Gary Zhou 
Key Points
- 🚙 The Rivian R1S SUV became the first production EV to complete the challenging Rubicon Trail.
- 🔋 The vehicle accomplished this feat on a single charge.
- 🌄 The Rubicon Trail is a renowned off-road trail known for its difficulty and scenic views.
- ⏰ While it usually takes about 8-10 hours to complete the trail, it’s recommended to spend a minimum of two days due to the attractions along the way.
- 🗓 The R1S started the trail on August 7 at 7:45 a.m. and finished on August 9 at 3:30 p.m.
- ⚡ The R1S began the journey with 80% battery charge and had around 10% left at the end, enough to reach a Level 2 charger.
- 🧗♂️ The Quad-Motor R1S completed the trail in stock configuration with 34-inch all-terrain tires and some additional equipment.
- 🛠 The SUV experienced no mechanical failures during the trip, although it did get some bumps and scrapes.
- 🌍 Matt Trainham, Rivian’s Director of Vehicle Testing, sees this achievement as a positive step for sustainable off-roading.
A significant milestone was recently achieved by an unmodified Rivian R1S SUV, marking an unprecedented accomplishment. According to a recent communication from the electric vehicle manufacturer, the stock R1S successfully conquered the Rubicon Trail in a single charge.
Renowned as one of the United States’ foremost off-road trails, the Rubicon Trail is also acknowledged as one of the most challenging. Off-road enthusiasts often recommend dedicating a minimum of two days to exploring the area, even though the trail can be completed in approximately 8 to 10 hours. This extended timeframe is justified by the myriad attractions the Rubicon Trail offers, including breathtaking scenic viewpoints, opportunities for swimming, and locations tailored for intense rock crawling.
The team from Rivian seemed to have taken advantage of the full Rubicon Trail experience, as the R1S entered the trail through the Loon Lake entrance at 7:45 a.m. on Monday, August 7. The R1S exited the trail at the Tahoma staging site around 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, August 9.
Rivian noted that the R1S entered the trail with about 80% state of charge. After the two day trip, the vehicle had about 10% of its battery left, which was enough to reach a nearby Level 2 charger.
Rivian noted that the Quad-Motor R1S that completed the trail was fully stock, including its 34-inch Pirelli all-terrain tires. The only additional equipment was a set of steel rock sliders, front tow hitch receivers, and a roof rack. The all-electric SUV experienced no mechanical failures during its two-day journey, nor did it require a change of tires. Just like other vehicles on the trail, however, the R1S did earn some honorary bumps and scrapes.
Matt Trainham, Rivian Director of Vehicle Testing, shared some thoughts on the R1S’ achievement. “Crossing the Rubicon Trail in a more sustainable way than it has ever been done before makes me hopeful for the future of off-roading,” he said.
