My Rivian Is Gone. In The End It Was All About The Money

[@Mamo878]

These near six-figure EVs are pretty much play things for rich people right now.

[@TheJoncic]

"The future"

[@Anothernerdyloser314]

@@TheJoncic There are also EVs that are under $30k.

[@mike9588]

@@Anothernerdyloser314 in the US? Yeah the Chevy bolt for 2023 that’s it

[@chiemekaa]

Their comparable ICE equivalents are also at or near six figures. But that's what happens when we in America want bigger vehicles with more niceties to match our growing waists.

[@xxwookey]

That's just big new vehicles in general. Once a normal second-hand market develops there will be EVs at prices normal people pay for vehicles.

[@AdamJakowenko]

As a "normal" non-KZbinr person, I really appreciate the candid information about finances and calculations. I'm perpetually confused by how KZbinrs like Kyle Connor (who has far less subscribers than you) is out there buying and keeping so many cars like a Rivian and a Plaid and several other vehicles all at the same time.

[@EVBuyersGuide]

I don’t wanna start any rumors, but it’s my understanding that the money is coming from somewhere else for him

[@mowcowbell]

We know Kyle doesn't spend any money on lawn care! What an eyesore that place is.

[@godofdun]

I've always wondered if Kyle is just independently wealthy and does the stuff he does almost as a passion project as much as a business. Pure speculation obviously.

[@shinybaldy]

@@godofdun his dad going from one EV to another EV for shits and giggles is pretty telling.

[@godofdun]

@@shinybaldy That too. To be fair though I at least don't get the impression from him or his dad that they think normal people go through cars like they do lol.

[@joefrommontana252]

Vampire drain was by far the biggest focus in this video and it’s largely been fixed with over the air updates. I’m guessing haters have found a new deal-killer problem though. At least I hope they have. The line of people in front of me to get one is long enough.

[@chiemekaa]

Thank you Alex for keeping it real. This is the most detailed and comprehensive user experience for electric trucks and vehicle ownership in general.

[@johnh.wilson2081]

These EV trucks are rich men's toys. There is really nothing practical about them for true truck owners. Who want's to wait 30 minutes or more to recharge their truck when they can do that in 5 minutes in an ICE truck? One thing you didn't discuss was how much the batteries would cost to replace when the time comes that you have to do that. It's always humorous to listen to EV owners seem so apologetic when they talk about the things they don't like in their EVs. Why would anybody purchase a vehicle that has been in production for a short time? Even Tesla still has problems. I purchased a brand new 2022 4 cyl Toyota Camry XSE. I have 12000 miles on it and I have had no issues with it. I paid $36K for it and it gets 38 MPG on the highway, so I can go about 400 miles before refilling tank. Good video and I appreciate your honesty. The best part of the video is you sold it and you made a profit.

[@MechayaAlta]

We are a retired frugal baby boomer couple who live in the pacific nw. We own a Nissan leaf SV plus as our around town car and a Subaru Legacy for road trips. Total cost for these two cars is about the same as one Tesla Y. For us this is the best of both world at this time. I love your honest straight up reviews.

[@superawesomefuntimego]

Have had my R1T for a couple months now and have put a few thousand miles on it. Thus far we are BLOWN away with how amazing it is. My wife keeps stealing it from me and leaving me her 2022 Acura MDX A-Spec. Even with the 20" AT's the freeway efficiency is solid, getting over 300 miles between charges on our couple longer road trips. Lifetime so far, we are averaging 2.11 miles per kw/h which is not bad I think considering how it is driven. I took it hunting for almost a week, 40 miles from the closest town and it did awesome. Vampire drain was noticed, but not crazy with camping mode enabled. We lost about 5 miles of range a day of drain. My biggest complaint is the lack of CarPlay and Android Auto. You can use the integrated Alexa to simulate some of the functions and the on board Nav is okay, but not as good as google maps. I am an avid mountain biker and the R1T is perfect for that and hauling my bikes and gear. Plenty of places to stash your gear out of sight when out riding. The powered tonneau has been flawless so far, but I did make sure to sweep off the needles and leaves when I was out camping before retracting it. I can totally see how it could cause problems though. Best of all, I can park the R1T easily in my garage, a full size like the Lightning would not fit.

[@SacredHeart0520]

Honeymoon phase you will end up getting rid of it soon

[@privettoli]

@@SacredHeart0520 I don't think so… Rivian now supports Tesla chargers and made a bunch of improvements to the software.

