Disclosure - This message is geared more towards those that will be first time EV owners. Hope it helps.
Two different trucks by two different manufacturers. Can't expect the numbers to match exactly.
Who said the F-150 is 800 lbs heavier? Things I've seen show the Platinum is only 6,600 lbs vs the Rivian at 7,150 lbs?
The Ford is the bigger truck with a smaller battery. One could easily expect that it should have less range. But, it also only has two motors to turn, versus Rivian having four. It is actually lighter, not heavier.
Ford is also well known for under-promising and over-delivering. Add that to the fact that the Ford does sit lower, has less total weight, combined with less rotating mass and is built by a manufacture that's already sold 10 times more EV's than Rivian (at least) and I would absolutely expect the Ford to be more efficient (wh/mi) and it is. Ford's wheels appear to be designed more for efficiency, with narrower tires than are Rivian's.
All of it combined adds up. For a large majority, in NORMAL driving, EV's will rarely deliver actual range that matches the EPA. If you drive conservatively, you can get there. But, so many factors can impact range. The fact that both appear to get well over 200 miles in REAL WORLD range is an accomplishment by both. Maybe not for cross-country trips or towing long distance, but it does make them practical vehicles for most driving needs of most buyers. I've had Tesla's for roughly 9 years now. I've never been able to get 300 miles in range out of it, despite my current car always charging to a rated range of over 350 miles. My 2019 Model S gets basically the same wh/mi efficiency as did my 2015 and prior 2013. Tesla has continued to find ways to increase their range figures, despite retaining the same battery size in the same basic car. Doesn't mean it translates to real world range.
While Rivian is rated at 314 miles, unlike Tesla, the figure shown in the truck adjusts based on how you drive it. Ford does too. I wish Tesla would as the figure they provide is useless. But, Tesla wants that big number displayed at all times. Most Rivian reviews I see, show ranges in the 250 range, adjusted based on how they're being driven. Haven't seen one yet that showed 300 miles in expected range on the screen. I don't drive slow or conservatively. I love my EV and could never go back. While I never "floor it", even at 1/4 throttle, it accelerates far quicker than any gas vehicle. My 350 mile rated range usually ends up around 240-250 REAL WORLD. And that's in a nice climate of California. If I lived in a cold weather environment, would be closer to 200 miles.
Many new EV owners take the range figures as gospel. Just as with MPG in a gas car however, those figures are generally based on best case scenario. Most ICE owners don't notice because it's easy to stop and get gas. Charging obviously isn't as easy. It takes an adjustment. If you're one that travels very long distances on a regular basis, EV's likely aren't the best choice. I do "one-stop" trips. Beyond that, the added time to charge is just not worth it. Adding 1-2 hours each way is just too much time. And I only do it 2-3 times per year. If you plan on towing, EV's are still well away from being practical if you tow more than 100 miles.
There are limitations and sacrifices. But, for most that drive less than 100-150 miles a day, they are just AMAZING. Never having to stop for gas, leaving home with a full "tank" every day is so nice. We're not subject to constantly changing gas prices. No hassle of oil changes every 3,000 miles. Brakes rarely wear out. Add that to the instant acceleration and a gas vehicle feels like a slug. Better handling from low center of gravity.
They're not for EVERYONE, but for 95%, if you educate yourself on real world use of EV's and don't need to travel over 250 miles on a very regular basis or tow more than 100 miles, you'll love them and never be able to go back. There's been many cars I love the look and luxury of, but could never buy since they're ICE.
My rule of thumb is, (for drivers that don't want alter their driving habits, and are zippier drivers), plan on around 65% of EPA range being your real world range. If that works for 98% of your needs as it does for probably 95% of drivers, then it's a perfect choice. 50-55% if you're in a cold weather climate. You can probably beat these figures regularly, but, if you plan on those figures, it will very rare that you'll ever be surprised or suffer from range anxiety if you end up on a cold, windy night. I'm mentally prepared and planned that 65% of what it says is my SAFE figure in almost any scenario I come across. If you drive like grandma, then 75-80% is probably a more accurate SAFE estimate for you.
How many people drive more than 195 miles a day (65% of 300 mile rated)? If you do, then you need to plan ahead. For the other 95% of us, there's really no compromise. Just a BUNCH of added benefits! Be realistic and you'll absolutely love it! And that means any EV, Rivian, Ford or any of the others. If 65% of the stated range (for any EV you're considering) works for your daily needs, you'll be quite satisfied with making the switch from ICE vehicles.
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