Lightning Platinum vs R1T Range test by Alex's EV Buyers Guide

[Roy2001]

Both were charged to 100%, after running ~245 miles, the conclusion:

R1T: 2.46m/kWh, 100kWh used, real world range 315-320 miles.
Lightning: 2.0m/kWh, 123kWh used, real world range 250-255miles.

Lightning uses 20-25% more energy than R1T, probably due its size and box shape.

I did not watch the full video but I believe we can achieve better range, especially for local driving.

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[vandy1981]

I like and trust Alex's content, but the Rivian's 2.46 mi/kWh figure is way higher than I've seen with other tests, even accounting for differences in wheels/tires.

There has to be some systemic systematic error in the way that the Rivian was calculating efficiency. Alternatively it's possible that recent software updates have improved efficiency in the Rivian.

 

[Roy2001]

I like and trust Alex's content, but the Rivian's 2.46 mi/kWh figure is way higher than I've seen with other tests, even accounting for differences in wheels/tires.

Supposedly, Lightning should have better MPGe in city, and slightly worse if you are not driving more than 70mph.

His results sound a little different.

 

[ExCivilian]

probably due its size and box shape.

Do we have data on these two vehicles' respective drag coefficients?

I've only ever driven next to a Rivian and seen the back of one parked back when they weren't available to the public but I'm hard pressed to believe there is that much difference between the two body styles.

That said, if the body style *does* dictate that much greater efficiency then bolstering the F150s should be a breeze with minor body panel mods--because, again, to my untrained eyes they don't appear to be drastically different in shape/size.

 

[adoublee]

To bad the Lariat trim (pictured in thumbnail) wasn't used over Platinum.

 

[BluePAZ]

If you notice in the video the Lightning was in front the whole time. Punching a nice big hole in the air for the Rivian. This test was pretty flawed. I typically like Alex but his whole lightning v rivian series is pretty bad. (See when he said the rivian had better/more practical storage)

 

[cvalue13]

More fundamentally, this “test” is contrary to all the real-world data of owners here getting far better than 2.0 mi/kWh

 

[Griddlez]

My personal experience on my ER Lariat - and what others are shared plenty of times across these forums. Over 1000 miles of high driving for my self and I've seen 2.1-2.2 doing about 72 on average. 2.0 seems a little low.. but this is a platinum so maybe that is more normal.

 

[Maxx]

Alex did a comp on phantom drain between the two as well. Unless both of these do 70 mph 24/7, Lightning comes ahead on my weekly mile/KWh. I rather be a little more inefficient at highway speed than leak electrons going nowhere.




1.9 (L) vs 2.15 (R) here (min 22:44):

 

[gorwell]

Most commentary I see on rivian suggests a lot better highway range. This is totally expected. It's a smaller truck. Ymmv based on configs of both trucks.

Here's a recent rivian range test:

He got 340 miles out of a single change going 70mph.

He ended up doing two tests, because it was doing so well.

 

[lightspeed]

I trust these testers more:
https://insideevs.com/reviews/443791/ev-range-test-results/
R1T - 254 miles
Lightning - 270 miles

 

[gorwell]

I trust these testers more:
https://insideevs.com/reviews/443791/ev-range-test-results/
R1T - 254 miles
Lightning - 270 miles

You trust the test because you may be biased for Lightning

You need to look @ the conditions of each test. Tom explicitly notes in his R1T range test it was a "windy day in New Jersey." Lightning test was " warm day in July in very good conditions"

R1T was also on AT tires. Rivian notes a 40 mile penalty when using those wheels.

Despite the penalty, Kyle from Out of Spec did the same test w/ the AT tires and got 290 miles.

Guy who got 340 miles on more efficient 22" Sport tires.

Time is longer because he was parked and the trip meter continues.


EV Buyers Guide (same as OP) in his OG test did 340 miles in his rivian with the most efficient tires:



This isn't a 70 mph range test, but it's a simulated road trip. Conditions: " In an attempt to make things as repeatable as possible, we set the cruise control to 62 MPH in 55 MPH zones, 72 MPH in 65 MPH zones and 75 MPH in 70 MPH zones." - https://alexonautos.com/ev-buyers-guide/the-aoa-road-trip-range-test-procedure-how-its-all-done/

 

[Amps]

Guy who got 340 miles on more efficient 22" Sport tires.

That's the first time I've seen the Platinum's wheel/tire combo referred to as 'more efficient'. There's probably some offset to the Rivian's AT tires with the 22s.

I wish Alex had used his Lariat for the test.

 

[gorwell]

That's the first time I've seen the Platinum's wheel/tire combo referred to as 'more efficient'.

This was in reference to the Rivian 22s which are more efficient than their AT which are more common for range tests.

Rivian's tires from least to most efficient:

20" AT - 40 mile loss (314 > 274)
22" Sport - 21 mile loss (314 > 294)
21" Road - EPA @ 314

 

[Pioneer74]

Alex is usually better than this. The Rivian would probably still win, but he pitted the most efficient R1T against the least efficient Lightning. And to make it fair, he should have had the vehicles switch positions after the half way point.

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