Rivian in cold weather

[Time2Roll]

If the weather is really bad and you are driving 80 mph, it could drop to 50%.

80mph in bad weather seems like a bad idea all around.

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[usulio]

80mph in bad weather seems like a bad idea all around.

I’d guess they were referencing extreme cold and higher winds. But yeah when the visibility conditions make you slow down, it’s usually a net win for efficiency unless you’re really crawling

 

[mkhuffman]

80mph in bad weather seems like a bad idea all around.

I’d guess they were referencing extreme cold and higher winds. But yeah when the visibility conditions make you slow down, it’s usually a net win for efficiency unless you’re really crawling

I was not saying 80 mph in severe weather is safe. I expect some people do not drive safely. The point is bad weather + high speed kills efficiency.

 

[Budman]

Don’t write off the usefulness of Level 1 120v charging. We are currently in the upper peninsula of Michigan on a ski trip. Using a 120v outdoor outlet at our VRBO. Added 7% to the battery overnight. Over the three day stay it will add up. And, it keeps the battery warm for better efficiency when driving.

 

[downranger12]

If my primary use case was 5 hour trips in -20F weather, I would keep the F150.
Or move.

It is not how warm the cabin gets, but how much cold can your body take when you are outside trying to get the charger to work. The cables become stiffer than 2x4s, charging is extremely slow, and taking it out in that kind of cold is very risky.
I'm in NE Iowa driving in the latest blizzard. The R1t is great for traction and everything else, but I kept my old Nissan Frontier Pro 4x with 280,000 miles. Insurance settlement after a roll over allowed me to rebuild it with all new parts. You might need a spare truck if you have a collision.

 

[R1Skol]

I knew winter efficiency would hit but was surprised this weekend what my actual efficiency was. Gen2 R1S Dual Large+ left with 100% SoC temp was between 0f and 10f. Drove 100 miles @ 80-83mph (Speed limit is 80) into 5-8mph winds with elevation climb of 500' arrived with 35% SoC so 1.35-1.45 efficiency. Running on 22"s with Toyo OC XL AT3 EVs @ 48psi cold (not the LT version) thought return trip would see improvement because of the tail wind... not so much since it was colder (night with adaptive on) & we had the heat going. In the end it was 400miles round trip, super charger bills totaling $100.04 & arrived home at 9% SoC. Overall efficiency 1.29 and yes weather was clear for those wondering if I was doing 80mph in bad weather.

 

[downranger12]

Don’t write off the usefulness of Level 1 120v charging. We are currently in the upper peninsula of Michigan on a ski trip. Using a 120v outdoor outlet at our VRBO. Added 7% to the battery overnight. Over the three day stay it will add up. And, it keeps the battery warm for better efficiency when driving.

Yes, always keep it plugged in to something. I forgot to mention that.

 

[Bob S]

I’ve owned 3 F150’s and 3 Ridgelines in the past 40 years. This is the first truck that doesn’t have a handle on the tailgate. How does the Rivian perform with the auto tailgate button in severe weather? Does it freeze shut? I’ve added a Lomax aftermarket tonneau cover that slightly overlaps. No problem so far. we haven’t seen mid winter weather yet. I can envision not being able to open it with my skis inside. At least with a handle you have a grip to help opening

 

[Doug]

I’ve owned 3 F150’s and 3 Ridgelines in the past 40 years. This is the first truck that doesn’t have a handle on the tailgate. How does the Rivian perform with the auto tailgate button in severe weather? Does it freeze shut? I’ve added a Lomax aftermarket tonneau cover that slightly overlaps. No problem so far. we haven’t seen mid winter weather yet. I can envision not being able to open it with my skis inside. At least with a handle you have a grip to help opening

I live in MN and have not had any problems in the three years I have had the truck with the button for the tailgate. I do have a heated garage but have used it out and about in cold weather.

 

[Budman]

I’ve owned 3 F150’s and 3 Ridgelines in the past 40 years. This is the first truck that doesn’t have a handle on the tailgate. How does the Rivian perform with the auto tailgate button in severe weather? Does it freeze shut? I’ve added a Lomax aftermarket tonneau cover that slightly overlaps. No problem so far. we haven’t seen mid winter weather yet. I can envision not being able to open it with my skis inside. At least with a handle you have a grip to help opening

I think it is almost impossible for the buttons to freeze. The hatches could freeze shut like anny other vehicle if water gets in the joint. The buttons are not a risk.

 

[usulio]

I knew winter efficiency would hit but was surprised this weekend what my actual efficiency was. Gen2 R1S Dual Large+ left with 100% SoC temp was between 0f and 10f. Drove 100 miles @ 80-83mph (Speed limit is 80) into 5-8mph winds with elevation climb of 500' arrived with 35% SoC so 1.35-1.45 efficiency. Running on 22"s with Toyo OC XL AT3 EVs @ 48psi cold (not the LT version) thought return trip would see improvement because of the tail wind... not so much since it was colder (night with adaptive on) & we had the heat going. In the end it was 400miles round trip, super charger bills totaling $100.04 & arrived home at 9% SoC. Overall efficiency 1.29 and yes weather was clear for those wondering if I was doing 80mph in bad weather.

Did the car start cold?

On AT tires at 80+ mph I would expect say 1.8 mi/kWh even in perfect weather, so 1.5 wouldn’t have surprised me in those very cold temps. 1.3 is a bit surprising but if starting cold, I guess it makes sense.

 

[R1Skol]

Did the car start cold?

Yes started cold. battery was in 30s cabin was warm and plugged in so 100% charge to start. after the hour drive battery was at 51 degrees f when I plugged into DCFC. Second 100 miles of leg was similar efficiency with warm battery. Navigation said would arrive with 20% i believe then gradually dropped to 1%. Got there with 0% (half mile to spare)

 

[Time2Roll]

........ and yes weather was clear for those wondering if I was doing 80mph in bad weather.

Must know the roads well with no chance of ice to be going 80mph.

 

[Jonger1150]

I have a dual motor with 21 inch all season tires. During mid summer my efficiency was near 2.55 Miles/kWh.

I had a loaner Gen 1 Quad with all terrain. The efficiency on my same drives was barely 1.90 miles/kWh.

That's 80 less miles per full change.

All terrain tires look cool and are good for offroad, but they suck for efficiency.

 

[Budman]

I’ve owned 3 F150’s and 3 Ridgelines in the past 40 years. This is the first truck that doesn’t have a handle on the tailgate. How does the Rivian perform with the auto tailgate button in severe weather? Does it freeze shut? I’ve added a Lomax aftermarket tonneau cover that slightly overlaps. No problem so far. we haven’t seen mid winter weather yet. I can envision not being able to open it with my skis inside. At least with a handle you have a grip to help opening

I see now I misunderstood your question in my first response. I have had the tail gate freeze shut because it froze to the rubber gasket on the tonneau. I could not pull the gate down with my hands. I worked my way along the gasket to break the ice and then it opened. This happened once in three winters.

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