Why Some Rivian Owners Ditch Pirelli for BFGoodrich

The tire is the only thing keeping the vehicle connected to the ground. That's why having the correct tread depth is absolutely important. It dictates how much grip is available for proper traction. But when EVs started becoming mainstream, tire manufacturers were challenged to adapt their compounds.

These zero-tailpipe emission cars are generally heavier and require a lower roll resistance tire to improve range. Moreover, they must use less energy. Anyway you put it, making the right tires for a battery-electric vehicle was and still is a complicated mission for companies like Pirelli or BFGoodrich and their competitors. They must constantly run tests, analyze wear over time, and keep the products in a price range suitable for most customers.

But it's also something automakers willing to go on the EV route understood early. Rivian, for example, partnered with the Milan, Italy-based tire manufacturer to create the right rubber ring for its all-electric pickup truck and SUV units. These tires are part of the Scorpion family and fit on all the automaker's wheel sizes. Customers can recognize them thanks to special markings on the shoulder: RIV and Elect.

These Pirelli tires have all the necessary qualities for a Rivian EV sporting 20-, 21-, and 22-inch rims. They provide low rolling resistance, keep the noise at a minimum which heightens the premium-luxury experience, and ensure good traction when the electric motors deliver their instant torque to the wheels.

A match made in Heaven?

The discussion around Rivian's and Pirelli's collaboration was intense two years ago when the brands announced they had co-developed tires specifically for the R1S and R1T. That collaboration also resulted in the appearance of a 21-inch wheel that required special Scorpion Verde All Season tires. These measure 275 millimeters in width and have a 55-millimeter profile (height-to-width aspect ratio).

The Scorpion Verde All Season tires enjoy a limited treadwear mileage warranty of 65,000 miles, but it's applicable only when you buy them new from an authorized reseller. This heavily conditioned replacement guarantee doesn't cover the ones that come with the R1T or R1S from the factory.

Intentional or not, the unique tire and wheel size is the best option for maximizing range in R1T. Rivian said it, and customers tested it. They found out the young automaker was completely honest, even though the energy consumption of the ideal tire and rim combo was just 4.2% more efficient than what the 22-inch wheels can offer.

Remember that these tires must be able to handle a pickup truck weighing over 7,000 lb with over 800 hp (or over 500 hp for the dual-motor units) on tap while also having an acceptable tread life. Pirelli says their offer is suitable even for some light off-road use.

So, why are some Rivian owners ditching the 20-inch tailor-made all-terrain Pirelli tires for BFGoodrich ones?

Looking for alternatives

Someone shared with a community of Rivian owners on Facebook that they have switched from the recommended all-terrain Pirelli Scorpion tires to the BFGoodrich all-terrain KO2 ones. Both offer a somewhat similar 50,000-mile limited warranty, but only one is tried, tested, and approved by the vehicle manufacturer.

However, the 275/65 R20 BFGoodrich T/A KO2 tires cost $423 a pop, whereas the Pirellis with the same measurements are $25 more expensive. As such, a set of the latter tires would cost you $1,792, while the former is $100 cheaper. But watch out for price cuts. At the time of writing, for example, Pirelli worked out a deal with some of its partners to apply a discount of $150 per set of four Scorpion All Terrain Plus tires.

The R1T owner in question bought the BFGoodrich rubber rings because they have previously used them with other vehicles and claimed they provided a great experience. Moreover, they liked the "squared-up chunky look." They also stated that the BFGoodrich units are more durable for prolonged off-road use and tackle snowy surfaces better than the OEM-approved Pirellis.

This customer also said there was no noticeable change in range, but it's worth noting that the 20-inch rims with all-terrain tires drop the maximum possible range by 40 miles. Real-life results may vary because making the most of a full battery depends on many factors, including weather and driving style.

They even considered going with the wider 285/65 BFGoodrich all-terrain KO2. But those might considerably impact the vehicle's range because of the enlarged contact patch, right? Wrong! Someone put the 295/60 tire on some narrower Thuren rims and noticed a drop of under 0.1 mi/kWh in range!

Other R1T and R1S owners joined in and said they also switched to the same 275/65 R20 BFGoodrich rubber rings, with a couple of people expressing their worries about the load rating. Putting on the wrong tires may result in them overheating and failing. Fortunately, the KO2s have the proper rating (E-load).

Most, however, said they would buy the BFGoodrich KO2s or newer KO3s when the Rivian-provided Pirellis are no longer safe to use.

Finally, would you make the switch? Let us know below.