I Took my Rivian R1S on a Road Trip Across the US with Tesla Adapters, and Worry-Free Performance Through Snow in Remote Areas

Road trips have always been a part of the American tradition, and in recent years, electric vehicles have made the idea of cross-country driving more and more feasible. As electric vehicles evolve, the notion of long journeys without range anxiety or charging issues has become increasingly achievable. One recent experience stands out, showcasing the seamless road trip of a Rivian R1S, and the addition of Tesla adapters made this journey even smoother.

David Loy, a Rivian owner, took his R1S on a 15,000-mile road trip across the United States, with 5,000 of those miles completed on this particular trip alone. He’s thoroughly pleased with how the trip unfolded, and in his post on the “RIVIAN Electric Vehicles Discussion” Facebook group, he shared his experience with fellow Rivian enthusiasts. "I recently embarked on a Rivian Road trip across the US, and it has been an absolute pleasure. With a total of 15,000 miles, including 5,000 from this trip alone, the experience has been seamless, and I’m now heading back to Florida. The addition of Tesla adapters has made charging incredibly easy, and any concerns about cold weather discharge, snow handling, finding chargers in remote areas, or running out of charge have proved to be overblown. The Rivian has been an excellent vehicle to drive, especially in auto mode, which allowed me to fully enjoy the surrounding landscapes. Highlights of the trip included Vail, Sedona, Las Vegas, Dallas, and Austin. Looking ahead, my next adventure will involve car camping out west, complete with climate-controlled sleeping, surround sound movies, and the best nature has to offer, including breathtaking sunrises and sunsets.”

David’s experience is just one of many that highlight how electric vehicles, especially those like the Rivian R1S, are making long-distance travel not only possible but enjoyable. But David isn’t the only one who has shared his successful road trip experience.

Expanding the Road Trip Horizon with Rivian and Tesla Adapters

The addition of Tesla adapters to Rivian vehicles has made charging during long trips a breeze. Before the adapter, Rivian drivers may have been limited by the availability of compatible charging stations, but now the availability of Tesla Superchargers has opened up a whole new realm of possibility. David’s experience demonstrates how worry-free the journey can be when you’re able to rely on an established network of charging stations, such as Tesla's.

On his road trip, David covered a wide variety of terrain, from mountain ranges in Colorado to the deserts of Nevada, all the way to the bustling cities in Texas. In each case, the R1S performed beautifully, handling diverse conditions effortlessly, including snow. He noted that his worries about the performance of his Rivian in extreme conditions were unfounded, including his initial concerns about range in cold weather, snow handling, and finding charging stations in remote areas.

This comfort and reliability are something that I, too, have experienced with the Rivian R1S. When I drove my R1S across the country, including some challenging mountain roads, I noticed that the vehicle handled corners, steep grades, and long distances much better than I anticipated. For those who might still be unsure about whether EVs can handle such trips, my experience is proof that the R1S, with its all-wheel drive system and intelligent power management, is more than capable of taking on long distances across varied terrains. Learn more about my personal R1S and R1T comparison.

In fact, it’s worth reading more about how the R1S handles long trips. For example, I discovered that after my own journey with the R1S, I found myself preferring the SUV over my R1T, largely due to the superior handling and comfort in both city and off-road environments. If you're thinking of taking an extended road trip, understanding how this vehicle performs on long stretches of highway can make all the difference. Read about my 1,300-mile road trip in the Rivian R1S using Tesla chargers.

Another great piece to consider is my experience with the Rivian R1S during a 2,929-mile road trip. I cover everything from the smooth ride to the challenges of long nights on the road, and why flying might not be the best option anymore. Check out my full road trip experience with the Rivian R1S.

Snow, Cold Weather, and Remote Areas: A Stress-Free Experience

One of the biggest concerns about electric vehicles has always been their performance in extreme conditions like snow and sub-zero temperatures. However, David’s experience is a prime example of how this concern may be overblown. With the R1S, he had no issue navigating snowy mountain passes, and the electric system’s instant torque made it easy to handle even slippery surfaces.

For those who are still worried about EV performance in cold weather, it’s worth exploring how cold temperatures affect range and performance. My own experiences with the R1S during winter conditions have been nothing short of impressive. With the right preparation, including preconditioning the battery and the use of Tesla Superchargers, EV drivers can set out on their adventures with confidence. Take a deeper look at how EVs, like the R1S, perform in winter.

Charging in Remote Areas and the Tesla Supercharger Network

One of the other things that David experienced during his trip was the ease of finding charging stations. His trip included remote stretches, and finding a charging station in some areas might seem like a challenge, especially when venturing outside of major metropolitan areas. However, with Tesla adapters in hand, David was able to rely on the wide availability of Tesla Superchargers.

This was a sentiment echoed by others in the Rivian community. Santiago Gomez, for instance, shared his own experience of taking a road trip from Grand Rapids, MI, to the Florida Keys and back. Santiago used Tesla Superchargers almost exclusively and had no issues with charging availability. He commented, “It’s great to see others taking long road trips as well. Our experience was the same as yours, traveling from Grand Rapids, MI, down to the Florida Keys and back, using almost exclusively Tesla Superchargers. After completing that trip, I no longer had any range anxiety, which was one of the main reasons we chose to take the trip in the first place. Was there plenty of availability at the charging stations? There certainly was for us, which was awesome, especially considering we had to take up two spots instead of just one at the end of the charging stalls.”

Santiago’s positive outlook on the charging infrastructure is encouraging, and for anyone planning a road trip, using Tesla Superchargers is becoming more of a reality, especially with adapters. With Tesla rapidly expanding their Supercharger network, more and more EV owners can enjoy the convenience of fast charging on their journeys.

Brad Cooper, another Rivian enthusiast, also chimed in with his excitement for his upcoming trip. He plans to travel 4,200 miles across multiple states, and he’s ready for the adventure. “I’m heading out in May for a 4,200-mile trip from Florida to Kentucky, Wisconsin, Colorado, Texas, and back. I have my adapter ready and am so excited! It’s great to hear everything worked out for you. I’ve read that charging has gotten more expensive, but oh well, the open road is calling.”

David’s road trip across the US is a clear testament to the growing feasibility of electric vehicles for long-distance travel. The worry-free performance through snow and remote areas, combined with easy charging solutions, shows just how far EVs have come. For those who might have hesitated before taking their electric vehicle on a long journey, David’s story, along with others in the community, proves that these concerns may no longer be relevant.

Moral of the Story: If you’re still on the fence about whether an electric vehicle is right for your next adventure, the answer might be closer than you think. Don’t let misconceptions or old fears about range or weather performance hold you back. Embrace the future of road trips, where the adventure itself is the destination.

Questions for Readers:

1. Have you taken a long road trip in an electric vehicle? What was your experience with charging and handling remote areas?
2. Do you think EVs, particularly those like the Rivian R1S, are ready for long-distance travel?             

Please share your thoughts in the comments below.

Narek Hareyan is a young automotive journalist with experience in a golf cart dealership and an interest in the automotive industry. Follow Narek on X for daily news coverage about cars.