Rivian's Electric Adventure: It's Like Fine Wine, But Does It Age As Well?
The open road has been the playground for many a motorized marvel over the decades. I’ve covered the lot: gasoline-guzzlers, diesel dragons, boats that cut through waves, and planes that soar high. But now? Now, I find myself in the electrifying era of the EV, a realm where cars promise to get better with age, like a fine Bordeaux or a classic Motörhead album. You know, something that only improves over time. And speaking of getting better, Rivian is doing just that.
Now, I've written about all sorts of vehicles, from planes to boats, but there's a certain charm that cars and motorcycles hold. There's nothing like the feel of a good ride, even if it's powered by electricity these days. I’m skeptical, yes. I miss the roar, the adrenaline. But Rivian? They’re trying hard to win me over.
So, why the sudden love for Rivian? It’s not new. The R1T and R1S - two vehicles I've secretly admired from afar - are making waves in the electric adventure world. They've rolled out a new software version, 2023.34.0, that promises to transform the ride experience. According to the Californian EV start-up, the new software enhances ride quality across all modes. The shock of bumpy roads? Reduced. The discomfort of parking lot bumps? Minimized. Essentially, it's like upgrading from sleeping on a rock to a fluffy, cloud-like mattress.
All these upgrades, courtesy of the air suspension system. It's the secret sauce behind the SUV and pickup truck's ability to switch between a firm and plush ride. Like choosing between a rock-hard ab or a cushiony pillow.
But that’s not all! The software throws in an improved cruise control feature. You can now choose between two settings. Fancy cruising at the speed limit? Speed Limit mode is your jam. Prefer your current speed? Current Speed mode is your groove. Also, if you ever felt the pressing need to clean the screens inside without pressing something, Rivian's got your back with their new Screen Clean feature. Talk about being meticulous!
They’ve also improved range loss during sleep by more than 25 percent. It's like they've put their EV on a power-saving diet, and boy, does it show results! Not to forget, Rivian's ability to age like fine wine, introducing features like the Kneel Mode, Camp Mode, and Snow Mode over time. A vehicle that improves with age? Check.
Now, here's the tea. Rivian doesn't offer leasing. Blame it on their confidence in the R1S and R1T’s impressive residual values. Imagine this: owners selling their month-old EVs at a profit. A used R1T or R1S might fetch you more moolah than a brand-new one. Bizarre, isn't it? But according to CEO RJ Scaringe, things are about to shake up.
Leasing is on the horizon, and it might just be the golden ticket to a whopping $7,500 IRA tax credit. Currently, R1T and R1S enthusiasts can claim a modest $3,750, provided the MSRP is under $80,000. But with leasing? The sky's the limit, or rather, $7,500 is.
In the same breath, Scaringe spills beans about the upcoming R2 platform. A series of smaller all-electric vehicles are on the cards, set to roll out of their new Georgian factory. Speaking of which, construction is about to kick off next year.
In the world of EVs, change is the only constant. And while I have my reservations about this electric frontier, I must tip my hat to Rivian. They're charging ahead, updating, evolving, and trying to make our electric journey smoother and a tad bit quirkier.
So, is Rivian aging like a classic wine? Well, for now, it seems they’re on the right track. Bottoms up!
