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Key Considerations for Long-Distance Highway Driving in the Midwest with Electric Vehicles

GOOVER DAILY REPORT June 26, 2024
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

  1. Summary
  2. Key Considerations for Long-Distance Highway Driving
  3. Real-World Mileage Experience: Rivian R1S vs 2024/2025 Tesla Model X
  4. Electric Car with the Longest Range in 2024
  5. Conclusion

1. Summary

  • The report titled 'Key Considerations for Long-Distance Highway Driving in the Midwest with Electric Vehicles' provides a comprehensive analysis of crucial factors for choosing an electric vehicle (EV) suitable for long-distance travel. It explores aspects such as driving range, charging infrastructure, recharging times, advanced features, and climate considerations. Important findings include real-world mileage comparisons of top EV models like the Rivian R1S and Tesla Model X, emphasizing their capabilities, and limitations. Additionally, the report identifies the Lucid Air Grand Touring as the top EV for 2024 in terms of range. Constructed with data-driven insights, the report aims to assist potential EV buyers in making informed decisions tailored to their regional requirements and travel habits.

2. Key Considerations for Long-Distance Highway Driving

  • 2-1. Range and Efficiency

  • Given the diverse options available in the 2024 electric vehicle market, it is crucial to evaluate the driving range and efficiency of each model. Real-world mileage experience comparisons among top EV models, such as the Rivian R1S and Tesla Model X, highlight their performance. Tesla's Model 3 offers a range of 272 miles, while the Lucid Air Grand Touring leads the market with a remarkable 516-mile range. Multiple factors, including weather conditions, driving habits, and battery health, can significantly impact the range of an EV.

  • 2-2. Charging Infrastructure

  • The availability of charging stations is essential for long-distance travel. As of March 2022, over 50,000 public and private charging stations were available in the U.S., with fast-charging stations constituting about 15% of the total. These stations can charge an electric car's battery to approximately 80% in less than an hour. The Tesla Model 3 and Model Y benefit from access to the widespread and reliable Tesla Supercharger network, making them ideal for long road trips.

  • 2-3. Recharging Times

  • Recharging times vary significantly across different EV models. Most drivers expect that EVs will fully charge in less than 20 minutes, but this is not always feasible with current technology. For instance, the Tesla Model 3 Standard Range can achieve a 10-80% charge in 18 minutes using a 250 kW DC fast charger. However, other models like the Chevrolet Bolt EUV have slower recharging times, which may not be suitable for rapid long-distance travel.

  • 2-4. Advanced Features and Technology

  • Modern EVs come equipped with a range of advanced features aimed at enhancing the driving experience. Some notable features include hands-free highway driving assist, mobile apps for route planning, and charging station identification. The Tesla Model 3 and Model Y, for example, offer cutting-edge dashboard technology and driver aid tech, while the Rivian R1S features a Gear Guard camera-based security system and over-the-air software updates.

  • 2-5. Climate Considerations

  • Climate can significantly impact the efficiency and range of EVs. Cold weather, for instance, often reduces battery efficiency and range due to the higher energy demand for heating. Conversely, hot weather can also affect battery performance but to a lesser extent. It's essential for potential buyers to consider these factors based on their regional climate to ensure optimal vehicle performance.

3. Real-World Mileage Experience: Rivian R1S vs 2024/2025 Tesla Model X

  • 3-1. Rivian R1S Capabilities and Range

  • The Rivian R1S has garnered attention for its advanced features and off-road capabilities. Its higher clearance is particularly suitable for off-road excursions, such as driving on gravel or forest roads, and BLM lands. The real-world mileage of the Rivian R1S varies; for instance, the EPA combined range for its 21-inch tires was approximately 314 miles, though at a consistent speed of 70 mph, this range drops to about 254 miles. The vehicle's conserve mode and the availability of different battery and motor options further enhance its adaptability. Despite being less efficient than Tesla vehicles in terms of miles per kWh, the Rivian R1S compensates with a larger battery and robust performance, including a quad-motor variant with over 700 horsepower, capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 3 seconds.

  • 3-2. Tesla Model X Performance and Range

  • The Tesla Model X, introduced in 2015, has seen significant updates over the years. Although it debuted as one of the safest SUVs with innovative features like falcon wing doors, it has faced persistent quality issues. Despite these challenges, it remains popular for its impressive acceleration and high performance. The Model X now includes a Long Range version that exceeds 300 miles, and the high-performance tri-motor Plaid model offers both speed and extended range. Users have reported mixed experiences: some have had flawless performance with older models, while others still encounter problems with newer versions, including issues with the falcon wing doors and general build quality. Tesla’s focus on rapid scaling has sometimes been at the expense of stringent quality control.

