Rivian Road Trip Expense: Spending Almost $50 for 180 Miles Charges Raises Doubts About Electric Vehicle Economy's Cost-Effectiveness, as Promised
In the world of electric vehicles (EVs), the cost of charging on the go is a topic of much discussion, particularly between Rivian and Tesla owners.
A common observation among EV enthusiasts is that Electrify America and other public DC fast chargers often have higher per-kWh rates than Tesla Superchargers. This is a significant factor, as Rivian's full-sized trucks and SUVs, with their large batteries, often require more electricity per mile.
KD, a fellow Rivian owner, shared their frustration with the cost of road charging, stating that charging a Rivian costs more than charging a Tesla. In one instance, KD paid almost $50 for 180 miles, and another time, 240 miles cost $80, equating to approximately 27 cents per mile.
John, a group member, pointed out that Tesla's Superchargers are often cheaper per kWh, especially with the membership, which is recommended for frequent road trippers.
The real savings from EVs are found in residential electricity rates, especially if charging at night or using solar. However, the cost-effectiveness of EV ownership hinges on having regular access to home charging. When relying entirely on public DC fast charging, high per-kWh rates, idle fees, and non-optimized locations can quickly offset the savings.
Some Rivian owners have reported issues with charging adapters, such as the $250 adapter not working as promised. Adding to the rising cost of road charging, others in the Facebook group also shared their perspectives, adding to the conversation.
The story of KD highlights the importance of understanding the charging ecosystem before jumping into EV ownership. Tesla's ecosystem offers better value for those doing long-distance travel, particularly with a membership. The tightly integrated Supercharger network, with its optimized pricing plans and memberships, reduces per-kWh costs, making it more cost-effective than third-party networks like Electrify America.
Troy, another group member, shared that the cost of charging their Rivian has become so high that they are spending less driving a diesel Jeep Wrangler, despite the Jeep being less comfortable. The cost of charging a Rivian without a home charger can be as much, or more, than fueling a gas vehicle.
In summary, Rivian’s larger, less efficient vehicles combined with higher public charging rates on third-party networks result in higher on-the-road charging costs compared to Tesla vehicles that leverage Tesla’s own integrated, cost-optimized Supercharger network. Owners relying exclusively on public charging may face sticker shock and frustration, especially in trucks with large battery packs. The savings from EVs generally come from home charging, not public fast charging.
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