[@wrodz1980]

1. Sold for a profit 2. It’s the viewers fault for not clicking on the ads. 3. Bought on a line of credit….4. The cost of running a business like employee benefits blah blah blah… Seems to me this was an impulse buy AND with the market going in the direction it is on the Rivians it just made sense to drive it and make a profit.

[@maximecuypersph.d.2029]

I was a bit annoyed by not having android auto, then i got my r1s, there is a cool option to send/share the destination from Google maps to your rivian... It works waaaaay better than android auto ( no wire in the way etc)

[@Pekirt79]

Good explanation Alex! We absolutely love our R1T and it's the perfect vehicle for our family of 5. We have towed 5000lbs before and we have taken multiple 600+ mile trips in the 2 months we have owned it. I have never had a problem loading things in the frunk and we use it all the time. Your use case is definitely a rare one, but appreciate your honesty!

[@mikehawk4856]

You won’t be loving it in 3 years

[@good-tn9sr]

yours could be the rare case

[@dennislyons3095]

I believe the reason for no android auto or car play is that both Apple & Google collect tons of data rom your use of those functions. They can get a complete data dump of you r vehicle from those interfaces. Which they can use for development of their own vehicle or sell the info to another manufacturer who will compete with Rivian. That's undoubtedly why Tesla is not willing to share their data either. For me, I have taken multiple trips in our R1T & find it the most comfortable travel vehicle I've ever owned. I have spent three hours at a time without stopping for anything & I am not figeting around to be comfortable & when I stop, I don't find the need to stretch & walk around for a few minutes before getting back in. Better than our Cayenne on a road trip. I've also met some very interesting people at charging locations. I find that an added bonus.

[@Kezmo]

I wish everyone in the world was more like Alex. His honesty and frankness is second to none. Really appreciate the content, Alex. Thank you!

[@scottwilkins]

Personality and Inteligence don't seem to be hand in hand. He is gifted.

[@ddhsd]

What a refreshing real video and appreciate the honesty at the end Alex you are not living in a fantasy "You Tuber" world. You inhabit the same real world any businessperson deals with plus your unique rural off grid life. A video like this is why you have become my favorite car channel.

[@williamelkington5430]

A very thoughtful review. Thanks very much. In the industry I used to work in, we had a requirements category we called MIRs--most important requirements. Sounds like maybe (but I'm not clear on this) your most important requirements involve towing and price. The All Electric Family tow around a 30-foot Airstream regularly with their R1T and their F-150 Lightning, and they have no problem with the charging requirements. Maybe they have a different tolerance for managing the charging frequency and potential difficulties. I don't know. But there are people who tow happily with both vehicles. Price? Well, that's always a personal matter. What are you willing to pay for a particular set of capabilities? Depends on personal financial situation and--again--the most important requirements (the MIRs) and what you are willing to pay to meet those requirements. I'm happy you chose to review these two vehicles. You have informed us and helped us all improve our thinking about what our requirements really are.

[@rvboyett]

I've had my R1T since August and I agree with pretty much everything you've said but vampire drain hasn't been a real issue for me. I've got a broken tonneau cover but at least it's open so I can use the bed. Beyond that I'm extremely satisfied with the truck. Everytime I hit the accelerator, I just get the giggles. It's so damn fun to drive. Rivian really needs a snow mode with the ability to turn off brake regen. Even the standard mode is too much. Oh, and I'm going to beat RJ over the head with my phone if he doesn't give me CarPlay/Android Auto.

[@Wasabi9111]

Haha. Have the same exactly feeling as you about the car. I thought we would flip it but we ended up loving it too much. But some time I wonder if we should have sold it when the prices were crazy high during the summer. Def having CarPlay would avoid a lot of the infotainment issues.

[@dontbanmebrodontbanme5403]

When you say that vampire drain hasn't really been an issue, does that mean you have it and you just deal with it, or you don't have it? The idea of spending $40 to charge your car, then finding out you really only have $30 worth of power because $10 just vanished...SOMEWHERE is simply unacceptable. Maybe you keep your car plugged in and don't really it's constantly being "topped off"?

[@rvboyett]

@@dontbanmebrodontbanme5403 Well, for one it only costs me about $13.50 to charge my R1T from empty to 100%. I’ve noticed some vampire drain but it just hasn’t been enough to impact me.

