IS THERE AN ISSUE WITH OUR RIVIAN MAX PACK TEST VEHICLE? I DIG INTO ALL OF THE DETAILS

EV Channels Review

This video delves into the perceived value and real-world performance of the Rivian R1T Max Pack, prompted by Rivian's pre-testing suggestion of a potential issue with their test vehicle. The reviewer, Kyle, meticulously investigated EPA filings and conducted side-by-side testing with a Large Pack R1T. Key findings indicate that while Rivian met its 400-mile EPA range promise, the real-world difference between the Large and Max packs is minimal (around 22 miles in their highway test), making the $10,000 upgrade questionable. The analysis also uncovers discrepancies in EPA testing methodologies, particularly regarding the 21-inch wheel configuration where the R1T and R1S share the same range rating, suggesting the R1T's range might be understated in official figures. The reviewer speculates that a silicon carbide inverter on the rear motor of the Max Pack could explain slight city efficiency gains, but this is unconfirmed. Ultimately, the reviewer concludes that the Max Pack offers little tangible benefit for its significant price increase, suggesting Rivian could have offered more value through software optimization or a more substantial hardware upgrade. The video also touches on potential improvements like increased battery capacity and faster charging, which were not realized in the Max Pack's current iteration.