expense of electric road trips increases, as user shells out $50 for 180-mile range boost at public charger for Rivian R1S, while Tesla remains cheaper
The Rivian R1S, a popular electric SUV, boasts a battery pack that is nearly double the capacity of most Tesla models. However, this larger battery pack comes with a trade-off: higher charging costs.
One Rivian R1S owner, who posted in the "RIVIAN Electric Vehicle Discussion" group on Facebook, highlighted the cost of charging being higher than a Tesla. Their vehicle preconditioned itself, locked unexpectedly, drained, and required towing due to early teething issues.
So, why might charging a Rivian R1S cost more compared to other electric vehicles?
- Battery Size and Capacity: The Rivian R1S has a large battery pack, ranging from 106 kWh for the standard pack to 135 kWh for the large pack. This increased capacity allows for a longer range and higher performance, but it also means more energy is required to charge the vehicle fully, which increases the cost.
- Efficiency and Range: While the Rivian R1S is efficient for its size, its real-world efficiency of about 2.5 miles per kWh can result in higher energy consumption compared to more efficient models like the Tesla Model Y, which has a better efficiency of about 3.4 miles per kWh. This efficiency difference impacts how much energy is needed to charge the vehicle for a given distance.
- Charging Method: The cost of charging a Rivian R1S can vary significantly depending on whether you charge at home or on the road. Home charging is generally much cheaper, using residential electricity rates that are often under $0.17 per kWh. However, charging on the road, especially using fast-charging stations with higher rates (around $0.37 to $0.49 per kWh), can more than double the monthly charging cost.
- Electricity Costs: Regional electricity prices can also affect the cost. Areas with higher electricity rates will naturally increase the cost of charging an electric vehicle like the Rivian R1S.
For instance, Jason Nguyen mentioned that he paid $0.69/kWh at EVgo, which is close to the highest rate mentioned by Tim Klotz, who stated that $0.72/kWh is the highest rate he's seen for charging an electric vehicle.
Gyuhyong Jeon compared the Rivian R1S to a Ford F-150 Raptor and a Tesla to a Toyota Camry, stating that larger, heavier, more powerful vehicles consume more energy. A Rivian R1S driver used a 214-kilowatt DC fast charger at Electrify America and charged 68.6 kWh, costing $49.39.
In conclusion, the combination of larger battery capacity, charging efficiency, and the method of charging contribute to why charging a Rivian R1S might be more expensive than other electric vehicles. It's essential for potential buyers to consider these factors when deciding on an electric vehicle to ensure they make an informed choice.
- Despite having a larger battery pack, the Rivian R1S might be more expensive to charge compared to other electric vehicles due to increased energy consumption and charging costs.
- While technology advancements have brought about the popularity of electric vehicles like the Rivion R1S, it's crucial for potential buyers to account for charging costs to make informed decisions about their lifestyle and financial commitments.
