OUR FIRST FAMILY ROAD TRIP IN THE RIVIAN R1S

EV Channels Review

The reviewer details their first family road trip in the Gen 2 Rivian R1S, traveling from Southern California to Las Vegas with six occupants. While the R1S proved capable of accommodating the family and their luggage, the trip highlighted significant challenges with charging in high ambient temperatures. The vehicle repeatedly stopped charging prematurely, with battery temperatures reaching up to 126°F, a problem not encountered with the previous Gen 1 R1T. The reviewer notes that the Gen 2 R1S has a smaller battery pack (108.5 kWh) compared to the Gen 1 (131 kWh), and despite the addition of a heat pump, charging performance appears to be a step backward in hot weather. Other observations include the effectiveness of the Matrix headlights and Driver+ system, though the latter has limitations with suspension adjustment. Despite the charging issues, the reviewer found the overall driving experience enjoyable, appreciating the R1S's utility for family travel.