  • 3-3. Charging and Infrastructure Comparison

  • Charging infrastructure plays a crucial role in the feasibility of long-distance drives with electric vehicles. Tesla has an established Supercharger network, which provides a significant advantage in terms of charging convenience during long trips. This network is a decisive factor for many buyers, especially those who undertake frequent road trips. On the other hand, Rivian's use of the NACS Supercharger adapter has mitigated some of the challenges related to its charging infrastructure, making long-distance travel more manageable. Despite the improvements, Rivian's charging experience may still lag behind Tesla's in terms of convenience and speed.

  • 3-4. Owner Feedback and Experience

  • Owner feedback highlights a variety of experiences with both the Rivian R1S and Tesla Model X. Rivian owners generally express satisfaction, especially praising the vehicle's off-road capabilities and advanced features. However, some owners have reported minor issues similar to those experienced with Tesla's Model S. In contrast, Tesla Model X owners have been more vocal about persistent build quality problems, including issues with the falcon wing doors, paint, and trim misalignments. Despite these issues, many Tesla owners appreciate the vehicle's performance and the extensive Supercharger network, which offers a reliable charging solution for long-distance travel. Additionally, sales data indicate that Rivian R1S has seen stronger sales compared to the Model X, with 8,017 units sold in Q1 2024 versus Tesla's 5,600 units.

4. Electric Car with the Longest Range in 2024

  • 4-1. Lucid Air Grand Touring

  • The Lucid Air Grand Touring 2024 offers an impressive driving range of 830 km when equipped with 19-inch Aero Range wheels. If 20-inch wheels are chosen, the range decreases slightly to 780 km, which is still one of the highest in the market. Other variants such as Air Sapphire, Air Touring, and Air Pure offer ranges of 687 km, 683 km, and 674 km respectively.

  • 4-2. Comparative Analysis with Other Long-Range EVs

  • Comparing the Lucid Air Grand Touring to other top-range electric vehicles, the Chevrolet Silverado EV 4WT 2024 offers a range of 724 km, while the Rivian R1T Dual Max 2025 provides 675 km. The Rivian R1S Dual Max 2025 has a range of 660 km. Tesla Model S 2024 provides 646 km, with its performance-oriented Plaid version offering 577 km. The Hyundai Ioniq 6 Long Range 2024 offers 580 km, while the Mercedes-Benz EQS 450 Plus 2024 provides 566 km. The Tesla Model 3 Long Range 2024 features 548 km, and the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV 2024 offers 545 km. The Tesla Model X 2024 rounds out the list with a range of 539 km.

5. Conclusion

  • In conclusion, selecting the right EV for long-distance highway driving involves balancing several key factors, including driving range, recharging times, and the robustness of charging infrastructure. For 2024, the Lucid Air Grand Touring stands out with its impressive 516-mile range, setting a new standard for EV capabilities. The Rivian R1S offers commendable off-road abilities and flexibility for various driving conditions, though it falls slightly behind in charging convenience compared to the Tesla Model X. Despite ongoing quality issues, the Tesla Model X benefits significantly from the extensive Tesla Supercharger network, proving advantageous for long-distance travel. The findings spotlight the need for a reliable and widespread charging infrastructure to facilitate seamless long-distance EV driving. Future prospects suggest ongoing advancements in both vehicle technology and charging infrastructure will enhance the feasibility and convenience of long-distance EV travel. Potential EV buyers are encouraged to consider their specific travel needs, regional climate impacts, and the evolving landscape of EV technology to make the most informed decision.

6. Glossary

  • 6-1. Lucid Air Grand Touring [Electric Vehicle]

  • The Lucid Air Grand Touring, leading with an impressive range of up to 830 km (516 miles) on a single charge, offers the longest range among electric cars in 2024. It stands out for its engineering excellence, setting a new benchmark for EV range and reinforcing Lucid Motors' position in the competitive electric vehicle market.

  • 6-2. Rivian R1S [Electric Vehicle]

  • The Rivian R1S is recognized for its robust capabilities, including a 660 km (~410 miles) range and 7,000 pounds towing capacity. It is noted for its flexible seating configurations and off-road prowess, making it a formidable choice for long-distance driving, although it slightly lags behind the Tesla Model X in charging infrastructure convenience.

  • 6-3. Tesla Model X [Electric Vehicle]

  • The Tesla Model X, introduced in 2015, faces criticisms for ongoing quality issues. However, its 2024/2025 models still offer a notable range (up to 335 miles for the Long Range variant) and exceptional acceleration. Tesla's extensive Supercharger network significantly enhances its practicality for long trips, despite falling behind newer competitors like Rivian in user satisfaction and reliability.

7. Source Documents