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Some EV drivers swear by the power of software updates, while others chase charging infrastructure or obsess over terrain. But sometimes, the biggest gains come from something as simple as easing off the accelerator. And in the wide-open flatlands of North Dakota, Gregg Poss decided to put that idea to the test. He posted his findings in the “RIVIAN Electric Vehicles Discussion” group, and what he found while driving his Rivian R1T was a clear example of how giving up just a little speed can reward you with meaningful savings.
“For EV folks, yesterday, while driving south from Canada in North Dakota, there was a VERY LONG stretch of road that was flat. So I did a test to check out what 5mph reduction in speed would do for range. After driving at 65mph for about 20 minutes, as is shown in the first pic (don’t mind the 60mph that is showing because I took the pic just after slowing from 65) I slowed to 60mph. It was about .50 miles per kWh in improved range.”
This isn’t Gregg’s first time experimenting with real-world EV efficiency. In fact, he’s the same driver we previously featured when he drove his 2023 Rivian R1T through 49 states in under a year, pushing the limits of electric truck travel with practical and thoughtful insight. And here again, Gregg’s observation is more than just anecdotal. It’s a reminder that EV range isn’t static; it’s shaped by every choice we make behind the wheel.
A Modest Speed Drop with a Big Range Return
To put Gregg’s observation into perspective, the numbers speak for themselves. His efficiency rose from 2.12 to 2.61 mi/kWh, which is a 23% improvement just from a 5 MPH reduction in speed. On a long drive, that kind of boost could mean skipping a charging stop entirely or arriving with far more buffer than expected.
That kind of result resonated with other Rivian owners in the group. One commenter, Jon Gebarowski, did some quick math of his own: “That’s an additional 70 miles of range with my battery size.” Jon’s point highlights how small changes in driving behavior can yield surprisingly big gains, especially in trucks where weight and wind resistance play such a large role.
But speed isn’t the only factor in range optimization. Norm Buggel chimed in with another layer to consider: “Looks like you were in All-Purpose mode. You’d add another ~8% range driving in Conserve mode if you have a four-motor setup.” Norm’s comment reminds us that Rivian’s drive modes don’t just affect handling, but they impact real-world efficiency too. Conserve mode, which disables the rear motors in the quad-motor setup, reduces power but also limits energy draw, particularly on flat and steady highway stretches.
Still, not every driver is willing to trade time for range. Jennifer Haley put it plainly: “Yea but I don’t want to go slower. That’s my problem. My range will always be lower because I go on average 85 mph on the highway.” And that’s fair. I’m the same way on longer road trips. I find it hard to stay under 75 mph if roads are empty. So for many owners, sticking to lower speeds just isn’t practical given their habits or time constraints.
The Broader Picture on Range Anxiety and Efficiency
What Gregg’s test does so well is strip the discussion of technical jargon. He didn’t need a dyno lab or a telemetry system. He had a long stretch of road, a consistent environment, and a willingness to observe. In many ways, that’s what makes his insight more powerful than a spec sheet—because it’s replicable. And for anyone who’s been on the fence about an EV due to range anxiety, Gregg’s post is a quiet but firm reminder that range isn’t just about battery size. It’s about how you drive.
This is something we’ve seen across a range of Rivian stories, like this one from an owner who crossed nearly 100,000 miles in 3 years, noting how consistent speed and terrain awareness made long-term ownership surprisingly easy to manage.
And while most people associate range efficiency with energy-saving, it also has safety implications. Slower highway speeds reduce wind drag and stress on tires, which in turn reduces wear and heat buildup. Those are things that are also often overlooked in high-speed EV travel.
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When Range Becomes a Mindset
Another important perspective comes from drivers who have lived through the full arc of Rivian ownership. In a recent story, one owner shared how they fell in love with their R1T, sold it, and still had a few honest thoughts about what they’d improve. One of the key reflections? Range optimization doesn’t end with numbers. It’s about learning to anticipate how terrain, load, and speed interact. That mindset shift makes the driver an active participant in the EV experience, rather than a passive observer of whatever the display shows.
It echoes what many long-term owners have come to realize: range isn’t something you calculate once. It’s something you learn to manage. And that understanding only grows the longer you live with an electric truck.
Safety and Survivability
Beyond energy savings, there’s another underrated benefit to conscious driving, and that’s safety. We’re often focused on maximizing range, but slower speeds can be the difference between minor and major outcomes in the event of a collision. In a sobering but powerful reminder, one Rivian owner shared how their 2022 R1T was totaled in a driver’s side T-bone crash, and they walked away without injury thanks to Rivian’s well-executed safety engineering.
Slower speeds reduce the overall risk. And while no one plans to crash, knowing your vehicle offers layers of protection, and that your habits can support them, brings an entirely different kind of peace of mind to highway travel.
Key Takeaways for Drivers Who Want to Maximize Range
- Small changes in speed can make a big difference: Slowing from 65 to 60 MPH gave one driver a 0.5 mi/kWh boost in efficiency. On longer drives, it could save a full charging stop.
- Drive mode matters: Switching to Conserve mode on a quad-motor Rivian can add up a lot more range by reducing the power draw from all four wheels.
- Range isn’t just battery size: Real-world range depends on conditions, speed, elevation, and drive behavior. It’s not just what the rating says.
- Not every tip fits every lifestyle: Some drivers won’t slow down, and that’s okay. But knowing your options means you can make smarter choices when it really matters.
- EV ownership is about learning: From battery management to speed habits, the more you pay attention, the more control you have over your experience.
What Do You Think?
What’s the smallest change you’ve made that gave you the biggest boost in range?
And would you ever slow down on the highway if it meant reaching your destination without a charging stop?
I’d love to hear from you in our comments section below.
Aram Krajekian is a young automotive journalist bringing a fresh perspective to his coverage of the evolving automotive landscape. Follow Aram on X and LinkedIn for daily news coverage about cars.
Image Sources: The “RIVIAN Electric Vehicles Discussion” public Facebook group.
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Source: torquenews.com