[@Qrail]

Alex. Great video. Being on the cutting edge is hazardous. Looks like you escaped. Painful, but us pioneers get to live and learn. My 2011 Leaf only fetched $3600 with 6 bars and 46% SOH, but it was a fun experience. Thanks for being in a position to explain your story.

[@MLHunt]

Very thoughtful, detailed, informative. Especially appreciate your transparency on the financial aspects of your ownership experience.

[@rkgsd]

Calling out oddities and problems when you see them before we spend our hard-earned money. That's why I love the channel.

[@cadriver2570]

I love that slow b-roll of the truck. It really communicates the materials and quality in a way I don’t get from other channels.

[@georgesackinger2002]

Where to start? First I don't own a Rivian but I do own a Tesla and have owned a Hyundai Kona EV. I was surprised by the variety of reasons you disliked the Rivian. Most seemed very superficial. Is lack of Apple Car play or Android Auto a real reason? Almost like not liking the color. You knew these before you bought the vehicle. Were you really expecting a top-down view of hooking up a trailer to your hitch. Where would the camera be? Illogical to expect a top-down view on any vehicle. There may be slightly higher camera placement on other pickups but they still all have the same view. Some of your reasons were valid. Vampire drain is a game killer. I also agree that discontinuing the bed cover is a bad deal. Do you really think that Rivian will not repair those who have them now and have a failure? Without some compensation this would not be accepted. Stating they will not fix those covers that fail is pure conjecture on your part. Your point that the R1T is too expensive is probably true the way you are using it. You did sell it for a profit and you would not do this with any non-EV. Your company's overhead is fixed, and the Rivian being an EV did not change that. From a corporate standpoint you should have mentioned you have less deductions for maintenance. This reduces the cost substantially for the vehicle. For most people considering purchasing a Rivian, most of the savings are made by charging at home... Night charging rates are a fraction of the day rates or supercharging rates in many areas. Corps. don't always have access to these rates. Finally, it sounds like you should have bought an EV such as a sedan or SUV. It might have been a better fit. If I were to take one lesson from this presentation, it is that EV pickup trucks are probably not going to be as efficient or cost effective for corporations that have no need for pickups. Even though I have several points I disagreed, I do appreciate your presentation. Few corporations buy Cadillacs when Chevies will do.

[@DanielRomero]

Appreciate the transparency! Selling it was definitely the move for now!

[@MrNicholg]

A little dose of reality when discussing pricing on new vehicles. Thanks.

[@MadMadOne]

I got one. The cold weather efficiency is poor. I don't know how efficient heat pumps on EVs are for short trips and if one would have helped here. Vampire drain might be 1 percent per day. Agree with most things you said. The cost of an accident or regular repairs can be crazy. Service center booked till February 😐. Fortunately issues are minor. It handles like a sports sedan. I don't think there is any big SUV/truck that drives like this today. The thing I cannot stand is the keyless entry situation. The fob is not passive and the phone unlocks it from far away - when it works. I disabled it completely. Also annoying is the lack of a start button and the authentication prior to starting the vehicle. Once the vehicle unlocks, from say 20 feet away, it is drivable. Someone can simply hop in, lock doors and drive away. Also if I leave teenagers in the car while shopping, I would like a way to prevent them from driving it.

[@awash7156]

It should be able to be disabled via the app. A PIN (like Tesla) would be helpful in some circumstances…but not the one you described. I only drove a few times before my kids knew the PIN for the Tesla

[@jghall00]

My neighbor has an R1T. I was impressed with the materials, but I prefer tactile switches to a screen for everything. And I need something that can tow long distances like my Expedition. An R1S could be a good 2nd vehicle, but our Focus Electric handles 90% of our local driving. Hopefully Rivian's next vehicles will be more affordable.

[@johnmeyer6734]

But all cars are going to the screen, not just EV

[@jghall00]

@@johnmeyer6734 I think Rivian specifically tried to copy Tesla with the screen interface. But Tesla had other positive attributes and the screen wasn't a motivation for consumers to purchase the cars. It was a novelty and cost cutting measure, but the appeal is wearing off as customers realize tactile is generally better.

[@rightlanehog3151]

Alex, Let's all agree to call this a long-term wait and medium-term test. Maybe a practical, electric towing pickup will arrive in the next few years.

[@jml9550]

Not until the battery cost go weight down and pair with solid state batteries. That won’t happen in at least 10 years.

[@TheWindriver10]

LIKE A TESLA !

