Got down to zero range remaining. Is there a “buffer” reserve after 0 miles of range?

I’m sure someone else has already confirmed it, but I inadvertently drove my R1T down to zero range. I was coming back home from 40 miles away and I purportedly had 50 miles of range when I started. It was mostly freeway driving and I was doing about 72, but I was a little disappointed the range didn’t last closer to 50 miles. I was relieved that the truck didn’t shut off immediately when hitting zero and that I was able to make it to my charger at home.

Do people know if there is a “buffer” reserve that lets you go a few extra miles after zero? Like being able to drive 20-30 miles after empty in an ICE vehicle?

I have had two ZERO mile remaining experiences, both coming home in a similar situation. First time I was at zero for 1.5 miles and no problem, but a substantial power drop. This was 6 months ago.

The second time, the Rivian had new warning features functioning that highly contributed to range anxiety. With 2 miles remaining, power reduction was probably 85%, with 1 mile remaining I was limited to 20mph and then all these warning displays were going off...(wish I remembered them, but it kinda stressed me out instead). "Pull OVER IMMEDIATELY vehicle is shutting down".....flashing on drivers console.....It continued with the warning visible and audibly.....until 0 miles remaining...when I pulled into my garage.....No remnant or issues after charging overnight....

Mark_AZR1T said:

I have had two ZERO mile remaining experiences, both coming home in a similar situation. First time I was at zero for 1.5 miles and no problem, but a substantial power drop. This was 6 months ago.

The second time, the Rivian had new warning features functioning that highly contributed to range anxiety. With 2 miles remaining, power reduction was probably 85%, with 1 mile remaining I was limited to 20mph and then all these warning displays were going off...(wish I remembered them, but it kinda stressed me out instead). "Pull OVER IMMEDIATELY vehicle is shutting down".....flashing on drivers console.....It continued with the warning visible and audibly.....until 0 miles remaining...when I pulled into my garage.....No remnant or issues after charging overnight....

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I had similar events on a trip, actually the trip home after buying the Rivian used LOL I've had my Tesla for a while so I'm a pro at adjusting driving to maximize range on the fly haha....

I was driving in some rough winter conditions on I-80 in Nebraska and missed the exit I needed to take to get to the charger. Had 2 miles remaining. Was still okay to drive highway speed, but did see it get to 0 as I pulled off the correct exit. I didn't get too many warnings and don't recall it throttling me too much that time.

2nd event, on the same trip, was driving down 76 with a massive crosswind killing my range. I was in the middle of nowhere so had to make it to the charger in Sterling. Kept adjusting my speed as my range was dwindling away. Did hit 0 miles while still a couple of miles from the exit, and it started the throttle me down. Had to put flashers on, I believe it throttled me down to somewhere around 60 mph. Got off the exit, and still had 1.5 miles to get to charger in Sterling. As I was driving down the road towards town, I got the message "pull over immediately" and freaked out a bit, so pulled off into a Ford dealer that was right there, hoping they'd have a Level 2 to top off a bit. I was only a mile away from L3 charger, but did have to go up over a hill to get into town so didn't want to risk it. At the dealer (it was a really small dealer) I couldn't find any L2 chargers, but found a plug on a light pole to plug into! Topped off for about 20 minutes just to feel safe to make it to charger, and I did end up making it but did get the "pull over immediately" message again when coming down the hill into town.

Was pretty nerve racking but now I feel like I really know this truck well haha!

Holy crap! I freak out when I see I have less than 100 miles! No idea how you’ll can go along driving with zero miles!

I do admit both times I knew the range was going to be close.....gotta push the limits now and then....... My brother inlaw fills his truck up when it reaches 1/2 tank...I'm sure we have people like that here.....

Mtbaddict said:

and I was doing about 72

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You're knowingly getting that close to zero (yes, 10 is close to zero) and you're keeping your speed that high?

It's all about air resistance, y'all. I went 70 in a 70 for most of my trip today, through a mountain pass, and gained 3 miles from the original estimate.

SPEEDING KILLS (your efficiency)

I ran mine to zero once on the way fro SLC to SD, CA due to 50 knot headwinds while towing and the EA was closed and fenced off when EA and Rivian showed them open. Had to get towed and slow charge at a motel (because of the fucking aforementioned EA on I-15 in Scipio, UT). It was fine for a few days until it wasn't in San Diego. Got in and the truck was bricked. Had to get another tow to the SD SC. They had to reboot the whole thing and said it was because of running it to 0%. Never again.

jakef801 said:

I ran mine to zero once on the way fro SLC to SD, CA due to 50 knot headwinds while towing was closed and fenced off when EA and Rivian showed them open. Had to get towed and slow charge at a motel ( (because the fucking EA on I-15 in Scipio, UT). It was fine for a few days until it wasn't in San Diego. Got in and the truck was bricked. Had to get another tow to the SD SC. They had to reboot the whole thing and said it was because of running it to 0%. Never again.

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That's unfortunate but a good lesson. For the posters above and because I'm curious, how many miles past the initial 0mi would you say you made it before needing a tow truck?

*Insert Kramer's Saab test drive meme here*

5:00- he got more than 8 miles after zero

Spaceball1 said:

I believe it throttled me down to somewhere around 60 mph.

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That's not exactly much of a throttle down! Isn't the speed limit usually 55mph on highways? I could understand the car throttling you down to 20mph to save energy given how much speed levels impact range.

IYKYK

I went down to 4 miles last December in the middle of the Adirondacks and that freaked me out. Passed up the L3 charger in Keene because it looked like I would have 25 miles to spare, but it was my first EV experience with the effects of 10 degree weather, substantial headwind, and climbing a bunch of elevation. The worst part was my spouse wanting to know why I had only bothered to charge to 85% that morning.

SDH said:

That's not exactly much of a throttle down! Isn't the speed limit usually 55mph on highways? I could understand the car throttling you down to 20mph to save energy given how much speed levels impact range.

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Depends on where you are. Around here we have surface streets with a 55 mph speed limit and the highways are typically 70 (+/- 5 mph).