I Just Tried My Rivian Truck For 1st Time In The Snow Mode In Oklahoma, and My Experience Sparked Other Owners Sharing Surprising Experiences

When Shaun Napier tried his R1 Rivian in the snow for the first time, he went to the “RIVIAN Electric Vehicles Discussion” to share his experiences.

"First time to try snow mode in Oklahoma! It has handled amazingly! What’s everyone’s experience in the snow?" asked Napier, and other users took to the comments to share their comments as well.

Many users echoed Napier's enthusiasm for Rivian's Snow Mode. Greg Phillips commented, “Used snow mode yesterday and it was fantastic on highways and side roads,” while Jennifer Haley simply chimed in, “It’s fantastic in the snow!” Others, like James Durrenberger, highlighted additional strategies for snowy driving, advising, “You may need to air down the tires to get more tire-to-road contact surface area.”

While Snow Mode received plenty of praise, some users noted its limitations. Tommy Ko found other modes more suitable for snowy adventures, saying, “I found AT and Drift Mode to be better than Snow Mode.” Drew Reget agreed, adding, “Snow Mode won’t allow for any rear-end slip before intervention. It’s almost too overactive on individual wheels.”

Why EVs Have Poor Performance In The Snow

• Lithium-ion batteries are less efficient in freezing conditions, reducing range significantly as energy is diverted to heating the cabin and battery itself.
• Many EVs come equipped with all-season or low-rolling-resistance tires for efficiency, which can struggle in snow. Additionally, regenerative braking can lead to abrupt stops or skidding if not calibrated well for icy conditions.

What’s remarkable about this discussion is the almost complete absence of complaints, a rarity in EV ownership forums. Unlike other EV discussions, which can read like a laundry list of grievances about cold-weather range loss, frozen charge ports, or malfunctioning sensors, Rivian’s Snow Mode seems to be delivering as advertised. 

However, some drivers argue that the mode might be a little too effective, dialing up stability to the point where it clamps down on even the slightest hint of rear tire slip. For those accustomed to managing a bit of tail-happy fun in winter conditions, Rivian’s overprotective traction control can feel like a helicopter parent refusing to let go of the wheel. Still, it’s a small quibble in an otherwise glowing report card, proving Rivian’s engineers got most of the winter equation right.

The Achilles Heel of EVs

Yet, for all the glowing endorsements and tales of snowy adventures, Rivian and electric vehicles in general aren’t immune to the Achilles’ heel of EV ownership.. cold weather. Below-freezing temperatures have long been the villain of lithium-ion batteries, sucking away range with the quiet efficiency of a shoplifter in a crowded department store. Sure, Rivian’s engineers have baked in clever thermal management systems, but even the best tech can’t rewrite the laws of chemistry. When it’s cold, electrons move slower, and energy consumption spikes like your heating bill in January.

The result? A Rivian that’s a winter warrior on the surface, carving through snowbanks with all the grace of a professional figure skater, yet secretly burning through range like it’s guzzling jet fuel. The massive 106 kWh battery pack that promises an EPA range of 258 miles might be less after the temperature plunges. Especially if the heated seats, defrosters, and cabin heater are all running full tilt. 

A Problem Not Unique to Rivian

This isn’t a problem unique to Rivian. Teslas, Lucids, and every other EV on the market face the same frosty reality. But as Rivian’s owners put their rugged, adventure-oriented trucks to the test in blizzard conditions, the stakes feel higher. After all, if your brand identity is built on conquering the great outdoors, a little cold-weather Achilles' heel doesn’t exactly scream “unstoppable.” That said, owners seem willing to forgive the trade-offs.

After all, isn’t it worth a few extra charging stops to drive a vehicle that feels as at home in a snowstorm as it does on a rocky trail? Maybe. But if Rivian truly wants to own the winter, they’ll need to keep refining the equation. For now, Snow Mode might be a near-perfect antidote for slippery roads, but range anxiety in the cold? That’s a tougher nut to crack.

While Rivian’s Snow Mode may not be flawless, it proves that EVs are closing the gap in tackling winter challenges. With innovation and community support, the future of all-weather electric driving is looking brighter than ever.

Noah Washington is an automotive journalist based in Atlanta, Georgia. He enjoys covering the latest news in the automotive industry and conducting reviews on the latest cars. He has been in the automotive industry since 15 years old and has been featured in prominent automotive news sites. You can reach him on X and LinkedIn for tips and to follow his automotive coverage.