[@navaronefrank458]

I'm personally looking forward to the GM pickup twins. I feel like GM will solve the towing tech problem plus I believe they will have a leg up on creating an efficient vehicle both in aero and drivetrain

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

I suspect drivetrain efficiency will be solid, but I'm concerned about the weight. The rumors I have been hearing from inside GM seem to put the Sierra some 2,000 pounds heavier than a Lightning, which if true will likely cause real-world range issues.

[@azorglub]

Towing range is 50% of regular range, and that's true for all trucks. Only EV solution is to have a much bigger and expensive battery.

[@godofdun]

@@AAutoBuyersGuide Maybe, but IIRC that added weight is from the larger 200+ KwH battery so maybe not.

[@appleiphone69]

@@azorglubthen it upsets handling, breaking, acceleration. Best solution is have more charging stations that can handle vehicles that are towing.

[@azorglub]

@@appleiphone69 true but then we are back to either charging for 35mns every 100 miles or for 60mns every 150 miles. I don't really see a future for long distance towing with an EV anytime soon. And I love EVs and am awaiting my R1T.

[@chrissimmons9969]

You can’t blame Alex at all for bouncing the Rivian or the Lightning for that matter. I’m not anti EV, but I do feel like they are just too insanely expensive. I don’t tow or have any need for a truck or SUV, but if I had to use that type of vehicle it would most definitely be a used ICE vehicle. I was able to buy a new 2020 Honda Accord 2.0t for just under 30k and I really wasn’t happy in having to spend that much. In hindsight with the way the car market has gone I’m extremely happy how things have worked out. My Accord does everything I need it to do and the 2.0T engine is a gem. I plan on keeping and driving this car for a long time especially considering where car prices have gone and push to force people into EVs.

[@danielm9315]

Maybe the original 40K bait and switch F150 Pro would have worked for you for around town use, spirited drive, better miles/kwH than the lariat, and much more affordable. With long range towing twice a year you can just rent a truck for a day. The mega frunk is nice to have for around town shopping in a truck.

[@christopherwhull]

Towing with a rented truck is questionable with all the major rental and insurance companies.

[@bgtanguay]

I really appreciate your explanation. I’m getting an R1T next year, and I wasn’t aware of the significance of the vampire drain issue. Lucky for me, I don’t tow, so overall I can live with the comprises you discussed.

[@IamGroot786]

Yeah, vehicle prices are absolutely crazy nowadays. I plan to drive what I currently own right into the ground!

[@robmelone6947]

Everyone bashes the dealer with their markups but yet this guy got a pass.....

[@theotherrobzombie]

I’m pretty sure you’re not the only one. I think I’m right there with you. Something to be said about not having payments anymore.

[@eBroncos]

Why would someone buy a used, 6-months-old Rivian when they could buy directly from Rivian for less, like the MSRP (before interest rate and insurance) that you originally paid?

[@Mark-de4hj]

Great real-world review Alex. I find your channel to be one of the few that absolutely deserves to make money. You generally try to be objective bearing in mind that everyone's requirements in a vehicle is different and I now turn to your channel to get unbiased information on vehicles in which I have an interest but also enjoy your reviews as a whole. Your experience with the Rivian is exactly why I never buy a new untested unproven vehicle. It's one thing to lease something for a few years and then just turn it in rather than purchasing it outright. Great that I can turn to you to provide a more in-dept information. Another thing I noticed about the Rivian without having experienced it personally, is the really sharp looking edges of that flap when the body storage area is open. I can see myself ripping off the skin of my legs on it if not paying attention! Did you find that a potential issue?

[@benjijamrock]

Appreciate the review, and I concur, towing needs vast software improvement, but a quick software update solves that. What I did however before buying mine, which is a Launch Edition is a spreadsheet comparing costs and amortizing it over five years. I have yet to see anyone do that. Have you seen the price of a loaded F-150 King Ranch?, It's well over $100k. But if you comp the Rivian R1T vs the same priced F-150, over 5 years you will save north of $30k owning the Rivian. Everyone thinks in terms of the sticker number, no one I have seen puts into an Excel spreadsheet, monthly gas, oil changes, service appts, maintenance and comps it versus an EV. Yes it will take you an hour to build in all those variables, but I'd say that our on the computer is worth over $30k. So even if you buy a $55k F-150, it will have cost you the same as the Rivian after 4 years. I'm keeping my Rivian forever, it's a marvel of engineering and some things in life are worth enjoying. To each his own though

[@SteveSabbai]

You are one of the best vehicle reviewer on youtube that is why I watch all your ads in full. That is my way of supporting you. Keep up the great work. Your reviews influence my buying habits.

