Photo: Rivian
Rivian used a stock Quad-Motor R1S to complete the Rubicon Trail, one of North America's most challenging off-road trails. The R1S thus became the first production EV ever to complete the 12-mile trail connecting the Loon Lake entrance and the Tahoma staging area.
Rivian made a strong statement after taking the Rivian R1S Quad Motor on the famous Rubicon Trail and emerging victorious on the other side. Rivian's test and development team members conquered the famous off-road trail in a stock Quad-Motor R1S, proving that EVs can be as good as their ICE counterparts regardless of what you throw at them. The success will likely silence those who claim the Rivian EVs are "not real trucks."
The EV startup promoted its EV models as adventure vehicles, akin to offering a battery-powered replacement for a Jeep Wrangler in the wildest off-road adventures. The EV startup even offered assistance to its owners should they remain stranded in the wilderness with an empty battery. Still, not many took these claims literally, especially as electric vehicles have a delicate battery pack between their wheels. Driving on uneven terrain almost guarantees that a protruding rock will hit the vehicle's underbelly and damage the battery.
It was even less credible after many Rivian users reported damaging the underbody protection after driving through water. A puddle is the last thing you'd imagine to ruin a tough adventure truck, but it happened to many people. That's when a reinforced underbody shield became a trendy accessory for those venturing off-road, despite its steep $2,000 price. Rivian seized the moment and made the shield part of an off-road package that included all-terrain tires for $3,850.
Still, Rivian's test and development team proved that a Rivian R1S could be just as dependable as a thoroughbred off-roader. The Quad-Motor R1S that crossed the Rubicon Trail was entirely stock, including its 34-inch Pirelli all-terrain tires. The only additional equipment was a set of steel rock sliders, front tow hitch receivers, and a roof rack. During this adventure, the Rivian R1S was supported by two pre-production Quad-Motor R1Ts from the Rivian test fleet for the first leg of the trip. A modified Jeep Wrangler provided trail support on the most extreme leg of the journey.
Thanks to the off-road experience of the team and the qualities of the R1S, the electric SUV experienced no mechanical failures or tire changes during the trail crossing. Still, it doesn't mean it emerged completely unscathed on the other side, as it earned some cosmetic bumps and scrapes along the way.
Most importantly, it completed the crossing without needing a charge. The SUV entered the Rubicon Trail at about 80% state of charge and finished with under 10% of battery. Although it was a little on the edge, the remaining charge was enough to reach a nearby Level-2 charger. The Rivian R1S needed approximately 75% of its battery capacity to complete the trail, equivalent to three gallons of gas.
The EV startup promoted its EV models as adventure vehicles, akin to offering a battery-powered replacement for a Jeep Wrangler in the wildest off-road adventures. The EV startup even offered assistance to its owners should they remain stranded in the wilderness with an empty battery. Still, not many took these claims literally, especially as electric vehicles have a delicate battery pack between their wheels. Driving on uneven terrain almost guarantees that a protruding rock will hit the vehicle's underbelly and damage the battery.
It was even less credible after many Rivian users reported damaging the underbody protection after driving through water. A puddle is the last thing you'd imagine to ruin a tough adventure truck, but it happened to many people. That's when a reinforced underbody shield became a trendy accessory for those venturing off-road, despite its steep $2,000 price. Rivian seized the moment and made the shield part of an off-road package that included all-terrain tires for $3,850.
Still, Rivian's test and development team proved that a Rivian R1S could be just as dependable as a thoroughbred off-roader. The Quad-Motor R1S that crossed the Rubicon Trail was entirely stock, including its 34-inch Pirelli all-terrain tires. The only additional equipment was a set of steel rock sliders, front tow hitch receivers, and a roof rack. During this adventure, the Rivian R1S was supported by two pre-production Quad-Motor R1Ts from the Rivian test fleet for the first leg of the trip. A modified Jeep Wrangler provided trail support on the most extreme leg of the journey.
Thanks to the off-road experience of the team and the qualities of the R1S, the electric SUV experienced no mechanical failures or tire changes during the trail crossing. Still, it doesn't mean it emerged completely unscathed on the other side, as it earned some cosmetic bumps and scrapes along the way.
Most importantly, it completed the crossing without needing a charge. The SUV entered the Rubicon Trail at about 80% state of charge and finished with under 10% of battery. Although it was a little on the edge, the remaining charge was enough to reach a nearby Level-2 charger. The Rivian R1S needed approximately 75% of its battery capacity to complete the trail, equivalent to three gallons of gas.
Our stock Quad-Motor R1S is the first production EV to complete the Rubicon Trail, one of the most challenging off-road trails in North America. Thanks to @trail_rubicon for working to keep the trail open and sustainable. Details on the historic run: https://t.co/whfq5asFNB pic.twitter.com/Xx7r6YgsjS
— Rivian (@Rivian) August 15, 2023
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