Photo: @KarenWhitworth via X
After Hurricane Helene caused massive flooding in Asheville, North Carolina, an R1T owner found his truck completely covered in mud some 150 feet from where he parked it. Despite this, no water entered the cabin, and the truck is still fully functional. Its R1T pickup truck has now become a legend and a rolling billboard for Rivian.
Rivian promoted its vehicles as true off-roaders, with adventure becoming its corporate mantra. Customers love that you can take on the most difficult trails in their R1T, and the truck has proven to be one of the most capable EVs in this regard. However, when Tesla launched the Cybertruck, some started having second thoughts, especially as the triangle pickup advertised a Wade Mode, which pressurizes the battery pack during water fording.
Rivian R1T had nothing of the sort, which made some question its ability to drive through water. However, Rivian tests its trucks rigorously, and going through high water is part of these tests. More than that, the Rivian R1T and R1S have a maximum water fording depth of 43.1 inches and 43.2 inches (about 1.1 meters), respectively. This is deeper than Cybertruck's 31 inches (0.79 meters), which should give everyone an idea of Rivian's expertise in this area.
Even though the R1T does not have a Wade Mode, it has reliable seals to prevent water from entering critical areas. This has been proven during Hurricane Helene, which devastated North Carolina. One R1T pickup truck has made the rounds on social media after it was completely covered in mud during flooding in Asheville. Its owner explained in a video that it left the truck parked near the Swannanoa River in Asheville, North Carolina. After the flood, the owner returned to the truck only to find it some 150 feet from where he parked it, carried by floodwaters.
To his surprise, the truck's door handles popped out on approach, a sure sign that the battery was still charged. Even better, no drop of water entered the cabin or even tainted the door pillars. This proves that Rivian seals are perfectly suited for an adventure vehicle and that the R1T is probably the best EV for water fording. After such an episode, most combustion vehicles would've been deemed a total loss, but the R1T held well. The truck still runs and drives normally, and the owner has since fast-charged it and used it with no issues.
The pictures of the Rivian R1T covered in mud have become viral, serving as a rolling billboard for the EV startup. Several people have suggested that Rivian should launch an advertising campaign based on this story. "An adventure truck that went on its own adventure without the owner" sort of thing would be cool. But even without a commercial, Rivian's reputation as the manufacturer of rugged trucks has been given a nice boost.
Rivian R1T had nothing of the sort, which made some question its ability to drive through water. However, Rivian tests its trucks rigorously, and going through high water is part of these tests. More than that, the Rivian R1T and R1S have a maximum water fording depth of 43.1 inches and 43.2 inches (about 1.1 meters), respectively. This is deeper than Cybertruck's 31 inches (0.79 meters), which should give everyone an idea of Rivian's expertise in this area.
Even though the R1T does not have a Wade Mode, it has reliable seals to prevent water from entering critical areas. This has been proven during Hurricane Helene, which devastated North Carolina. One R1T pickup truck has made the rounds on social media after it was completely covered in mud during flooding in Asheville. Its owner explained in a video that it left the truck parked near the Swannanoa River in Asheville, North Carolina. After the flood, the owner returned to the truck only to find it some 150 feet from where he parked it, carried by floodwaters.
To his surprise, the truck's door handles popped out on approach, a sure sign that the battery was still charged. Even better, no drop of water entered the cabin or even tainted the door pillars. This proves that Rivian seals are perfectly suited for an adventure vehicle and that the R1T is probably the best EV for water fording. After such an episode, most combustion vehicles would've been deemed a total loss, but the R1T held well. The truck still runs and drives normally, and the owner has since fast-charged it and used it with no issues.
The pictures of the Rivian R1T covered in mud have become viral, serving as a rolling billboard for the EV startup. Several people have suggested that Rivian should launch an advertising campaign based on this story. "An adventure truck that went on its own adventure without the owner" sort of thing would be cool. But even without a commercial, Rivian's reputation as the manufacturer of rugged trucks has been given a nice boost.
@usedcarmanwnc Hurrican Helene tried to destroy a brand new Rivian truck! Owner thought it was totaled and went to call his insurance when his friends suggests they “Boot it up”! Well by golly it did just that and Booted up ready for more. Interior was untouched and idk how that’s possible with the truck weighing 7000lbs plus ans being moved 100s of feet or more! #Rivian #RivianR1T #riviantruck #RivianR1Tperformance #Rivianinhurricane #RivianHurricaneHelene #flood #uhaul #asheivlle #tunnelroad #swannanoa #swannanoariver #lucky #whatluck #wnc #wncstrong #asheville #ashevillenc ♬ original sound - USEDCARMAN
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