[MilesK]

Do we know if Rivian is going to allow people to test drive the R1T or R1S before purchasing? Have they revealed how that's going to work?

I'm not saying that I'm going to dislike driving the R1T or anything but I'd like to get a feel for what it's going to be like.

 

[EyeOnRivian]

A question that has been asked and wondered about for over a year now. Last summer Rivian said they plan on putting together a Test Drive Tour but nothing announced yet. Since then they've updated their website FAQs to include the following (and the Rivian responses in person and via social media hasn't changed):

Do you offer test drives?

Not yet, but we can’t wait to get you behind the wheel. We’ll be offering test drives closer to our launch at the end of 2020.

To some degree I guess we all you can answer this question. Don't purchase until you're able to test drive one. I know I will not be purchasing until I can take it for a test drive even if it means delaying converting my pre-order into an actual order or whatever the next step that requires an additional financial and/or signed commitment to purchase their EV. This is part of the reason why I may go the subscription route (vs purchase or lease) but again no real details yet on how they plan on structuring subscription models. As usual, more questions than answers at this point. It would seem Rivian won't (or can't) release this info until the configurator comes online which won't be until late summer / early 3Q now.

 

[MilesK]

A question that has been asked and wondered about for over a year now. Last summer Rivian said they plan on putting together a Test Drive Tour but nothing announced yet. Since then they've updated their website FAQs to include the following (and the Rivian responses in person and via social media hasn't changed):

Do you offer test drives?

Not yet, but we can’t wait to get you behind the wheel. We’ll be offering test drives closer to our launch at the end of 2020.

To some degree I guess we all you can answer this question. Don't purchase until you're able to test drive one. I know I will not be purchasing until I can take it for a test drive even if it means delaying converting my pre-order into an actual order or whatever the next step that requires an additional financial and/or signed commitment to purchase their EV. This is part of the reason why I may go the subscription route (vs purchase or lease) but again no real details yet on how they plan on structuring subscription models. As usual, more questions than answers at this point. It would seem Rivian won't (or can't) release this info until the configurator comes online which won't be until late summer / early 3Q now.

It's good to see that Rivian has at least acknowledged this rather than keeping us in the dark. A subscription model would be something I'd consider as an alternative to buying depending on how it's structured.

 

[EyeOnRivian]

It's good to see that Rivian has at least acknowledged this rather than keeping us in the dark.

I'd say the room is still pretty dark IMO. There are more and more EVs becoming available that is attracting people's attention. As is I have a pre-order with another manufacturer that has released way more information about their EV, colors, options, purchase process, etc. If Rivian is not careful they could (and probably will) lose a significant number of their pre-orders to other manufacturer. Granted, I'm sure Rivian is expecting a certain percentage of pre-orders to be canceled, but my concern, as should Rivian, will it be more than anticipated thus affecting cash flow and sustainability of the company.

 

[JimmyEV]

According to Rivian, we'll hear about their test drive program "closer to the start of production". So that likely means we won't hear anything until next year.

Rivian Test Drive Info

We have a little bit of information about when Rivian will start offering test drives to people. Someone reached out to Rivian and they hold him that they will reveal the details of their test drive program "closer to the start of production." So that means we'll likely hear something in early...

www.rivianownersforum.com

 

[EyeOnRivian]

According to Rivian, we'll hear about their test drive program "closer to the start of production". So that likely means we won't hear anything until next year.

Rivian Test Drive Info

We have a little bit of information about when Rivian will start offering test drives to people. Someone reached out to Rivian and they hold him that they will reveal the details of their test drive program "closer to the start of production." So that means we'll likely hear something in early...

www.rivianownersforum.com

Unless I'm missing something I'm not sure how this differs from what Rivian has had on their website as an FAQ with the exception of them obviously needing to update the year to now be 2021 due to the pandemic and temporary shutdown.

 

[JimmyEV]

Unless I'm missing something I'm not sure how this differs from what Rivian has had on their website as an FAQ with the exception of them obviously needing to update the year to now be 2021 due to the pandemic and temporary shutdown.

It's not much but yes, the main difference seems to be the date change. Interesting enough, Rivian hasn't changed it yet on their FAQ page.

 

[EyeOnRivian]

It's not much but yes, the main difference seems to be the date change. Interesting enough, Rivian hasn't changed it yet on their FAQ page.

Rivian publicly announced nearly TWO months ago that production launch had been pushed to 2021. Rivian's FAQ indicates "offering test drives closer to <their> launch," ergo, one should not expect test drives until 2021. So I fail to see the significance that Rivian just hasn't gotten around to updating the test drive FAQ yet to indicate 2021.

 

[MilesK]

Rivian posted a new article on their website and in it they say that test drive program will start in August.

Adventures beginning soon - Rivian Stories

Updates and news as we prepare for Guide introductions.

stories.rivian.com

We're kicking off our drive program in August — we can’t wait for you to get behind the wheel to experience the performance and handling of driving a Rivian. The first cities we’ll visit include Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, Chicago, Detroit and Seattle, with more announced soon.

Our drive program includes two types of experiences — at-home drives and tour events. For our at-home drives, simply schedule the date and time that’s most convenient, and we will bring the vehicle to you. You can choose an in-depth walkaround by one our team members or opt for a self-guided tour.

Rivian tour events are not only a great way to experience our vehicles, but an opportunity to meet fellow Rivian preorder holders as well. In addition to driving an R1, you can see our paint selections and interior choices in person while getting an up-close feel for our build quality and attention to detail. Our team will also be there to give demonstrations on everything from how features work and charging at home, to what you can expect during the ordering process.

Due to anticipated demand, we will prioritize preorder holders for our drive experiences. Look for more details in advance, including exact launch dates, our Covid-19 protocols and how we’ll handle reservations.

 

[azbill]

So at least a months worth of people will not get a test drive before they buy.

 

[inkedsphynx]

If they want to bump me up to July to be in that no-test-drive group, that's just fine. I don't need one with a 7 day 1000mile return policy.

I drove my Defender around for 5 minutes before buying. I had decided before I even got in the car, I was just making sure the ride was reasonably smooth (well duh, it's an LR) and the seats were comfy on my bony ass.

If you're listening Rivian, my money is yours. Come get it!

 

[ERivTruck]

So how do you register/schedule an at home drive event? I see no way currently in doing this from the link set above.

 

[Mr. Gee]

So how do you register/schedule an at home drive event? I see no way currently in doing this from the link set above.

"Look for more details in advance, including exact launch dates, our Covid-19 protocols and how we’ll handle reservations. "

Wait for the email.

 

[ERivTruck]

I hope I am on the "cool kids" email list then. Only email received to-date has been the accessories that have dropped on the configurator website yesterday.

 

[TommyT3]

I hope I am on the "cool kids" email list then. Only email received to-date has been the accessories that have dropped on the configurator website yesterday.

Sounds like the drive event emails won't be until August, as that is when the drive events begin.

 

[Wildabeest]

Sounds like the drive event emails won't be until August, as that is when the drive events begin.

Which means we’ll get an email on Aug 31 saying they will be scheduling them “soon”. ✔ 😆