Summary
- Rivian R1S Dual Max has an EPA range of 420 miles, compared to 325 miles for Tesla Cybertruck AWD
- Both vehicles struggled significantly due to cold conditions and high winds, testing below their EPA ranges
- Despite the Rivian having a larger battery, it only covered 16 more miles than the Tesla in a test
- The Cybertruck covered 252 miles, 73 miles short of its EPA range, while the Rivian only covered 266 miles
- The Tesla Cybertruck appeared to be considerably more efficient in cold and high wind conditions than the Rivian
Article
The second-generation Rivian R1S Dual Max has an EPA range of 420 miles, compared to just 325 miles for the Tesla Cybertruck All-Wheel Drive. In a test on the highway in cold conditions, the Rivian only eked out 16 more miles than the Tesla, showing that EPA figures don’t tell the whole story. Both vehicles fell short of their EPA city/highway mixed figures, highlighting the importance of real-world range testing.
Rivian offers a Max Pack with 420 miles of EPA-rated endurance, recognizing that customers care about range. In an Out Of Spec range test, the Rivian barely beat the Tesla despite having nearly 100 miles more range and more usable kWh’s of energy in its pack. Both vehicles struggled in cold and windy conditions, falling far short of their EPA ratings. The Rivian covered just 266 miles before going into low-battery limp mode, 154 miles short of its EPA figure.
The Cybertruck only covered 252 miles, 73 miles short of its EPA range, while the Tesla appeared to be considerably more efficient in cold and windy conditions, delivering 2.1 miles per kWh compared to the Rivian’s 1.89 mi/kWh. The difference between the vehicles’ observed range in identical conditions was only 16 miles, despite a 95-mile EPA rating gap. The poor performance of both vehicles on the highway and in cold weather highlights the variability of range figures and the importance of considering real-world conditions when choosing a vehicle.
Factors such as high winds and cold temperatures can significantly impact the range of electric vehicles, as seen in the poor performance of both the Rivian and Tesla. While EPA ratings are based on a city/highway mix, they may not accurately reflect real-world conditions, particularly in extreme weather. The Rivian’s lackluster showing in the test could be attributed to its heat bumps and battery thermal management system, which may not be as effective in cold weather as the Cybertruck’s. The test serves as a reminder that range is a variable figure, and it’s essential to consider a vehicle’s performance in different conditions before making a purchase.
The test results suggest that range can vary widely between vehicles in different conditions, with the Tesla proving more efficient than the Rivian in cold and windy weather. While the Rivian has a higher EPA range, the Cybertruck outperformed it in the test despite having a smaller battery capacity. The discrepancy between EPA ratings and real-world performance highlights the need for consumers to conduct thorough research and consider factors like weather conditions when choosing an electric vehicle. Range tests like this one provide valuable insights into how EVs perform in challenging conditions, helping consumers make informed decisions.
The test results raise questions about the impact of cold weather and high winds on electric vehicle range, as seen in the poor performance of the Rivian and Tesla compared to their EPA ratings. It’s important for consumers to consider real-world conditions when evaluating the range of electric vehicles and to conduct range tests under different scenarios to determine a vehicle’s suitability for their needs. The variability in range figures between the Rivian and Tesla highlights the complexity of factors that can affect EV performance and the importance of thorough testing before making a purchase decision.
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