ELECTRIC FAMILY SUV RACE TO VEGAS FINALE

EV Channels Review

This video concludes an epic 800-mile road trip race from Colorado to Las Vegas, pitting four family-focused electric SUVs against each other: the Mercedes EQS SUV, Tesla Model X, Rivian R1S, and Kia EV9. The primary focus is not speed, but real-world efficiency, charging performance, and overall road trip capability. The Mercedes EQS SUV, despite a lower EPA rating, demonstrated impressive real-world efficiency and consistent charging, though its route planner proved optimistic. The Tesla Model X excelled with its high peak charging speed and access to the Supercharger network. The Rivian R1S, equipped with a Max Pack, faced significant charging setbacks due to full or malfunctioning chargers on the Rivian Adventure Network, highlighting the unreliability of proprietary charging infrastructure. The Kia EV9, praised for its interior space, struggled with charging strategy, particularly unplugging too early, and its "brick-like" aerodynamics impacted efficiency. The video emphasizes that charging performance is more critical than outright range for road trips, with Electrify America stations proving unreliable and frustrating for multiple participants. Ultimately, the race highlights the complexities of EV road tripping, from route planning and charging infrastructure availability to battery thermal management and driver strategy.