I Said I Would Never Buy an EV, But The Rivian R1T Got Me Hooked
Some stories are short, but they stick with you. One moment, someone swears they'll never own an electric vehicle, the next, they’re completely hooked. That’s exactly what happened to Scott Yoe, whose post in the "RIVIAN Electric Vehicles Discussion" Facebook group caught my eye this afternoon. Scott, like some of us, were once skeptical about electric vehicles and he wasn't shy to admit it. But his perspective shifted dramatically the moment he picked up his brand-new Rivian R1T. Scott kept it straight to the point:
"Said I’d never own an EV…well I’m loving this! Picked it up today. I’m hooked."
He even shared an image of his good-looking truck in the group, showcasing his enthusiasm for it:
This Reaction Is Becoming All Too Familiar in the EV World
Scott's short but impactful statement resonated deeply with fellow Rivian owners and enthusiasts who quickly joined the conversation to welcome him to what they affectionately call the "EV club." Steve Kuehner, for example, echoed a sentiment familiar to many EV converts:
"It only takes one test drive to open your mind about them. Welcome to the club."
It's clear from the group’s comments that Scott's newfound enthusiasm isn't unique. Jeffrey Zeleny also shared a similar experience:
"I found out two months ago that as soon as you drive an EV, you want one. I bought my first EV four months ago. I really wanted the Rivian R1T, but Ford had such an incredible lease deal on the F150 Lightning. It’s definitely not as capable as the R1T, but I love it. I use it for my business and it’s working out great."
What stands out in Jeffrey’s comment is that even though he didn’t get a Rivian, he still wanted one. That shows us just how powerful Rivian’s brand appeal is. Even when another option wins out for financial reasons, the emotional pull of the R1T doesn’t go away. That’s incredible, as it shows just how well Rivian is positioning itself in the EV space as time goes on.
The Ford F150 Lightning, although not quite matching the robust capabilities and premium feel of the Rivian R1T, still serves as an effective entry point into the EV world, especially given its attractive pricing and practical use for business purposes.
Ryan Alexander furthered this discussion by noting his journey through various EV models:
"I said the same thing after driving a Tesla years ago. Then I drove a Rivian and a Lucid last summer on the same day. Now I want both. The R1S and the Lucid Air. I'm not anti-Tesla; I just didn't like the feel and looks of their cars."
Ryan’s viewpoint illustrates the varied appeal within the growing EV market. Each brand offers a distinct driving experience and aesthetic, making it easier for new buyers to find the perfect match for their preferences.
Les Carl, another enthusiastic Rivian owner, provided his insight, especially emphasizing his positive experiences with family-oriented features in Rivian models:
"So awesome. Rivian is so refined, and I really enjoy my R1S. Hoping you get plenty of joy out of yours as well. Also, I traded my Model Y for our R1S. I’m enjoying my 3rd-row seats for my sons and extra random stuff."
For potential buyers deciding between family-friendly electric vehicles, Les’s switch from a Tesla Model Y to a Rivian R1S provides invaluable perspective, something that's further echoed in the comparison of the Rivian R1S and the Tesla Model Y as adventure SUVs for families.
What Changed His Mind?
The conversation truly sparked when Santiago Gomez asked Scott, "Congrats, welcome to the fam! Curious, what made you change your mind about giving EVs a try?"
Scott replied, offering clarity and inspiration:
"Honestly, watching YouTube videos of trips and overland camping. Then I went in and did a demo drive. Was hooked on the Rivian after the drive."
Scott’s explanation captures something that is essential about the modern EV-buying experience. The profound influence of multimedia content and videos showcasing adventurous journeys, remote camping trips, and the impressive capabilities of EVs like the Rivian R1T can completely reshape perceptions and convince skeptics to give electric vehicles a genuine shot.
Seeing Stories Like This Reinforces What I’ve Been Witnessing Firsthand
As I continue to write about cars, I observe firsthand how EV skepticism often dissolves the moment someone actually experiences driving one. It's fascinating and honestly quite exciting to see how quickly perceptions shift once the barrier of unfamiliarity is overcome. Many people, especially those traditionally loyal to internal combustion engines, don’t realize how compelling and engaging the EV driving experience can truly be until they feel the instant torque and refined driving dynamics that modern EVs like Rivian deliver.
To me and many others, this is why the future of EV's continues to have a bright and promising future. Rivian is still in its early days but is providing countless incredible experiences all throughout its owners.
Speaking of changing perspectives, I recently wrote about a Rivian owner who made the switch from a Kia EV6 to a Rivian R1S Gen 2 and called it the perfect upgrade. Stories like these, backed by authentic, real-world experiences, effectively dismantle misconceptions and drive broader acceptance of electric vehicles.
Keeping It Real: Challenges Are Part of the Ride, and That's Okay
While Rivian's appeal is undeniable, the ownership experience can sometimes come with its unique challenges as another owner discovered their 2025 Rivian R1S left them stranded just nine days after delivery. It's crucial to approach EV ownership with open eyes, fully aware of the potential ups and downs. Similarly, long-term ownership reviews like this one after 100,000 miles help prospective buyers form realistic expectations about efficiency, performance, and reliability over the long haul.
Despite these occasional hiccups, Rivian owners consistently emphasize the brand's impressive comfort and refinement on extended trips. A recent road trip story from Palm Springs to Las Vegas highlighted just how comfortable and capable the Rivian R1S Tri-Motor is during long-distance drives.
As more drivers like Scott continue to share their transformative experiences, it becomes increasingly clear that EV adoption isn't simply a passing trend but a shift in automotive culture. It's exciting to watch people step into an EV with hesitation and exit with genuine enthusiasm, eager to own the road in their elective vehicles.
Key Takeaways
So, what can we take away from Scott's experience?
Firstly, never underestimate the power of a test drive, especially when we're talking about electric vehicles. A short drive is often all it takes to move someone from doubt to delight.
Secondly, the EV market has matured dramatically, offering diverse options that suit various lifestyles and preferences, proving that there's likely an electric vehicle out there perfectly suited for you.
Finally, remember to do your research, learn from real-world stories, and approach EV ownership as an exciting new chapter rather than a leap into the unknown.
Join the Conversation
I'm curious to hear your thoughts.
Have you ever found yourself completely surprised after test-driving an EV you initially thought you wouldn’t enjoy?
And for current EV owners, what was the single moment or experience that convinced you to finally switch?
Your thoughts are important in shaping our perspectives, please don't hesitate to share them in the comments below.
Aram Krajekian is a young automotive journalist bringing a fresh perspective to his coverage of the evolving automotive landscape. Follow Aram on X and LinkedIn for daily news coverage about cars.
Image Sources: Grok AI and Scott Yoe’s post from the “"RIVIAN Electric Vehicles Discussion" public Facebook group.