[@CMCNestT]

The '12 '13 Model S also had very high vampire drain and they got much better over time with software updates.

[@forrestcarlson1742]

The vampire drain is a major issue and something I love not having in my Lightening. I got the XLT so pricing is half of that Rivian. For me towing is not an issue and road trips are fine. We can only do about 200 miles before needing to walk around a little bit anyway.

[@bikebudha01]

Here was my "Rivian Math". Rivian, a mid sized pickup that cost $80k. Honda Ridgleine, a mid-sized pickup that costs $42k(RTL trim). The $38k I saved would buy 20 years worth of gas. The Honda engine would last that 20 years. I got the Honda... (oh, and 'vampire drain' of 25%, confirms I made the right choice)...

[@LivingInKaos]

Air vents - with the updates a few back, my vents work just fine. Once in a while there is a quirk and won't move on startup. All I do is go out of Auto then back to Auto and it positions fine. As for Towing - you mention how far under the receiver is being aerodynamics - but it is more departure angle. Have to remember, this is an adventure vehicle.....

[@johnl9337]

Alex, great video as always. My wife had a 2017 Honda Accord Touring and it had the same problem with the vents. I prefer ac to be blown in my face and with her car it was impossible to do so with the middle vent. So, I always avoided driving her car because I always felt hot in her car. We live in Texas by the way. After that experience every time I go on a test drive I make sure the ac can blow directly in my face, if not then it’s a total fail for me. My wife current car is a Mazda CX50 Turbo and the ac blows great.

[@michaelbassett-ks9ev]

I really like your video, it was very informative! Thanks Michael

[@Eric-xp1kl]

Alex, I appreciate your channel and your reviews...a couple of items you did not mention in your cost assessment that I would guess your LLC should be eligible for: #1 as your LLC owned the Rivian, it should also be able to write off 100% of the cost under Section 179, then add to this the Tax Credit of $7,500 + your profit made on this sale comes to a nice profit back to your LLC.

[@olivierhiers4224]

We have a r1t, we do not tow aside from having a bike rack. I think you hit many of the good and not so good aspect of the r1t. I would add the nervousness or reliability, when bitten long trip we did encounter always something unexpected (trip of 400 miles or about) , once was the drive train and hydraulic dying on us. We put it on bad luck, but now we had ghost mis alignment popping up, full right side of the car not responding also ghosting, ghost tire pressure alarm, speed limitations….it was to be our adventure vehicle, but we are not at ease with the reliability…( ghost = item we checked or made checked but they go and come back whenever….) so there is a lot of love for the car but…yes we may move out of it too…😢

[@wacoodude6567]

In 3 years all pure EV companies are going to struggle. All traditional auto makers will be there to compete with them with much better products, sales and service networks. These are manufacturing start up not tech start ups (as much as they like to think they are with their evaluations) where they can acquire millions of subscribers/owners overnight.

[@Matt-dx3wo]

😂

[@carlosnorris352]

Not really. It’s a fashion statement to own something built by a company that’s exclusively 100% EV. Remember how tree huggers were not buying camry hybrid because only prius would scream from the distance they’re environmentally conscious.

[@edwardbughiuc100]

most regular people don't tow with half ton trucks or regular trucks. Good point. So what's the point of an electric pick up?

[@boscomoroz326]

Don't tow every week, but I couldn't live without the ability to hook up a trailer when needed. Driving around my area, it's very rare a home doesn't have at least 1 trailer, boat, 5th wheel etc. It's critical when the need occurs. As a homeowner, I absolutely tow stuff just for around the house and yard, motorcycles, big mower, building materials. Maybe not everyone in the household tows. My wife wouldn't, but she sure takes advantage of my doing so for her benefit.

[@richardjansen3838]

I agree with everything you stated, but I can't get past that Rivian front end.

[@ardenthebibliophile]

Good overview! I appreciate the candid but fair nature

[@carsonassociates3263]

The biggest ownership cost of any vehicle is usually depreciation. It is quite possible for a higher-priced vehicle to be cheaper to own, if it depreciates less. (or doesn’t depreciate at all- like Alex’s R1T!)

[@krisabel4681]

I’m considering an r1t, this is a great video.. I’d like to see a cost of ownership comparison vs a trail boss or f150 tremor. A +70k ice vehicle vs ~85k EV, the Rivian loan might cost a couple hundred more a month but that’s saved on gas vs electricity alone @4.50/gallon vs $.13/kWh in my area.

