In this video, Publisher Tim Esterdahl finally gets behind the wheel of the midsize electric adventure truck, thanks to Kyle Conner of Out of Spec Studios. Conner is an extremely knowledgeable and passionate owner, who has already put more than 8,000 miles on the Rivian R1T, which makes him the perfect person to guide Esterdahl on his “EV Curious” journey. What does Esterdahl think? Will truck guys love the Rivian?
That is, the Rivian R1T was the first electric truck to hit the market, and it’s using a distinctly different strategy than the Ford Lightning.
I don’t know if you watched Long Way Up with Ewan McGregor or not, but Rivian teamed up with his support crew to provide them with the first two VIN’ed Rivian trucks, and we got to watch them work. Hard. Watching this video, I see that the Rivian has come a long way and I think I love it.
While this might not be a big truck that can tow all day long, it would make a great second truck if you have a heavy duty for towing and just want something truck-like for an everyday driver. Esterdahl says it’s a real sweet spot for a truck.
Every 3 to 4 hours on a road trip you’ll need to stop to charge. Conner said it takes him about 25 minutes to charge up when he stops. That’s not too bad — if there is a charger available that you don’t have to wait to use it.
This really is the sticking point with electric vehicles. There just aren’t enough charging stations!
So what do you think, now that you’ve seen the video? Are you ready to get out and drive one?
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Imagine what the Chevy guys would think if you said, “That Silverado is a great second truck, just as long as you have an F-150 around to do the real work.”
You might as well have said “It’s just the thing if you need to pick up a latte from Starbucks,” or, “It’s a great vehicle to drive to your poetry reading.”
That’s kind of an odd way of talking about it. Or maybe you intended it as a backhanded compliment.
BTW, there already is something in that “sweet spot”: the Honda Ridgeline. Great little truck, but if the Ridgeline’s sales are any indication, the Rivian could be in big trouble.