That moment of pure excitement when you finally get behind the wheel of your dream car, the Rivian R1s – it’s unmatched. Everything feels perfect until you notice something unexpected, especially if you’re transitioning from a Tesla or new to the EV world. This exact scenario happened to a new R1S owner, and it’s a relatable experience for many embarking on their EV journey.
Scrolling through the “RIVIAN Electric Vehicles Discussion” Facebook group, a post from Mike Rishty immediately grabbed attention. He had just picked up his brand-new Dual Motor Rivian R1S and was thrilled to join the Rivian family. However, almost immediately, a concern arose. He shared his experience: “Happy to finally join the Rivian club, I picked up my Dual Motor R1S on Monday! I’m still getting to know the vehicle, but coming from a Model Y, the battery seems to drain quickly. Is it normal to lose around 10% per day with minimal use (under 20 miles)? I charged it to 100%, and over the past two days, it’s dropped by 10% each day. Gear Guard is turned on, but I’m wondering if there’s anything else I should look into, or if this kind of battery drain is considered normal.”
Mike’s question resonated with many Rivian owners, sparking a discussion about range and battery behavior, particularly regarding the R1S. It’s a common concern: “Why is my R1S losing range when it’s just sitting there?”
Eric offered a helpful, technical explanation: “Which battery pack do you have, the Standard pack? If you’re seeing efficiency on the lower end, around 2.0–2.2 mi/kWh, then 10% of a 92 kWh pack roughly translates to about 20 miles. Vampire drain on Gen 1 vehicles was higher, but Gen 2 has reduced it significantly to around 1–2% per day.” This breakdown clarifies that the energy loss isn’t necessarily abnormal, especially considering the R1S’s battery pack size and potential energy consumption. However, losing 20 miles of range overnight can still be unsettling for new R1S owners.
To understand how battery drain impacts real-world driving, especially on longer trips, the experience of towing with an R1S to the Ozarks provides valuable insights. This real-world scenario highlights how factors like usage, towing, and terrain affect battery performance during extended adventures with the Rivian R1S.
Chad brought up another crucial point familiar to many Rivian R1S owners: “Gear Guard does consume a noticeable amount of battery, and I’ve also seen more phantom drain since the last software update. Coming from a Tesla, it’s important to keep in mind that the Rivian simply isn’t as efficient. Some battery loss is expected, especially with features like Gear Guard running in the background.” Gear Guard, Rivian’s security system, uses the vehicle’s cameras and sensors, which naturally consume power, contributing to battery drain even when the R1S is parked.
My Perspective as a Rivian R1S Owner
Having tested and reviewed electric vehicles for some time, and after owning a Tesla, I recently transitioned to a 2025 Dual Motor R1S. Like Mike, I too noticed a slightly higher-than-expected battery drain in the initial days. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it’s a noticeable difference from the energy efficiency of a Tesla. If you’re accustomed to a Tesla Model Y’s deep sleep modes and minimal energy consumption when idle, the Rivian R1S can feel like it’s always “on,” maintaining its readiness and features, which inevitably uses more energy.
Features like Gear Guard, while incredibly beneficial for vehicle security, are a key factor in this energy usage. Even parked in a seemingly quiet location, the R1S’s Gear Guard system is actively monitoring and recording, constantly using power to keep you protected. This continuous operation is a trade-off for enhanced security and peace of mind.
However, the Rivian R1S offers something beyond just range figures. It delivers an experience. Stepping into the R1S from a more conventional EV like a Model 3 feels like a significant upgrade in space, comfort, and its robust, adventure-ready nature. The R1S embodies a different kind of EV ownership, one that prioritizes capability and experience alongside electric efficiency.
Understanding R1S Battery Drain: Is It Normal?
So, is a 10% daily battery loss normal for the R1S? In many cases, yes, it can be attributed to a combination of always-on features, vehicle connectivity, and current software configurations. The general consensus within the Rivian community is that while software updates for the Gen 2 platform have improved efficiency, some level of “phantom drain” is still expected.
It’s important to note that battery drain isn’t exclusive to the R1S. Tesla’s Sentry Mode, for example, is also known for consuming energy while active. Every EV brand has its own unique energy management characteristics when the vehicle is idle.
Rivian’s software team is actively working on optimizing these energy consumption behaviors. Over-the-air updates are gradually refining the R1S’s energy management. In the meantime, adjusting your usage habits and settings can help mitigate battery drain. Disabling Gear Guard in secure locations, like a home garage, can noticeably reduce overnight energy loss.
For those considering the R1S, especially if you’re shorter in stature, running boards are a worthwhile addition. They enhance accessibility and convenience for getting in and out of the R1S’s spacious cabin.
Practical Tips to Minimize R1S Battery Drain
If you’re concerned about excessive battery drain in your Rivian R1S, here are recommended steps from experienced owners:
- Disable Gear Guard: In secure environments such as your home garage or a trusted workplace parking, turning off Gear Guard can save a considerable amount of battery.
- Keep Software Updated: Regularly check for and promptly install software updates. Rivian is continuously improving energy management through these updates.
- Limit Remote App Use: Frequent remote app access keeps the R1S systems awake. Reduce unnecessary checks to allow the vehicle to fully enter sleep mode.
- Minimize Wake-Ups: Avoid repeatedly waking up the vehicle to check status multiple times a day.
- Toggle Wi-Fi: Some owners have found that disabling “Connect at Home Wi-Fi” in the Rivian app can help the R1S enter sleep mode more effectively.
Rivian owners on forums like Rivian Stories and Reddit are actively sharing tips and exploring strategies to optimize battery performance and reduce phantom drain. Some have even suggested temporarily logging out of the Rivian app to observe if it allows the vehicle to fully power down and minimize energy consumption.
For those weighing the choice between an R1S and a Tesla, comparing the R1S and Model Y in real-world family scenarios offers valuable perspective. It’s not solely about range; it’s about which EV aligns best with your lifestyle and needs.
Key Takeaway: Embracing the R1S and EV Ownership
The key takeaway isn’t that the Rivian R1S has a fundamental battery problem. Instead, it highlights the learning curve inherent in EV ownership and the need to adapt expectations, especially when transitioning from highly optimized EVs like Teslas. Tesla has had years to fine-tune battery efficiency and deep sleep modes. Rivian, while technologically advanced, is still in the process of refining these aspects of the R1S.
In return for this ongoing refinement, the Rivian R1S delivers a unique and compelling package. It’s a vehicle equally capable on challenging off-road trails and in everyday urban environments. The R1S offers a luxurious and spacious cabin and an adventurous spirit that’s integral to its design and appeal.
Like any software-driven machine, EVs evolve. Software updates can bring changes, sometimes unexpected, as seen with recent updates affecting autonomous driving features in the R1S. These adjustments are part of the dynamic nature of EV ownership.
Your R1S Battery Drain Experiences
The Rivian community is a valuable resource for information and support. Sharing experiences and asking questions is crucial for all R1S owners.
Now, we want to hear from you:
- Have you noticed unexpected battery drain in your R1S or other EVs?
- What features do you typically keep enabled overnight, and what have you disabled to conserve battery?
Share your insights in the comments below. Your experiences could be exactly what another R1S owner needs to learn.
By Narek Hareyan
Automotive Journalist for cardiagnosticnearme.com
