Rivian R1S Becomes First Production EV to Complete the Rubicon Trail

Tahoma, CA

By Rivian

August 14^th, 2023

Members from Rivian’s test and development team successfully completed the Rubicon Trail in a stock Quad-Motor R1S, making it the first production EV ever to complete the trail.

The Rubicon Trail is recognized as one of the most challenging off-road trails in North America. The Rivian team departed the trail's Loon Lake entrance at 7:45am on Monday, August 7th and finished the 12-mile run at the Tahoma staging area around 3:30pm on Wednesday, August 9th.

Rivian R1S Becomes First Production EV to Complete the Rubicon Trail

“Crossing the Rubicon Trail in a more sustainable way than it has ever been done before makes me hopeful for the future of off-roading.”

Journey Details

The Quad-Motor R1S that drove the trail was entirely stock, including its 34-inch Pirelli all-terrain tires. The only additional equipment was a set of steel rock sliders, front tow hitch receivers and roof rack.
The vehicle entered the trail around 80% state of charge and finished with under 10% state of charge, enough to reach a nearby level 2 charger.
The R1S used approximately 75% of the total pack energy to make the drive, the equivalent of 3 gallons of gasoline.
The R1S was supported by two pre-production Quad-Motor R1Ts from the Rivian test and development fleet for the first leg of the trip, after which a modified Jeep Wrangler provided trail support.
The R1S experienced no mechanical failures or tire changes in the course of the trail, but earned some cosmetic bumps and scrapes.
The drive was completed by Rivian's test and development team that is trained and experienced in advanced off-road driving, as well as fire safety and Tread Lightly! principles.

"I’m hugely impressed by the R1S’s clean run. Aside from some homebuilt EV crawlers, this is the first fully-EV vehicle through the trail, and definitely the first production EV. Very impressive on stock tires, too."

Chris Director, Rubicon Trail Foundation

The Rubicon Trail Foundation's vision is to be the trusted stewards of the Rubicon Trail, ensuring sustainability for the experience of the users.

To learn more and support their mission, visit rubicontrailfoundation.org.

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