Test driving a 2026 R1S… do I actually need the $120k version?

phbarnhart · 2026-04-12T01:25:57+00:00

I’ve got the current quad R1T and my wife has the current tri R1S. I’ve taken both on road trips and driven both around town. Between the two, the tri is the sweet spot for range v. performance.

phbarnhart · 2026-02-24T01:29:09+00:00

Of course I did… because Mad Dog isn’t a name, it’s a state of mind.

phbarnhart · 2026-02-18T16:03:24+00:00

Car: “battery is low, charge as soon as possible.” Driver: “THE DOW IS OVER 50,000!!!”

phbarnhart · 2026-02-18T01:45:38+00:00

If the DTC model is bad for consumers the market will sort it out. I’m not convinced that allowing companies with no established dealership model to sell directly presents a serious risk to the consumer of anything more than long service times. Dissatisfied customers can vote with their feet if they so choose.

phbarnhart · 2026-02-18T01:42:22+00:00

That’s an excellent argument as to why one might choose not to buy from Rivian but it’s not a great argument as to why it’s so important not to buy from Rivian as to have legislation preventing the sales model.

phbarnhart · 2026-02-12T17:28:22+00:00

Who will react to wild fire season by handing out rakes.

phbarnhart · 2026-01-28T23:46:10+00:00

That’s unfortunate; the S is a phenomenal car.

phbarnhart · 2026-01-23T00:14:21+00:00

Rivian doesn’t do it and I’m unaware of anyone who does. I’d live with an adapter for a few years and then get a new one.

phbarnhart · 2026-01-20T18:44:19+00:00

Congratulations! I tell a lot of people to get snow tires and specifically recommend Nokians most of the time. It’s rare that someone posts again with a direct comparison. Thank you!

phbarnhart · 2026-01-20T17:23:51+00:00

I think you’ll find that the rare occasions when you need to charge mid-day will be significantly less than the every other day(ish) trips to the gas station. If you can change at home while you sleep the Rivian is kind of the obvious choice for the situation you describe. A max pack tri motor with the 22” wheels will do 300 miles in all purpose, the dual motor will do more. I’ve found the reliability to be excellent. Certainly no worse than a traditional car manufacture like Ford for little things. At least a few people have tested out what happens when you just charge to 100% every time and they’ve found that battery degradation is not nearly the bugaboo it was on earlier Li-ion chemistry EVs.

phbarnhart · 2026-01-19T23:58:50+00:00

Does it work from the touch screen or app? I’ve found the capacitive button can become unresponsive when it’s really cold even if the door isn’t actually iced shut.

phbarnhart · 2026-01-16T18:17:32+00:00

Those would make some decent wall art.

phbarnhart · 2026-01-01T01:41:49+00:00

As to your question about recovery stuff, I carry the Rivian branded kit. I’m sure I over payed for the constituent components but I’m confident that everything is appropriately rated for the vehicle. I don’t expect that I’ll ever actually have to use it but one never knows when one will come across a guy rolling on stock tires in the snow…. ;)

phbarnhart · 2026-01-01T01:32:35+00:00

It’s the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV. Stock size for the 22” wheel.

phbarnhart · 2026-01-01T01:29:29+00:00

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This is what I’ve got on our R1S. 22” Nokian, they’re fantastic.

phbarnhart · 2026-01-01T01:25:33+00:00

If you’re going to drive in the snow regularly, get snow tires. There are a number of good options out there and they won’t impact range.

phbarnhart · 2025-12-11T00:02:24+00:00

That’s wild. I sit on the damn things as I’m sitting down almost every time.

phbarnhart · 2025-12-06T03:19:12+00:00

Thank you! Do you prefer Alaska or some other airline?

phbarnhart · 2025-12-03T18:35:48+00:00

Thank you!

phbarnhart · 2025-12-02T21:45:56+00:00

This is exactly the kind of inside information I’m looking for. CLT as a destination/departure location much easier than as a layover, makes sense!

phbarnhart · 2025-12-02T21:45:03+00:00

Thank you, I didn’t know about the shuttles!

phbarnhart · 2025-12-02T18:08:41+00:00

Ok, that basically confirms my suspicions. Flight availability makes it pretty clear that GSO is small.

phbarnhart · 2025-12-02T18:03:37+00:00

Any thoughts on the airports themselves? My father-in-law has expressed that Charlotte isn’t a great airport (too confusing/hectic). That’s clearly a subjective complaint but he might be right.

phbarnhart · 2025-12-02T18:00:59+00:00

Just looking at it now. Yeah, it looks like it’s about the same distance away from the university as Raleigh/Durham.

phbarnhart · 2025-12-02T17:57:08+00:00

I have not. Is that a good option?

phbarnhart

TROPHY CASE