles.
So much to consider, you’re 100% right
I've considered the AWD BZ and Subaru Solterra twin. They'll be about 10-15K less than an R2, and likely have less range. Also, no frunk or glove box.
100% this. People are absolutely over blowing this and not put real life factor into it. Plus people are not reading the fine print on EPA range estimates. This is no different than an ice vehicles equating average of city and highway.
If you were actually serious about it you would have done you homework on what the EPA range means and what it equates to. No different than shopping for an ICE vehicle. Did you know you calculated EPA range in your ICE vehicle is not based on the entire tank of gas being used up at 70mph, meaning you are not getting you actual listed range per EPA on your ICE vehicle ?
Yes, they drive like rivian r2 in snow or sport mode all the time (full time awd), rivian range tests are in 2 wheel drive and conserve mode, so real world differences is not extremely different
I know, but it doesn’t matter at all because you can refuel in minutes almost anywhere, and you can also carry extra gas with you. EV range for road trips causes so much discussion because you really need to plan your trip due to limited infrastructure and slow charging. The existence of route planning software is proof of how problematic this area is.
I think you are really over thinking this and need to take a step back and think about your use case to determine if an EV is even right for your daily and once in a while long trip needs. The charging network has grown a ton and all EV manufacturers have their navigation apps there to help you along the way with charger recommendations associated. If that is too much to even think about, then an EV might not be your cup of tea right now. Plain and simple. If you are willing to take a leap of faith and trust in the system while learning along the way, as we all do, then find the right EV that makes you comfortable in doing so. That is why we want to see more EV options on the market as one EV type is not for everyone.
Exactly. It's like complaining how the billionaire class pays a very small portion of their income to taxes, but they simply take all the legal tax loopholes allowed. Why wouldn't they?!?
None of those are official Rivian ads. Hell, the top image is "AI" BS.What caught my eye when I first saw an ad for the R2 in early 2026 was that the 330-mile range was front and center. I put down my deposit and told a lot of ppl, "This could be a real Tesla killer," and was thinking of range as a key component in the equation compared to Tesla. Go search online for early R2 ads or articles, and they all have 330 miles somewhere in the ad or in the article banner. Of course, ppl can say that range wasn't top of mind when ordering an R2, but if the ads had stated a 250-mile range, would you have been as excited? Now that 250-mile range seems to be appearing more than not, has anyone realized 330 miles or more on a recent trip?
Tesla recently launched the Tesla Model Y Long with seating for six. It prices right out at the R2 Performance Launch with some needed add-ons like 20-in tires and color costs for all but one color for the R2. Tesla, for $61,990 for the 6-seater, is giving any color inside and out for free, a full year of charging at Tesla charging stations nationwide, a full year of FSD, and a full year of Full Connectivity. Also - over 300 miles per full charge that is real. The Tesla charging stations near me are charging at around 45-47 cents/kWh. When ppl say they don't mind stopping to charge after 2 hrs on a trip, it sure would be nice to charge a lot less if 300+ mile ranges were the norm. Taking long trips, the cost of charging will really add up, and over 30-50K miles, it is really high if you did 25% less, or worse, in range totals.
Having driven both as well as the Subaru Trailseeker - they're... less expensive. And... competent... and, IMO a chaotic mas of weird design choices aka ugly IMO... they were "fine" but a completely different approach to cars from a manufacturer (Toyota) that is grudgingly turning out EV's.
You can expect to stop in Buttonwillow and Firebaugh each for approximately 20-25 minutes, arriving Walnut Creek with 10%. Speed of ~70 mph. If averaging 75 mph, it will trigger a 3rd stop and total charge time of ~60 minutes. Approximately 200 kWh needed for the 414 mile trip (2.1 MPK). At 70 mph, 170 kWh (2.45 MPK). These are ballpark estimates based on ABRP.