[@ruthareed4422]

Thank you! We also live off grid and have been concerned about the charging day time only thing. We thought about up grading our solar and doubling our battery storage but that is another 13 to 15 k! Your review really helps.

[@goforthandlive1442]

Thanks Alex for giving me the chance to check out the Rivian at your office! So happy you were able to sell it for what you were looking for! Keep up the great work on the videos. -Rocky

[@Aegisx5]

Hi Alex, wondering what you think about the R1T now that Rivian seems to have largely addressed your biggest concerns regarding towing and phantom drain?

[@DuesenbergJ]

Love the design of Rivian and it seems it’s a really great product for a new company. Wish they will make a smaller one more suited for European roads.

[@seabrookmx]

I feel like a BEV version of the Maverick would sell like crazy in every part of the world. I know I'd line up to buy one. I might already be if they had the Hybrid in AWD.

[@DuesenbergJ]

@@seabrookmx We don’t have that one in Sweden yet. We only get the Ranger from Ford Dealerships, Some might have have imported som but haven’t seen one. There are some F150 imports. But full size pickups are manly RAM. They are converted for E85 ethanol and sold as green vehicles.

[@darrelpeters]

Yep the problem with most EVs is that they’re just too damn expensive for the average person to afford. Excluding the Chevy bolt and maybe the Nissan versa which nobody wants, the rest of them start at 40 grand. The average Joe can’t afford that. As popular as EV’s seem to becoming, it will be years before the general population adopts them. Someone needs to make a good quality long range affordable EV before you see many of them on the road.

[@yrasphong]

I love when u do this type of series. Thank u

[@TheAdventureAuto]

That's so strange about the vampire drain. My Model 3 will occasionally have some drain when being used every day, but if I'm away on vacation and it's "asleep" for 7-10 days, it only uses about 1% or less. 25% would make me panic a bit.

[@LJLion]

I bought this machine called the money dumper for $90k. It's got a bed filled with piles of money that blow away every time I drive. Man, I love this machine, such a delight seeing some scavengers follow me everywhere. The best financial decision I ever made. Now that I think about it, maybe I should flip it for the infinite money glitch. Feds need to stop tightening monetary policy. The creation of money through debt is the Hallmark of our economy. Keep borrowing, cheap credit is great credit, junk asset or not. Companies can always file for bankruptcy. People however.... good luck.

[@rkalla]

Absolutely EXCELLENT breakdown

[@tjam4229]

Excellent feedback. Much of which I’ve never heard. Thank you 🙏

[@Re5ist_ance]

I agree .. the cost of these trucks is ridiculous! Same with a lot of electric vehicles. I also drive a Dodge Durango R/T .. and want to switch to an electric car eventually .. but cars that are starting around $90K plus (entry level) is just NUTS! Guess me and the R/T are going to spend a lot of years together (not complaining) 🤣

[@supadupa3873]

Appreciate the transparency. You seem more relatable.

[@gregcollins3404]

Main grip on my new R1T is it doesn't crawl well. Push on the accel pedal - nothing, push a bit more - nada, push a little more - bam. Just can't go slow smoothly for hooking up a trailer etc. Rivian needs to take a lesson from the wonderful 1-pedal action of the BoltEV.

[@unclej3910]

2023 Bolt EUV owner here. I use 1-pedal 95% of the time, it works great. 🙂

[@Cjdergrosse]

One issue; I was told by my Rivian guide, 1) my powered tonneau cover will break eventually & 2) it’s under warranty they’ll eventually replace them. Not sure where you’ve heard if you have a powered cover you won’t get a replacement? That’s the first time I’ve heard that. Also they limited the amount of installed power covers, should reduce any recall cost later down the road, if they don’t replace under warranty. I can’t imagine it NOT being recalled.

[@johnphamlore8073]

Thanks for your honesty and openness.

[@jackstein5486]

I really enjoy your in depth analysis of what is good and bad. Super job on this Rivian truch that you owned.

[@jerrycomo2736]

Very good, very informative video. Thank you. I actually read the comments BEFORE watching the video. This way I tend to pay more attention to issues posted in the comments as they are addressed in the video.

[@EVBuyersGuide]

We read the comments too! -Travis

[@paul49777]

Very nice review and comments. You focused on your dislikes and not the vehicle shortcomings, coddles on your positive attitude.

