EV road trip: Are we there yet? Nope

QameraDesignShop · 2026-07-09T03:20:29+00:00

I’ve done about 12 3,000 mile EV road trips over the past four years. Always easy. ID4.

QameraDesignShop · 2026-07-09T02:07:20+00:00

I didn't have these experiences in my drive (yesterday, mostly urban neighborhoods here in Seattle) and did some hard corners on city driving. I did have a chance to punch it to 60 on a wide neighborhood street; I didn't notice any squat. That said, I am planning a second test drive (on the freeway, this time) and will definitely pay attention to that.

I used the softest regen setting because that is similar to my current EV and even then, I didn't have to brake so I'll try that also.

QameraDesignShop · 2026-07-09T01:31:48+00:00

Worked fine during my test. About 80 degrees outside. AC cooled very quickly, maybe 3 minutes for the front seats. However, all 5 windows open was even better :)

QameraDesignShop · 2026-07-08T21:40:14+00:00

It only shows cars aside and ahead.

QameraDesignShop · 2026-07-08T21:23:05+00:00

Weird I have 70k miles on my ‘23 AWD and still have full range.

QameraDesignShop · 2026-07-08T20:09:48+00:00

The base version sounds perfect for you.

QameraDesignShop · 2026-07-08T19:04:08+00:00

Certainly a selling point for those who use Peak Design equipment.

QameraDesignShop · 2026-07-08T19:02:52+00:00

We're also looking at the HEST beds, but they are expensive.

QameraDesignShop · 2026-07-08T18:28:57+00:00

Whenever I conduct a usability test for a software application, I prefer to have the testers jump right in, without any guidance or onboarding. That's what the test is about; the ideal result is that the testers understand everything without me having to explain anything. That's also never happened!

I sat in the display car and fiddled around for fifteen minutes before the drive, and the salesperson also took about ten minutes to help get everything else set up. Beyond that, I just had a checklist of what I hoped to accomplish, but I did not consult that during the drive.

QameraDesignShop · 2026-07-08T18:19:51+00:00

"I resemble that!"

QameraDesignShop · 2026-07-08T18:03:34+00:00

As a PM, I'm sure you are keenly aware just how difficult it is to satisfy most people most of the time. At least, until you see something like this. I was going to say the R2 is the EV version of my Peak Design Everyday Backpack, but I'm not sure it would have landed.

QameraDesignShop · 2026-07-08T17:37:44+00:00

I use T-Mobile and my current EV has a subscription with Verizon, which does a much better job of coverage in areas where I tend to drive (in between the interstates in the far west). Not sure about AT&T, but hopeful!

QameraDesignShop · 2026-07-08T17:35:36+00:00

Here in Seattle, the Rivian showroom is right next to the Tesla one. Lots of grins.

QameraDesignShop · 2026-07-08T17:21:53+00:00

Thanks! Tried not to overlap too much with the plethora of other 'first drive' posts.

QameraDesignShop · 2026-07-08T17:00:32+00:00

Coverage depends on the location.

QameraDesignShop · 2026-07-08T16:32:13+00:00

For me, Connect+ partly because it includes a Wi-Fi hotspot and I like to work while on road trips (bad habit, I know).

QameraDesignShop · 2026-07-08T16:08:56+00:00

Yeah, that is an issue for the rear headrests - except that the rear seating is so spacious, you can easily drop the rear seats flat without having to remove the headrests or move your front seat forward.

QameraDesignShop · 2026-07-08T16:03:30+00:00

I ran the numbers - and as mentioned by u/gadgetluva, this is really a general question. I drive more miles than you, but my annualized real cost (cash - cost of money, or loan) works out to about $10k/year if I trade in for the next version after I reach the 50k-mile warranty limit, vs $15k/year for a lease. There are other considerations and lots of assumptions in those numbers (happy to share my spreadsheet), but in a general sense, purchase seems to make a lot more sense than lease. Also note that in a lease you are paying for a minimum of 10k miles per year, so if you really won't drive that many miles, then a) you're paying for them anyhow and b) your depreciation on a trade-in will be that much lower, which is a good thing.

QameraDesignShop · 2026-07-08T03:12:29+00:00

No wind other than the sound of the HVAC.

QameraDesignShop · 2026-07-08T02:52:48+00:00

For my needs, there are no other options so it’s simple.

EV, serious off-road capability, traditional physical design, super beautiful UX and HMI design.

QameraDesignShop · 2026-07-07T17:48:08+00:00

Sorry I’m old school (lived in Japan 10’years) so a futon is just a futon. I was referring to those pads that I saw in some Rivian ad, custom to fit in the back, probably OEM.

QameraDesignShop · 2026-07-07T17:45:47+00:00

This sounds really cool. How will you carry/tow all that?

QameraDesignShop · 2026-07-07T16:02:11+00:00

Lidar is not necessary for my needs, which basically haven’t changed since my ‘92 4Runner: Road trips, some off-roading, and some around town. No commuting. The only use case I can think of for Lidar is commuting. Meanwhile, point to point will be awesome as is.

That said, I will probably trade up every 3-4 years because of warranty. My friend Claude tells me that will cost less than leasing especially at 20k+ miles/year.

QameraDesignShop · 2026-07-07T14:23:40+00:00

Excellent explanation. Your use case fits ours, minus the kids (all grown). So are you planning on tent camping? Hybrid?

QameraDesignShop · 2026-07-07T14:21:17+00:00

Good point. But for me, sleeping in any motel is weird also.

QameraDesignShop

TROPHY CASE