top of page
Writer's pictureJessica Gilligan

Things that surprised me about owning an Electric Vehicle: Rivian R1S

Updated: Oct 25



Lovingly named, Vivian the Rivian, I adore driving my full-size all electric SUV. I've dreamed of owning a Rivian since before they were even available to purchase. I was sick of paying for so much gas in my aging F-150, so I started looking into new, efficient cars, and thought what if I could actually get a Rivian?! It was an absolutely crazy idea on the surface to buy a $85k-$110k car, but once I started crunching the numbers, it actually ended up making sense for me! I drive a lot as a Real Estate Agent and outdoor adventurer. Vivian has a 275 mile range at ther recommended 85% charge level. Rivian's lease options included options for 10,000, 12,000, and 15,000 miles per year. I opted for the 15,000 miles per year. It's been fun taking my friends and family around in Vivian. We even used her for the 200 mile Hood to Coast Relay and it was extremely comfortable for those ~36 hours with 6 teammates and all of our stuff.


Things that surprised me about owning (leasing) an EV:


  • I'm spending less money per month leasing, charging, and insuring Vivian than I was fueling up my paid-off truck

  • Car insurance was cheaper for the R1S than for my paid-off 2015 F-150

  • I got a crazy lease deal so good that my accountant said in this case, leasing made more sense than buying. Rivian took the $7,500 EV tax credit and divided that by my 24 month lease taking $312 off the monthly lease payments, making my lease payment $360 a month, which is shockingly lower than everyone who I've talked to about it has thought. I mention this, because it might be a possibility you didn't know could be a reality for you!

  • I didn't need to install a charger at home--it just plugs into a regular outdoor outlet.

  • I've only had to wait for a charger one time 5 months

  • People ask me what's wrong when I'm loading groceries into the "frunk," or front trunk because the hood is up and we're used to engines, not storage, being under the hood

  • It's insanely powerful and fast, apparently on par with some sports cars.


Can confirm, these Rivian features are amazing:


  • Comfort - the seats and driving experience, including how quiet she is, are the best of any vehicle I've driven. I utilize the seat coolers and heaters all the time!

  • Pet mode - I can set the cabin temperature to maintain, let's say, 70 degrees, while I run into the grocery store or even for hours if I'm dining somewhere that's not dog friendly.

  • Camping - sleeping inside a climate controlled car on nearly full-sized bed has me never wanting to sleep in a tent again.

  • Onboard incident camera - this will save 360 degree video footage if I were ever to get into an accident.

  • Recording activity when parked to help deter thieves, which is especially handy at trailheads.


I'm happy to chat with you more about my experience leasing a Rivian. I'm part of their referral program which includes incentives for both of us if you lease or buy one.

bottom of page