New Podcast Interview with Ford's Alan Clarke - Includes Range Discussion

[Jasonkola]

There are used lightning’s for low 40 k pricing

I decided a few years ago I wanted my next vehicle to be something smaller and an EV. I still want to tow. So I have found that there are plenty of options out there of smaller SUVs that can tow ok but they are all a bit too expensive. I currently have a reservation down on the new Rivian R2, but there is a few things I am not too crazy about the R2. But it remains the front runner. I am watching to see what comes from Ford on this new platform. I will be making my decision some time in 2027.

 

[metroshot]

I decided a few years ago I wanted my next vehicle to be something smaller and an EV. I still want to tow. So I have found that there are plenty of options out there of smaller SUVs that can tow ok but they are all a bit too expensive. I currently have a reservation down on the new Rivian R2, but there is a few things I am not too crazy about the R2. But it remains the front runner. I am watching to see what comes from Ford on this new platform. I will be making my decision some time in 2027.

How much are R2 going for ?

Wife is looking at the outgoing Volvo/Polestar 4 EV crossover with a $25,000 discount.

 

[Maverstang]

How much are R2 going for ?

Wife is looking at the outgoing Volvo/Polestar 4 EV crossover with a $25,000 discount.

The launch model is selling for around $60k. A lower trim model should show up next year at around $45-$50k.

One important note: The R2 has no radio, it has internet radio only. Some urban buyers don’t mind, but I’m not a fan of connection delays, drop outs and inserted ads that come with internet radio.

 

[Jasonkola]

The launch model is selling for around $60k. A lower trim model should show up next year at around $45-$50k.

One important note: The R2 has no radio, it has internet radio only. Some urban buyers don’t mind, but I’m not a fan of connection delays, drop outs and inserted ads that come with internet radio.

Yes you are correct. The lack of the FM radio is one of the worse things about the R2. It is why I started looking around at other options. But I do not consider it a deal braker as I live in the city and will have data to stream music 95% of the time. I can also come up with an aftermarket fix, buying an FM receiver that communicates with the R2 through Bluetooth. It is sad that I have to go to aftermarket to add something as simple as a FM receiver.

 

[onuiebvbevnulib]

Yes you are correct. The lack of the FM radio is one of the worse things about the R2. It is why I started looking around at other options. But I do not consider it a deal breaker as I live in the city and will have data to stream music 95% of the time. I can also come up with an aftermarket fix, buying an FM receiver that communicates with the R2 through Bluetooth. It is sad that I have to go to aftermarket to add something as simple as a FM receiver.

Why would Rivian do this?

The only additional cost should have been the antenna and maybe an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) as the rest of the radio is just software.

A software-defined radio (SDR) is a radio communication system where traditional hardware components like filters, mixers, and amplifiers are replaced by software running on a computer or digital chip.

How SDR Works

• Capture: An antenna picks up radio frequency signals from the air.
• Convert: An analog-to-digital converter (ADC) changes the wave signals into a digital data stream.
• Process: A computer or processor uses software to decode, filter, and display the signals visually.

Common Uses

• Listening: Tune into AM/FM radio, amateur ham radio, and air traffic control.
• Tracking: Follow airplanes using ADS-B signals or pick up signals from weather satellites.
• Experimenting: Test wireless protocols like Wi-Fi, LTE, and radar.

 

[WXman]

First they removed AM. Now they are taking away FM. It's a shame. I'll never forget listening to the President address the nation via FM radio in my truck 9-11-01.

 

[graycorgi]

REALLY fast charging reduces lifespan.

That's the conventional wisdom, but the EGMP vehicles with 220kW+ charging speeds seem to be doing just fine for battery longevity despite charging at ~3C. I think the concern is overblown

 

[truckplease]

What sort of range?

Video queued to start of range discussion. Just press play.

Lower range can be OK if fast charging is possible (like 60% battery in < 10 min; 50% battery < 5 min would be amazing).

On an average day I'm doing about 60mi round trip. But there are a number of days where I'm pushing 120mi round trip, and occasionally 180mi. And as we know, if you're going highway speed, carrying things non-aerodynamically, this is going to really impact range. (Obv towing further reduces.)

I'm personally OK with a solid 230mi range for standard battery if it gets great aero.

 

[thum]

Lower range can be OK if fast charging is possible (like 60% battery in < 10 min; 50% battery < 5 min would be amazing).

On an average day I'm doing about 60mi round trip. But there are a number of days where I'm pushing 120mi round trip, and occasionally 180mi. And as we know, if you're going highway speed, carrying things non-aerodynamically, this is going to really impact range. (Obv towing further reduces.)

I'm personally OK with a solid 230mi range for standard battery if it gets great aero.

50% battery in 5 minutes is definitely possible if you make the battery small enough.