So I Had a Very Long Successful 1,300-Mile Trip in My Rivian R1S Using All Tesla Chargers, But Shifting My Mindset

As an automotive journalist, I’ve covered all kinds of vehicles, but my recent experience on a 1,300-mile road trip in my Rivian R1S was a journey that truly tested both my vehicle and my mindset. This trip, spanning several states and varying terrains, opened my eyes to the reality of long-distance travel in an electric vehicle (EV). With Tesla’s Supercharger network as my main charging solution, I not only had a smooth trip but also learned a valuable lesson about how the journey itself is just as important as the destination.

During my trip, I came across a post in the “Rivian Electric Vehicles Discussion” group on Facebook by Santiago, a fellow EV enthusiast, whose thoughts about road-tripping in an electric vehicle really resonated with me. Santiago shared, “Made it from Grand Rapids to Parkland, FL (northwest of Ft Lauderdale) with overnight stops in Tennessee and St Augustine, for a total of 1,333 miles.

Observations: Ended up using only Tesla chargers, and the vast majority had plenty of availability. A few times, we were the only ones there. Every charging experience was flawless, though a couple of them had no convenient amenities. One was in a strip mall where businesses had 'bathrooms for customers only,' and the other was in a parking lot on a very busy street with multiple closed-down businesses.

At both overnight stays, we were able to plug into NEMA outlets for free and leave the next day at 100%, which was a huge help and convenience.

We ended up charging almost an hour less than what both the Rivian navigation and ABRP app calculated and had better-than-expected average range and consumption, even with an overall average speed of 74 mph.

The biggest difference was that using highway assist and making regular stops significantly reduced my fatigue upon arrival. Even though we didn’t get to enjoy Tennessee as much as we wanted to due to terrible weather, the trip was still much more pleasant than barreling nonstop through the entire route.

Before the trip, I had estimated fuel consumption using models I thought were closest to an R1S, and the R1S estimate came in within a few dollars of my prediction, showing pretty significant savings. For fuel estimates, I used premium national averages for all but the base Tahoe.

There’s much more to say about the trip, but suffice it to say that as long as you approach very long road trips as part of your vacation rather than just a means to an end, it makes for a much more enjoyable experience. However, if you still prefer to drive straight through with only 5–10 minute stops like I used to, then road-tripping in an EV will likely be pretty miserable. We’ll see how the trip back goes through when we go from warm to cold. lol.”

Santiago’s words really stuck with me because they highlight one of the most important aspects of road-tripping in an EV: mindset. The road trip is not just about getting from point A to point B as quickly as possible, but about enjoying the journey itself. This shift in perspective was crucial during my own trip, especially considering how many things can go wrong when traveling long distances in a relatively new and evolving landscape of EV infrastructure.

Santiago's experience of using Tesla Superchargers exclusively gave me the confidence to take a similar approach, knowing I could count on the reliability of Tesla’s network. It wasn’t just about charging speed, but also about availability and accessibility, which were much better than I anticipated. Like Santiago, I found that many charging stations were underutilized, meaning I didn’t face the congestion that can sometimes happen at popular stations.

While most of the stops were seamless, there were a few instances where the amenities at some charging locations left much to be desired. As Katie Sheeshy Kobs commented on Santiago’s post, “I just traveled from Milwaukee to Ocala, FL. Some of the charging stops felt pretty bleak, while others were really nice (all Tesla charging stations). The fun part was running into the same people at different charging stations along the way.” This sense of community is one of the hidden gems of EV road tripping the shared experience of stopping at the same stations, chatting with fellow travelers, and comparing notes. I had similar encounters on my journey, and while charging stops weren’t always ideal, the experience was far more engaging and human than I expected.

Of course, some people take a different approach. Rahsheik Glenn, for example, shared their experience traveling from Boston to the Outer Banks with their family: “We only had to make one additional charging stop each way. The other vehicles I was considering would have required premium fuel, had less cargo space, were slower (which may not be a problem for some), and cost more than my original-priced R1S. We have no regrets.” Glenn’s family road trip highlights how EVs like the Rivian R1S aren’t just good for the environment – they also bring practical benefits. Lower fuel costs, ample cargo space, and more importantly, a more relaxed driving experience can make long road trips more enjoyable for families.

The biggest takeaway from all these experiences is clear: long road trips in an EV require a change in expectations. If you’re used to the old “drive straight through with minimal stops” mentality, an EV road trip might seem daunting at first. But as Harvey Payne wisely pointed out in his comment, “For that distance, I’d say fly unless the road trip itself is part of the adventure, and you basically shared that same thought.” He’s absolutely right. If you’re planning to take a road trip in an EV, you need to embrace the journey itself. Take regular breaks, enjoy the sights along the way, and give yourself time to recharge both your vehicle and yourself.

When it comes to EV charging, particularly with networks like Tesla’s Superchargers, understanding how the system works and planning accordingly is essential. I’ve written about my own experiences with charging in extreme temperatures and how to handle situations where you may be left with an unplugged vehicle in freezing conditions, in an article you can check out here: What Happens When You Leave Your EV Unplugged in Freezing Temps?. Having a reliable app like Rivian’s and ABRP can help you plan charging stops, but the moral of the story is to expect some variability. You may end up charging for less time than expected or find stations with fewer amenities. As I discovered, this isn’t a deal-breaker, but it’s part of the EV experience.

There’s also the broader context of charging infrastructure. If you’re an EV owner considering long trips, it’s helpful to know that GM vehicles now have access to Tesla Superchargers as well, as outlined in this article: How GM EV Owners Can Use Tesla Superchargers. This opens up even more possibilities for EV road-trippers.

Additionally, Tesla’s innovation continues with the rollout of new charging stations. Their mobile Supercharger stations, made from semi-trailers, will bring charging solutions to even more remote locations – something to keep an eye on for future EV travel. Check out my article about Tesla’s mobile stations here: Tesla’s Mobile Supercharger Stations Will Revolutionize EV Travel.

By the time I reached my destination, I realized that my trip was more about embracing the journey than just getting to the end. It was about shifting my mindset. This shift is essential for anyone planning long-distance EV travel. As more people choose to road trip in EVs, the future of travel is bound to become even more connected, efficient, and enjoyable.

To wrap up, here’s a moral lesson from my trip: the journey matters as much as the destination. EV road tripping isn’t just about how quickly you get there or how well you manage charging it’s about how you experience the road, the stops, the people, and the landscape. Approach your trip with patience, and you'll find that the road can be just as enjoyable as the place you're going to.

Questions for you, the reader:

1. What’s your experience with long road trips in an EV? How do you manage charging stops, and what do you enjoy most about the journey?
2. Have you ever had to shift your mindset to make a road trip more enjoyable? What changes did you make to your approach?

Images are from Santiago Gomez's post in an open Facebook group about Rivians, which I referenced and liked above.

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.