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This evening, I was scrolling through the “RIVIAN Electric Vehicles Discussion” group on Facebook when I came across a post that made me stop and think. KD, a fellow Rivian owner, had just shared something that might sound all too familiar for many of us who rely heavily on public charging: the numbers aren’t adding up. Not in the way most of us were promised when we first made the switch to electric.
KD explained their frustration with the cost of road charging in a recent post:
“I’m finding out that charging a Rivian costs more than charging my Tesla. I recently paid almost $50 for just 180 miles, and the last time, 240 miles cost me $80. This doesn’t feel like saving on gas, especially since I’m not charging at home but on the road.”
When you break that down, it’s close to 27 cents per mile, higher than many gas-powered SUVs, especially when gas prices are on the lower side. The situation becomes even more concerning when you realize that KD isn’t an outlier. Others in the group were quick to chime in, adding their perspectives to the rising cost of road charging.
It’s Not Just the Price Tag, It’s the Context
KD’s Rivian charging experience isn’t just about a few expensive sessions. It reflects a broader issue that a growing number of EV owners are starting to vocalize: if you’re not charging at home, the savings can quickly disappear.
John, a group member who responded to KD’s post, put it into perspective:
“It’s a large truck, so it uses a lot more energy. The battery is nearly twice the size of most Teslas. This charger also seems pretty expensive. Based on the address, it’s Electrify America. Tesla Superchargers will be quite a bit cheaper per kWh, especially with the membership, which I’d recommend if you do much road tripping; the breakeven point is around a 65% charge. DC fast charging isn’t cheap either; it’s often close to the same price as gas, if not more, depending on the area. The real savings come from charging at home.”
That right there is key. A lot of the cost-effectiveness in EV ownership hinges on having regular access to home charging. But when you’re relying entirely on public DC fast charging, you’re often at the mercy of high per-kWh rates, idle fees, and non-optimized locations.
As discussed in a previous Torque News article about long-distance Rivian road trips, it’s not just about cost; it’s also about planning and navigating a network that still has some growing up to do.
Comparing to Tesla: Why the Gap?
Tesla’s ecosystem is often regarded as the gold standard for EV charging, and KD’s comparison between their Tesla and Rivian makes that all the more apparent. For one, Tesla’s Supercharger network is tightly integrated into its vehicles and routing software. But beyond that, Tesla’s pricing, especially with the membership plan, tends to be more reasonable than Electrify America or similar providers.
And let’s not forget: Tesla owners often enjoy exclusive perks. Meanwhile, Rivian drivers, as highlighted in this story about a $250 adapter that didn’t quite work as promised, may find themselves frustrated trying to access the same charging network with less reliability.
Even for those with generous promises at delivery, like this Rivian owner who was told they’d receive a $500 credit and 6 months of free charging, the follow-through hasn’t always matched expectations.
Troy’s Take: When a Diesel Jeep Becomes the Better Option
Another comment that stood out came from Troy, who’s also been tallying up the numbers:
“Yes, sadly, with charging rates getting as high as they are, I’m spending less driving my diesel Jeep Wrangler on 37-inch tall tires than I am driving my R1S. The R1S is more comfortable, of course, but when I add in the time it takes to charge plus the cost of charging, the Jeep is starting to get used more and more for longer trips.”
Let that sink in, a lifted, off-road-focused diesel Jeep with oversized tires is cheaper to run than a modern electric SUV when using public chargers. That flips the entire EV value proposition on its head for many people, especially those who don’t have home chargers or travel often.
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Troy’s comment echoes the frustrations many owners have shared in past discussions, from those waiting weeks for Rivian service appointments to others who have hit charging snags during cross-country trips.
The Hidden Cost of Fast Charging
It’s also worth noting how much energy Rivian’s consume. These are full-sized trucks and SUVs with big batteries, often over 130 kWh. The upside is a generous range and high performance. The downside? Charging those batteries at a commercial rate gets expensive fast.
Let’s do some quick napkin math:
At $0.49 per kWh (a common rate at many Electrify America stations), a full charge could easily exceed $60. And if that only gets you 250 miles, that’s roughly 24 cents per mile. By contrast, a gas SUV that gets 25 mpg and fills up at $3.50 per gallon comes in around 14 cents per mile.
This doesn’t even touch on the time cost of fast charging, which some Rivian owners have reported can take over an hour depending on conditions and charger output.
So Where Do EV Savings Actually Come From?
The answer is simple: home charging. Residential electricity rates, especially if you charge at night or use solar, can be less than one-third the cost of road charging. This is where EVs truly shine.
But that assumes you have a garage, a Level 2 charger, and the ability to plug in consistently. Without those things, you’re left dealing with unpredictable pricing and the real possibility that, mile for mile, you’re not actually saving money.
For KD, who’s relying solely on road chargers, that’s the current reality.
The Journalist’s Take
I think KD’s story is an important reminder that EV ownership is not a one-size-fits-all equation. It depends on where you live, how you charge, and what your driving habits look like. I’m all for electric vehicles, they’re quiet, clean, and fun to drive, but I also think we need to be honest about what EV ownership looks like without the perfect conditions.
Stories like KD’s and comments from owners like Troy and John are critical because they help balance the hype with the real-world logistics. While many of us love our trucks and SUVs, and the Rivian R1S and R1T are seriously impressive machines, we can’t ignore the financial side of owning one without home charging infrastructure.
And for many, especially first-time EV buyers, that realization might come a little too late.
Key Takeaways
- Charging a Rivian on the road can cost as much, or more, than fueling a gas vehicle, especially without a home charger.
- Electrify America and other public DC fast chargers often have higher per-kWh rates than Tesla Superchargers.
- Tesla’s ecosystem offers better value for those doing long-distance travel, particularly with a membership.
- The real cost savings from EVs generally come from home charging, not public fast charging.
- Owners relying exclusively on public charging may face sticker shock and frustration, especially in trucks with large battery packs.
Final Thoughts
It’s important to understand the charging ecosystem before jumping into EV ownership. Range is only half the equation; the other half is how, where, and for how much you’re charging. KD’s story shows us what happens when the numbers don’t go as expected, and why EV buyers need to plan beyond just the sticker price and range rating.
What about you?
Have you experienced unexpectedly high charging costs with your EV?
Do you rely mostly on home charging or public chargers, and how does that affect your total cost of ownership?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
Narek Hareyan is a young automotive journalist with experience in a golf cart dealership and an interest in the automotive industry. Follow Narek on X for daily news coverage about cars.
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Source: torquenews.com
