I Wrongly Blamed Rivian For My R1's Key Fob, But They Were So Nice and I Was Embarrassed

In a bizarre incident that has left the “RIVIAN Electric Vehicles Discussion” both amused and bewildered, a Rivian R1T owner recounted an "absolutely embarrassing" mixup with another identical truck in a parking lot. The confusion, which unfolded at the end of a long day in Branson, Missouri, involved the owner attempting to access his truck, only to find that the vehicle's proximity locking system was unresponsive to his key card and smartphone app. 

As Shaun Napier, the owner of the R1T recounted in a now-viral post:

ABSOLUTELY EMBARRASSING!

My family and I were leaving Silver Dollar City In Branson Missouri. It was a long day, it was dark and cold! The kids were tired and so were me and my wife. We walked back to the R1T and it would not unlock as I approached. I tried my key card and turned my phone off and back on, but nothing happened. I finally gave up and called Rivian road-side assistance. He tried to ping the truck, it didn't work. We tried a lot of other things and nothing worked. I was frustrated at this point the kids were cold, and my wife was aggravated. I'm thinking I never want another Rivian. The gentleman with the roadside assistance suggested turning off the Bluetooth, walking 50-ft away turning the Bluetooth back on, and reapproaching the truck. As I walk back 50 ft with the kids and wife I turn around and what do I see. Another R1T parked 2 rows down in the same spot facing the same direction. It's my R1T. I have to say Rivian Road Side was awesome though. Super helpful, understanding, friendly, and just amazing. As for the other Rivian with the Arkansas tags, I'm sorry! My family was all up on your truck. I'll Venmo you some money for a car wash.

Rivians Double-Edged Sword

The scenario perfectly captures the double-edged sword of leaning too heavily on technology to solve every automotive problem. Rivian’s R1T entry system, an impressive cocktail of Bluetooth, GPS, and motion sensors, is undeniably clever.

It unlocks the truck as you approach as if you've got your very own invisible valet. But in a crowded parking lot, surrounded by a sea of identical trucks and Bluetooth signals bouncing around like a hyperactive toddler, this "seamless" tech can become a recipe for chaos.

The Good Ol' Days

Sometimes, all we want is the simplicity of a good, old-fashioned key or a solid, tactile button—something you can feel, something that won’t flinch when a GPS signal hiccups or your smartphone decides to take a nap. Sure, touchscreens and automation have their place, but there's comfort in a knob that turns or a button that clicks, a solution that doesn't rely on satellites or software updates to function.

What Is Rivian?

• Rivian is an American electric vehicle manufacturer known for its innovative, adventure-ready designs like the R1T pickup truck and R1S SUV.
• The company has gained a reputation for its advanced technology, including a hands-free driver assistance system and an extensive network of charging stations.

That said, Rivian deserves credit where it’s due. Their roadside assistance team didn’t just throw the owner to the Bluetooth wolves. Instead, they stepped up, handling the situation with grace and genuine care. 

Not A One-Off Event

Napier's embarrassing mixup resonated with many fellow EV owners in the comments section, who shared their own stories of inadvertently attempting to enter lookalike vehicles:

Ashley May remarked, "I do that all the time with my gray Tesla Model Y. There are so many of them everywhere."

Jack Chen chimed in with a similar experience, "You'll get used to it when there are more and more Rivians on the road. I have tried to open other people's doors many times! I have a white Tesla Model Y."

Chris Alimenti responded to Chen's comment with a humorous anecdote of his own, "Jack Chen, I once tried to get into a similar Model S, but a Harley-Davidson rider sitting nearby quickly pointed out that it wasn't my car."

The incident of the mixup between two identical Rivian R1Ts in a crowded parking lot serves as a valuable reminder to remain vigilant and aware of our surroundings, even in the age of advanced technology. While features like proximity unlocking and automatic door handles are undoubtedly convenient, they are not infallible and should not be relied upon as the sole means of identification and access. This story encourages us to maintain a balance between embracing innovation and trusting our own senses and judgement.

Have you ever had a similarly embarrassing mixup with your vehicle, or another funny story about a technological mishap? Share your experience in the comments below!

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.