Lucid Air GT vs Rivian R1S: A Tale of Two EVs
When it comes to long-distance electric vehicle travel, two contenders stand out: the Lucid Air GT and the Rivian R1S. A user on the Lucid Owners Forum, BS8899, shared his firsthand experience of owning both vehicles and tackling the 780-mile journey from Phoenix to Sausalito. His insights provide a unique perspective on which EV reigns supreme for such trips.
The Lucid Air GT: Range and Speed
The Lucid Air GT, with its impressive range and fast charging capabilities, is well-suited for long-distance travel. BS8899’s experience showed that it can cover the 780-mile distance with just two charging stops, taking around 12 hours. The Lucid’s efficiency averages about 3.6 miles/kWh, although this drops to 2.9-3.0 miles/kWh during highway driving at 70-80 mph. Charging costs with Electrify America averaged around $150-$160.
However, the Lucid’s ground clearance is low, making it less suitable for rough roads. Its infotainment and navigation systems were also found to be subpar and sometimes laggy.
The Rivian R1S: Rugged and Reliable
In contrast, the Rivian R1S offers a more rugged and versatile experience. With a larger battery pack, it achieves an estimated range of 321 miles on road tires. BS8899 reported an efficiency of about 2.3 miles/kWh. While it requires more frequent charging stops (three to four for the 780-mile trip), Rivian’s Adventure charging network proved reliable and cost-effective, charging at a uniform 36 cents/kWh.
The Rivian R1S excels in its ability to handle rough roads and its spacious interior, making it ideal for family trips or outdoor adventures. Its navigation and infotainment system were also praised for being superior to Lucid’s.
The Verdict
For long-distance travel, BS8899 concluded that the Lucid Air GT is preferable if you prioritize range and speed. It saves time with fewer charging stops and offers a more luxurious driving experience. However, its reliance on Electrify America’s charging network can be a drawback due to occasional throttling issues.
On the other hand, the Rivian R1S, while slower and less efficient, offers reliability and versatility. Its Adventure charging network is more dependable and cheaper than Electrify America, making it a better choice for those who value consistency and the ability to handle varied terrain.
Ultimately, the choice between the Lucid Air GT and Rivian R1S depends on your priorities. If you seek luxury, range, and speed, the Lucid might be the better choice. For those who need a rugged, family-friendly vehicle capable of handling rough roads, the Rivian R1S is the way to go.
As the EV landscape continues to evolve, both Lucid and Rivian are challenging Tesla’s dominance with their unique strengths. The question remains: what matters most to you on a long journey? Is it pure range and speed, or reliability and versatility?
