Could a ride in Rivian’s latest SUV finally make me a fan of electric vehicles?

What would persuade you to buy an electric vehicle?

That’s the query I asked myself as I prepared for a mini press trip to upstate New York to check… Rivian automobile for the primary time. I’ve driven some impressive electric cars since I began writing about cars a decade ago, however the automobile I own runs on gas. All the black women in my life still buy gas. And while all of us need to have a positive impact on the environment greater than ever, nobody I do know personally has taken that risk.

However, sales of electric vehicles are increasing 12 months after 12 months, and in response to reports In 2023, 1.2 million people will switch to electricityin response to Kelley Blue Book. I’ve noticed that almost all of the cars that pick me up via Uber now are Teslas. And in response to A Questionnaire35 percent of Americans say they’d consider buying an electric vehicle in the longer term. I’m officially in that group, especially after seeing, driving and operating first- and second-generation Rivian SUVs.

I began the day of the press trip on the brand’s showroom in the Meatpacking District in New York. I used to be excited because I had seen Rivian cars on the road and was intrigued. They stick out since the headlights make the front of the cars appear to be faces, and each model I’ve seen I’d say is shiny and smooth (even their Amazon trucks!) while many cars on the road go for a muscular look with clean lines all around the body .

They look even higher in real life, they sit high and have a formidable interior. After seeing the spacious first generation R1S and learn the small print of the RS2 in the showroom, I used to be capable of sit in the passenger seat as Tony Caravano, senior director of experiential marketing at Rivian, led the primary leg of our trip from Manhattan to Cedar Lake Estate in Orange County for a day of adventure in the upcoming second-generation model. It included eating fresh food (and a few bomb cookies and apple cider donuts), having fun with nature on an unseasonably warm day, all while attending to know the automobile we had just driven for over an hour and a half round trip.

Something that particularly surprised me was the spaciousness of this automobile resulting from its construction. The dashboard will not be clogged with traditional air vents and equipment elements of many cars. There are hidden compartments and places all over the place on your phone and other valuables if you’re on the move. Most of the knowledge you would like is positioned on the middle screen and on the instrument panel screen behind the steering wheel. Wherever you sit, even in the backseat, you may have control over the music (and vibrations), the temperature you are traveling in, and more, because of the middle screen and a screen placed between the motive force and the passenger seat where the air vents are. (For example, you may move the vents by pointing them to where you wish on the screen along with your finger – great!).

During my trip, I’d also find out how much space I would like to allocate in the remaining of the automobile. We played a game where we tried to suit every part from a real surfboard to luggage, a box of tall yoga mats, balls, and more, into the SUV. There’s also a front trunk that holds every part you would like (like ice and drinks to maintain it cool, as our hosts showed us), and a travel kitchen. This is an adjunct you may buy this summer that matches in the trunk of the Rivian and has electric burners, a food prep area, storage for kitchenware (not included), and lights so you may see what you’re cooking up top. It all folds up and puts away quickly. Again, very cool!

Other unique features include recent colored lighting across the doors and front dashboard, which helps to bring good energy and a sense of calm while driving, and is very vibrant in tunnels and at night. The graphics on the centre console screen are very playful. The interior and fabric are comprised of recyclable materials, including recycled birch wood. And multiple driving modes help to make it comfortable to drive even in essentially the most hostile weather conditions. The flat chassis and the power to lift or lower the automobile’s height each time you wish definitely help.

Behind the wheel, the ride was very smooth because the SUV was easy to drive. As a tall person, it was also very comfortable. I sat high up in the motive force’s seat, with great views in front of me (and above me as well, because of the glass roof, which managed to maintain the warmth from getting in the way in which while still letting the sun in). I assumed the lane assist feature was pretty cool, allowing for smooth lane changes (since some people need it). The only thing I needed to get used to was the one-pedal driving, which allows you to decelerate and brake by taking your foot off the gas pedal. After struggling a few times, being the brake pedal girl that I’m, I got the hang of it and knew how you can decelerate earlier for a smoother stop. I quickly discovered that it was a fun ride.

I also liked that I could see different charging ports in the world through the app and learn that it could also draw power from Tesla Super Chargers. Such availability is significant for brand new owners of electric vehicles who shouldn’t have a charger at home (perhaps they live in an apartment constructing) and should be concerned about how you can keep their automobile charged. And in response to Rivian, because of fast charging, the upcoming R2 and R3 models can restart from 10 percent to 80 in lower than half-hour.

Driving such a smart automobile, with all its modern features, smooth ride and contribution to the world around us, impressed me. It seemed as easy as operating an iPhone on the road. Apart from what the automobile offers inside, in person it looks even higher than what caught your eye on TV or what you saw passing you on the highway.

They definitely have an modern lineup, and the upcoming R2 will start at a reasonable $45,000, in comparison with its predecessors that cost greater than $70,000. The model isn’t scheduled to hit the streets until 2026, but you may reserve it now. Maybe by then I’ll be able to make the switch to electric, as the explanations for doing so have gotten clearer today.

For anyone skeptical of these types of cars, I feel taking one for a spin, trying out options just like the R2 or the wonderful first- and second-generation R1s for yourself can aid you take into consideration EVs otherwise, and perhaps even strengthen the group that “might consider” them in the near future. I is probably not ready now, but all signs point to a smart automobile (and the cash it could save on gas) being a smart move. When you’re ready.