R1T Trip Report - Oakland, CA to St. Paul, MN in 3ish Days

Last week, an adventurous R1T  owner embarked on an epic road tripfrom Oakland, CA to St. Paul, MN in their trusty R1T. With a sense of excitement and curiosity, they set off on a route that would take them through the beautiful landscapes of Colorado, Nebraska, and Iowa, bypassing Wyoming and South Dakota to make the most of the robust charging infrastructure along the way.

Other R1T owners have also experienced Road Trip：

Challenges

Covering a distance of 2,179 miles, the journey required a total driving time of 32 hours and 17 minutes. However, with charging stops factored in, the overall duration extended to just over three days. Charging proved to be an interesting aspect of the trip, as the owner discovered that most fast chargers delivered only about half the speed they were rated for, with a significant drop-in charging rate after reaching around 70% state of charge (SOC). Despite encountering some minor hiccups, such as chargers stopping or throwing errors, the resourceful owner found ways to overcome these challenges, either by swapping cables or initiating charges through the app. They made use of various charging networks, including Electrify America, RAN, EVGo, Shell Recharge, ChargePoint, and even a Levitron 6.6kw charger at a Whole Foods store in Frisco, CO. The owner also humorously mentioned using the 6kw charger as a backup while figuring out other charging options.

Efficiency

Throughout the journey, the R1T showcased its efficiency, averaging about 2 miles per kilowatt-hour (mi/kWh). Although the charging  experience had its ups and downs, the owner appreciated the accurate charge time estimates provided by ABRP (A Better Routeplanner) and Rivian Nav, which accounted for the charging speed drop-off at higher SOC levels. They expressed a desire for more EVGo charging stations, as those used delivered the fastest and most reliable charging experience, especially with the convenience of Autocharge.

Driver+

To make the trip more enjoyable, the owner made use of Rivian's Driver+ feature for a significant portion of the journey. This advanced driver assistance system enhanced their driving experience, providing assistance with various aspects of the road trip. However, they did mention one minor inconvenience - the system's inability to manage lane changes. Despite this limitation, the overall experience with Driver+ was positive, with no major issues encountered. The owner did recall a moment when the system veered towards an exit ramp due to temporarily disappearing lane markings on an overpass, but their attentiveness and quick action prevented any mishaps. It served as a reminder to remain vigilant while utilizing Driver+.

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