Today is a special one—it’s my birthday, and we’re taking a Christmas road trip to Las Vegas. For this journey, I decided to go all-in with the Rivian R1S, despite receiving a major holiday software update just minutes before we were supposed to leave.
This year, the Rivian R1S seems to be a perfect choice for a holiday getaway, offering both adventure and luxury.
Driving the Rivian R1S, I was excited to test its latest features and see how it performed in real-world conditions.
As a software engineer, I usually advise against taking a vehicle on a long trip immediately after a massive update. You never know what bugs might crop up, especially with critical systems like charging. But Vegas was calling, and I was eager to test two things: the brand-new hands-free driving feature and the real-world performance of the Tesla Supercharger network with a Rivian.
The Rivian R1S has made significant strides in software updates, enhancing its capabilities for long trips.
The Software Gamble: Holiday Update & Hands-Free
The most exciting part of this update is the hands-free capability for Driver+. There’s a new logo on the speedometer showing a steering wheel with hands, indicating when the system is ready to take over.
- Modes: There are three distinct driving modes, including a more aggressive one colloquially known as “Spicy.”
- Performance: It feels remarkably stable, similar to Tesla’s Enhanced Autopilot. It handles lane changes well when you use the turn signal, though it isn’t “point-to-point” yet—meaning it won’t navigate highway interchanges or exits automatically.
- Phantom Braking: I did experience two instances of phantom braking, both occurring while passing 18-wheelers. It’s a reminder that while “hands-free,” these systems still require 100% driver supervision.
Charging Strategy: Tesla vs. Rivian Adventure Network (RAN)
I wanted to push the R1S and see how it played with the Tesla network. We used a mix of RAN and Tesla Superchargers (specifically the newer V3.5 325kW stalls).
Using the Rivian R1S, we aimed to maximize our charging efficiency during our journey.
Victorville Tesla Supercharger (V3.5)
We arrived at 48% and pulled about 108 kW. These newer Tesla stalls are great because the cables are long enough that I didn’t have to take up two parking spots—a major win for the EV community etiquette.
Barstow RAN Station
Many fellow travelers were also choosing the Rivian R1S for their holiday travels, showcasing its popularity.
This station was packed with R1S and R1T owners. Even with a full house, we were pulling about 100-103 kW. The RAN stations are reliable, but on a busy holiday weekend, you definitely see the speeds split between dispensers.
Baker Tesla Supercharger (325kW)
This is one of my favorite stops. We arrived at 44% and saw speeds of 126 kW. It’s slightly faster than what I was seeing at the RAN stations during peak times.
| Stop | Network | Start SOC | Peak Speed | Notes |
| Victorville | Tesla (V3.5) | 48% | 108 kW | Long cables, no double-parking. |
| Barstow | RAN | 56% | 103 kW | Very busy; shared power. |
| Baker | Tesla (V3.5) | 44% | 126 kW | Excellent performance. |
| South Vegas | Tesla (V3.5) | 28% | 121 kW | Required to back up into another parking to reach. |
The Tesla Subscription Hack
For this trip, I paid the $12.99 monthly Tesla subscription. If you’re a non-Tesla owner, this is a no-brainer for a long trip. It gives you the “Tesla Member” rate (about 16 cents cheaper per kWh). Since we used over 212 kWh of energy on this trip, the subscription paid for itself and then some. I’ll likely cancel it until our next big road trip, but it’s a vital tool for any Rivian traveler.
Efficiency & Road Conditions
Vegas trips are notorious for wind and elevation. We were hitting 50-60 mph gusts which, combined with the climb to 4,000 feet, took a toll on efficiency.
- Total Distance: 482.6 Miles
- Average Efficiency: 2.3 miles per kWh
- Total Energy Used: 212 kWh
Pro-Tip: Use Your GPS!
For the best experience, using the GPS in the Rivian R1S ensures you find compatible charging stations along the way.
I saw a fellow EV9 owner struggling at an older, incompatible Tesla station at Eddie World. Even if you know the way to Vegas, always plug your destination into the car’s GPS. The software is designed to filter out incompatible chargers and plan your stops based on real-time stall availability and your current state of charge.
Vegas Life: Aria Sky Suites & Gear Guard
We got a fantastic upgrade to a Sky Suite at the Aria. While the room was smaller than our previous stay at the Cosmopolitan, the access to the lounge and the strip view were top-tier.
Thanks to its battery management, the Rivian R1S minimizes energy loss during overnight stays.
A big win for the Rivian: Overnight Vampire Drain.
- Rivian R1S: Lost only 1% over 15 hours while parked (41% to 40%).
- Tesla Comparison: In my experience, a Cybertruck or Model Y can lose 3-10% in the same timeframe with Sentry Mode active. Gear Guard is much more efficient at “hanging out” without killing the battery.
Join our journey in the Rivian R1S and learn tips for your own EV adventures in the desert.
Experience the capabilities of the Rivian R1S by watching our detailed road trip video.
Planning your own EV trek to the desert? Watch the full video on Youtube.
