A 2022 Rivian R1T met with a T-bone collision on the driver's side but, remarkably, its owner escaped unharmed - a testament to Rivian's extraordinary engineering in design and safety.
In a heart-stopping moment, Rivian owner Tony Chavez found himself involved in a T-bone collision with his 2022 Rivian R1T while stopped at a red light. Remarkably, despite the violent impact, Tony walked away unscathed. This incident serves as a testament to Rivian's engineering claims and the robust safety features of their electric vehicles.
The incident sparked an outpouring of support from the Rivian owner network, one of the strongest and most helpful in the EV world. Tony's post on social media was flooded with messages of concern and offers of assistance from fellow Rivian owners.
Elizabeth CB Malayter, a fellow Rivian owner, expressed her relief that Tony was unharmed, emphasising the importance of vehicle safety. The incident also underscores the unpredictability of insurance payouts and the need for gap insurance, a warning echoed by Scott Hunt, an automotive expert.
As Tony contemplates his next steps, he is planning to use the insurance settlement and added cash to purchase a replacement Rivian. Aram Krajekian, an automotive journalist, suggests leasing a Rivian as a strategic option, given that the $7500 tax credit on leases is still active. However, Aldo Zampatti advises considering paying off the lease or saving the cash towards the payoff at the end of the lease, especially since the tax credit on leases will end in September.
While official crash-test results from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) are not explicitly detailed, Rivian's R1T and R1S models have undergone testing by these agencies. Independent aggregators like iSeeCars have rated the Rivian R1S with a safety score of 7.0 out of 10, indicating a respectable safety profile in comparison to other electric SUVs.
However, real-world owner reports note some concerns about early production quality anomalies such as axle issues and leaking seals, which while not directly related to crash safety, might impact the vehicle's overall operational safety and durability in real-world driving conditions.
Despite these concerns, many Rivian owners remain loyal to the brand due to its performance in protecting them in accidents. The Rivian R1T's design and safety features, including its rigid battery frame and reinforced cabin structure, are credited for absorbing and distributing crash energy effectively.
In a positive twist, Rivian's customer support also played a crucial role in saving an otherwise negative service experience for Tony. The company's commitment to its customers is evident in their swift response and assistance during this challenging time.
As the automotive landscape continues to evolve, Rivian stands out as a brand that prioritises safety and customer support, making it an attractive choice for many electric vehicle enthusiasts.
General news outlets might report the car-accident involving Tony Chavez and his Rivian R1T, highlighting the robust safety features of electric vehicles in the sports of driving. Meanwhile, insurance experts like Scott Hunt advise Rivian owners, including Tony, to consider gap insurance due to unpredictable insurance payouts.