[@_ckr]

Thanks Alex for R1T ownership review. I've never considered owning one due to cost, and now that I know that Rivian minor parts must be dealer installed, and an unresolvable vampiric battery loss exists (seems it's an internal battery issue/short/defect, i.e. bad battery), you have relieved me from ever having to consider Rivian ownership in the future. Subscribed!

[@elainebradley8213]

We love our Tesla model 3. Are amazed how much we're saving on gas. Delight to drive. Kept the Sierra for towing and picking up lumber etc.

[@zschudrowitz155]

Your videos are so practical. Great info and willingness to say “it doesnt work for me” even though high hopes to the contrary. Thank you for helping me preview a similar decision set.

[@venom5809]

This was a pretty unbiased, calm and pragmatic explanation of why these trucks didn't work for you. I like the Rivian but these trucks won't work for us here in Michigan, at least those of us that drive hours to go Up North and tow big trailers with boats etc.

[@melvinholland9656]

Excellent review but I'd like to add a few comments to those considering an EV. I own a Model Y and a R1T. Strongly recommend having solar WITH Powerwalls if you make the transition. The reviewer apparently doesn't have the ability to store energy he makes during the day thus phantom drain is an issue. I don't give it a second thought. The tonneau cover, air vents, car play are minor nits IMO. The R1T is insanely fun to drive...so quiet and soooo fast. The real negative to any EV is towing (but all of us believers knew that from the jump) and public charging on road trips...with the exception of Tesla. Charging at EA, ChargePoint, EV Go, etc. can be a frustrating challenge at times. Rivian's RAN network will handle the issue for Rivians but there are few of them installed now. All other EVs are subject to the whims of the public charging Gods.

[@benlangford7834]

If you had to choose between the Y and the R1T what would it be?

[@melvinholland9656]

@@benlangford7834 Wow…good question. Probably the Y due to the better software, navigation and charging network. But I would badly miss the R1T….so fast and agile for a truck.

[@pedrocaballero1497]

Electric trucks are more of a novelty than actually being practical. If the truck is being used as a mall crawler or a non-essential vehicle (pavement princess) then it is a nice vehicle to own, providing it fits into the budget. Using electric trucks for heavy towing is something that isn’t here yet. Maybe in a few years when the technology develops to the same level of towing as gas/diesel power and range, then people will take and use electric trucks more seriously. Good in depth review and detailed breakdown of why the truck had to go. 😎 👍👍👍👍👍

[@empedance1933]

Id kinda agree but I will say The f150 lightning is great for construction/trade use, lots of tradespeople have to use generators for powertools or battery chargers on jobsites and having a truck like that or even the rivian if all the tools are battery powered and you just need chargers, saves you having to huff a generator along with you or dealing with inverters

[@artokiiskinen1058]

Good and honest video, thanks!

[@divingmonk]

Thanks for the added support to why I continue to wait, happily, for my CyberTruck...

[@kolt9051]

Great video, Alex! The pacing kept things interesting.

[@cdstoc]

Nice to hear a real-world cost breakdown. The vampire power loss is insane. Imagine how upset people would be with gasoline cars if that much fuel leaked out of the tank just sitting, even though replacing it is quick. And Alex's example of road trips is still unsatisfactory to me. Stop for an extended time after 300 miles, then go 200 more. We routinely go 500-700 miles a day in our road trips with one quick fill up on the way during lunch, then another one at dinner to be ready for the next day. EV's are great for daily use but for me are not yet practical for road trips unless

[@georgemartin1436]

Valuable feedback for the manufacturer...if they are listening.

[@TedKidd]

18:00 love how eloquently you describe charging, both towing and not towing.

[@Frankmaui67]

Good video without hype and without hyperbole

[@broosewee]

Always appreciate the transparency. How about speculation on upcoming EVs and their potential in towing? Silverado EV and cyber truck in particular.

[@cwheremonster8870]

Great presentation. The word we are all looking for is “parasitic drain”. It’s very common in the RV world, particularly with the use and implementation of lithium battery systems. I’m still hoping these systems get ironed out.

[@mxdarby]

I have an R1T - also in forest green! - and I agree with you about the air vents.

