Stephen Goodrich, proud owner of a Rivian R1T Launch Edition with the adventure package, has taken to his popular YouTube channel, Charge Overland, to share valuable insights on how to maximize the range of the Rivian R1T. Goodrich’s extensive experience and thorough testing make his tips a must-watch for both current and prospective R1T owners.
With its eye-catching glacier white exterior and impressive quad-motor setup, the Rivian R1T Launch Edition boasts an acceleration of 0-60 mph in a mere 3 seconds. Equipped with a 135-kilowatt-hour battery, this electric pickup offers an EPA-estimated range of 314 miles. Notably, Rivian has since updated the quad-motor R1T’s range to 328 miles, further enhancing its appeal.
Goodrich’s knowledge stems from countless miles traversed in his R1T across diverse terrains, distances, and temperatures. By employing simple yet effective techniques, he has discovered ways to conserve range, which he generously shares with fellow R1T enthusiasts.
One key aspect Goodrich highlights is the R1T’s multiple charging outlets for devices and external appliances. These outlets can be conveniently managed through the infotainment system, allowing owners to turn them on or off as desired.
In an intriguing experiment, Goodrich left the outlets on for 12 hours without plugging in any devices while the outside temperature hovered around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Astonishingly, the R1T’s battery experienced a drain of 3-5 percent, resulting in a loss of 9-12 miles of range. Conversely, when the outlets were switched off, the electric truck lost a mere 1 percent range over the same time period.
Furthermore, Goodrich offers energy-saving tips specifically tailored for camping or overlanding excursions. Rivian provides three energy use optionsāStay Off, Normal, and Stay Onāvia its infotainment system. Goodrich suggests utilizing the Stay Off mode while camping, as it completely powers down the R1T, deactivates the displays, and disables the climate controls, thereby optimizing range.
On the other hand, the Normal mode maintains certain settings, while the Stay On mode ensures continuous power, displays, and climate control functionality for those who wish to spend extended periods inside the cabin.
To ascertain the impact of these modes, Goodrich conducted a test wherein he activated each mode for 12 hours at outside temperatures ranging from 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. The results were telling: with the Normal mode left on, the R1T experienced a 1 percent range drop, equivalent to 3-5 miles. In stark contrast, the Stay Off mode caused no range loss at all. Although a drop of 3-5 miles may appear negligible, it accumulates to significant energy savings when far from charging stations.
Goodrich goes on to share a plethora of additional tips aimed at maximizing the R1T’s range. These encompass insights into driving modes, driving patterns, and the potential impact of externally mounted gear on the vehicle’s range. Interested viewers are encouraged to watch his enlightening video and contribute their own tips in the comments section, fostering a collaborative community focused on squeezing out those extra miles in an electric vehicle (EV).
