Is there life after Tesla? Electrical automobile (EV) house owners worldwide are pondering this query as quite a few opponents start to catch up and even outpace the Elon Musk-led firm. Regardless of the competitors, Tesla continues to dominate international EV gross sales. For a lot of, the transition to the following automotive part generally is a important change.
One such proprietor grappling with this query is YouTuber Robert Rosenfeld. Since 2019, he has solely pushed Tesla EVs, transitioning from the Mannequin Y to the Mannequin X and now to a Cybertruck, all whereas rising his YouTube channel. Lately, he was given the prospect to expertise a unique facet of EV possession by driving a loaner 2025 Rivian R1S for per week.
To spoil the conclusion, Rosenfeld loved the R1S however finally determined to stay together with his Tesla for causes detailed later. It is price noting that his substantial viewers includes Tesla fans, and a swap to Rivian might have broader implications for his content material.
The comparability between Tesla and Rivian showcases two of essentially the most superior EVs accessible within the U.S. as we speak. Each manufacturers stand out for providing software-defined autos with top-tier smartphone app integration and ongoing over-the-air updates. Notably, many Tesla house owners contemplating different choices typically cite Rivian’s choices, though Rivian’s present choice is extra restricted and expensive in comparison with Tesla’s expansive lineup. Nevertheless, this may occasionally change subsequent 12 months with the introduction of the extra reasonably priced $45,000 Rivian R2.
Analyzing pricing, the R1S Tri-Motor Max Pack retails round $111,000, corresponding to a well-equipped Cybertruck or Mannequin X Plaid. This configuration affords a formidable vary of 371 miles, surpassing the Mannequin X’s 314 miles and the Cybertruck’s 325 or 301 miles based mostly on configuration.
Rosenfeld has favorable impressions of Rivian’s R1S and R1T, appreciating its in depth customization choices corresponding to trim ranges, colours, and wheels, whereas he finds Tesla’s configurability extra restricted. He admires the sensible, boxy design and SUV capabilities of the Rivian, noting, “I’ve acquired an entire lot of room for hauling, which is sweet.”
Acquainted with Tesla’s minimalist interface, he felt at residence within the Rivian. Whereas he considers it a premium automobile that “checks most packing containers,” he admits the adventurous vibe might not align together with his private model. He praises Rivian’s 360-degree digital camera system and expresses a want for Tesla to undertake related options. He loved the R1S’s driving expertise, highlighting the extra customization choices for its driving dynamics, corresponding to adjustable regenerative braking and completely different driving modes.
Nevertheless, software program is the important thing issue maintaining him loyal to Tesla. He finds Rivian’s menu programs considerably cumbersome, partly on account of their distinction with Tesla’s setup, and believes that the maps and HVAC controls might use enhancements. He additionally closely makes use of Tesla’s Full Self-Driving characteristic, which doesn’t have an equal in Rivian’s lineup but. Though Rivian is working in direction of enhancing its autonomy options, it at the moment doesn’t supply the identical stage of hands-free driving help present in Tesla autos.
In the end, Rosenfeld likens the selection between Tesla and Rivian to the choice between Apple and Android: one is about streamlined choices, whereas the opposite emphasizes customization and choices. Whereas switching platforms will be difficult, he means that transitioning from one automotive model to a different could also be simpler than altering smartphone ecosystems.
For these searching for further views, YouTuber Darren Byrd, who usually focuses on aviation content material, lately shared his expertise buying and selling in his Mannequin X for an R1S. He offered a balanced view of the advantages and downsides of his selection and expressed satisfaction with the R1S, describing it as a “extra regular automotive that occurs to be electrical.”
In conclusion, for people considering a transition away from Tesla, it’s important to think about what options mattered most of their earlier automobile. If charging comfort and vary are high priorities, the brand new NACS-equipped Hyundai Ioniq 5 could also be a implausible choice. For individuals who prioritize software program, Rivian stands as a detailed competitor to Tesla and is prone to bridge any technological gaps quickly. On the efficiency entrance, the Polestar 3 and Porsche Taycan stay sturdy options, with an ever-improving number of EVs available on the market.
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