[@shashankghh99]

I love this video review. Especially because shot on backyard of Rivian office in San Jose on North First St😅

[@DrMJBull]

The vampire drain issue Rivian is having is making me seriously reconsider my dual motor R1S reservation. I also have solar panels and I dont want a bunch of that valuable energy being produced by my solar panels to go to basically nothing, a vampire drain issue. That can really add up over time. Long term parking at a airport for travel could really be a nightmare also - coming back to your R1S with a dead or near dead battery. Last thing you want to worry about when you are on vacation. I hope Rivian works hard and this and at the very least can significantly improve the issue.

[@s2kroma303]

I owned R1T for 3 months but didn’t see myself driving such an expensive truck. So I sold it for $97k last month. When prices go down back to mid $70s I’ll grab one again. I also have an R1S on order.

[@Knghdl]

As a competitor I will agree that it looks very good.. it looks cool , I like the sleekness .. the rear lights and front , yes 🙌.. However , I do dislike the rim design.. good job on the design aspect but ours is better lol.. still, this is a good looking truck..

[@fineartz99]

Beneficially organized/ succinct description. Helpful.

[@microhaxo]

Great information. I always look forward to your videos.

[@mynock250]

Beautiful truck, with the issue of vampiric drain, you can actually turn off a telsa its in the menu and its recommended for longer periods of non use. I left the country for 2 weeks with the car shut down, not on charger and lost less then 1%.

[@ronkemperful]

Thanks for what you do as a great and unbiased journalist. Good decision concerning the Rivian.

[@igeekone]

I'm sure the vampire drain is because it's using a powerful central computer, as you mentioned, that's always in a high power use idle state. They do that so the truck responds instantly, cause it will be bad to make consumers wait for the computer to load from a hibernated state. That will only improve with more efficient chips. The nature for people who buy these is that they'll always be plugged-in., as there will always be a place to park them.

[@ShadowRaptor8]

I'm getting to a point where I need to replace my ICE and can afford something fairly nice. I'm debating between a PHEV (X45e or RAV4 Prime) or a BEV (probably the Lyriq); the problem is a BEV definitely meets my needs, but without being able to charge at home in my current apartment (or next apartment), anything with a plug still feels like a unwise purchase, even here in Los Angeles. Not sure what to do.

[@twystedhumour]

You just made a statement - BEV is impractical for now, so why buy something impractical? Or just wait a bit for the battery tech to improve. Surely, your money's not burning THAT big a hole in your pocket?

[@godofdun]

Looking forward to how the Silverado, Lordstown, and Cybertruck do with towing..............and also with pricing. No way Silverado will actually be 40k, but if the trims with decent range can undercut the competition GM will have a winner.

[@clintatk]

I tried to transition to the Rivian from my Tacoma. In the end I realized that a Model Y will carry just as much (except 4x8 sheets of plywood) for $40-50,000 less with gov incentive. For that savings I can have a lot of plywood delivered!

[@igorgetsin3646]

Don't forget to add the 7500 TaxCredit. Take the credit flip the car seems to be the theme around. I see tons of Rivians and Mach Es with minimal mileage all listed above MSRP. But that gravy train is over .

[@moreaufamily437]

In 2021 I bought a 2 door Jeep Rubicon for about $55k and I thought to myself, this is insane for a 2 door Jeep. I wouldn't mind enhancing my driving by adding an EV in the garage, but there is either (a) nothing I am remotely interested in or (b) anything I am willing to pay for. If i could buy an EV vehicle in the 40k range, sort of SUVish, then I would spring for it. But the Rivian R1S is over 100k and that's not what I'm willing to pay for a grocery getter.

[@user-oo3uj5ku9r]

Thanks for being real Alex.

[@Kryptonlogic]

Got my R1T in May 2022 and for the first few months getting the air vents to actually point where I wanted was impossible. That has since been resolved.

[@kens97sto171]

I saw another KZbinr post about the Vampire drain.. they thought it was the 120V inverter.. Its under the passenger front seat.. It does not seem to shut off even when nothing is connected to the 120V outlets.

[@cheekytart]

R1T owner since Aug 2022 and the lack of Airplay is a sore spot for my partner, the AC vents also irks him because you have to go into the setting to adjust rather than by reaching out to the vent. Those 2 things aside, we love everything else. We broke the Tonneau while camping, not surprising and Rivian support said they will replace for free when they get the next gen cover so we're patiently waiting on that. Vampire drain not a huge issue as we use it daily and charge it on the regular. All in all, we were able to purchase at the Pre-Order price and qualified for the rebate before it was capped so we got it at the lowest possible price. We wouldn't have bought the car without the lower initial price and rebate.