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Sometimes, it takes just one post to remind you why electric vehicles are more than just tech on wheels but stories in motion. As I was scrolling through the “RIVIAN Electric Vehicles Discussion” group on Facebook this evening, I came upon a post that cut through the usual noise of range debates and software gripes. It was a short, cheerful message from Gregg Poss, but behind the exclamation marks was a journey that quietly reaffirms why the Rivian R1T exists in the first place: to go the distance, and then some.
Here’s Gregg’s experience: “Tada!” Gregg began. “This 2023 Rivian R1T has officially been to all 49 continental United States in less than one year. I drove it to all 48 state capitals last year. No, I’m not putting it on a boat to go to Hawaii! I got mine September 30, 2023. It’s been a GREAT vehicle.”
The idea of completing a 49-state EV road trip still sounds a bit radical in 2025 even with improved infrastructure. Second, it stands in contrast to the more turbulent ownership stories that tend to dominate Rivian forums and social media.
Take, for example, the story of a Rivian R1S owner whose vehicle died just 45 days into ownership with a flooded interior and damaged components, sparking a long repair saga. That story was the kind that makes some people hesitate about buying a Rivian at all. Gregg’s journey, on the other hand, shows what these trucks are truly capable of.
A Road Trip for the History Books
Not only did Gregg take his 2023 Rivian R1T across all 49 continental U.S. states, but he also completed a particularly ambitious sub-challenge last year visiting all 48 state capitals in one go. That trip alone spanned 31,000 miles and was done in the span of just four months.
When someone in the comments asked him how many miles he had on the odometer, Gregg gave a full breakdown:
“I live in Italy half of the year; so the vehicle pretty much sits for six months a year. I have done the following trips so far:
700 miles to drive from Normal where I picked up and drove it to Maryland.
31,000 miles in April, May, June, and July of 2024 going to all 48 state capitals.
2,800 miles down to Miami late May/early June.
4,200 so far on this trip to get from Maryland to Fairbanks, AK.
So that’s a total of 38,700. I think the car has about 45,000. So it’s mostly just those four trips. I’ll add another 5k to do the things I want to do in AK and then drive back to MD.”
That kind of clarity and planning is inspiring. And it backs up his claim that the truck has been a truly dependable companion.
Community Comments That Say a Lot
Under Gregg’s post, a few community members chimed in with questions and compliments that added even more dimension to the story.
Jim Tobin wrote, “Submit this for one of their TV commercials. They are looking for real Rivian stories and this one speaks to the fact that you really can drive long distances in a Rivian without fear.”
Jim’s comment underscores a much broader truth about EV marketing in 2025: what sells isn’t just futuristic design or horsepower, but it’s real-world trust. With many prospective buyers still wondering whether a Rivian could handle something like a cross-country haul, this kind of testimonial provides a resounding yes.
John Jones had a different type of question: “Too cool. I do have an odd question. How is the seat material holding up? I ask because when looking at a used one on Carvana, many of them have a note about worn seats even with 25k miles.”
This highlights another key element of Rivian ownership regarding long-term wear and tear. While not as mainstream as battery range or OTA updates, seat durability is one of those practical ownership factors that can sway someone from buyer to skeptic in a second. Gregg didn’t respond to this one publicly, but the fact that his truck has held up through nearly 45,000 miles of intense use suggests it might be doing just fine.
Then came Eric Jocz, who asked the question on everyone’s mind: “That’s amazing. How many miles do you have on the odometer after all that?” Gregg’s detailed answer (quoted above) shows that despite the high mileage, his ownership pattern is far from reckless. These weren’t endless daily drives, but purposeful and planned journeys.
Why This Story Matters
When Rivian first burst onto the scene, the company positioned itself as an adventure-first EV brand. It was the kind of vehicle that seemingly could go where Teslas couldn’t, and do things no other electric truck had dared to try. But as time passed, that image began to fracture under stories of long service delays, glitchy updates, and cold-weather reliability issues. For example, in one case, a Rivian went into turtle mode after just 45 minutes in extreme Arizona heat, leaving the owners in a scary situation. Stories like that certainly shake up confidence.
But Gregg’s experience restores some of that lost credibility. When a real owner shares that they’ve driven through all 49 states in less than a year and still say, “It’s been a GREAT vehicle,” that statement carries weight.
And it’s not just about range or destination, it’s about the journey and how seamless or stressful it was to get from A to B. With more and more owners pointing out Rivian’s quick customer support, even when their loaners also run into issues, Gregg’s silence on service frustrations may be telling to that.
So I think Gregg’s journey quietly pushes back on the louder and more frustrating stories we so often see. It reminds us that for every headline about flooded cabins or glitchy OTA updates, there are owners who are genuinely seeing the best of what these trucks were built to do. Stories like this aren’t just feel-good moments, as they help build back the trust that sometimes gets lost in the chaos of a growing company.
Key Takeaways for Readers
Real-world use speaks louder than specs – A well-executed long-distance EV journey, especially one like Gregg’s, proves more about the truck’s value than any marketing campaign ever could.
Mileage doesn’t have to mean problems – With nearly 45,000 miles already clocked, Gregg’s R1T is holding up without any major complaints, highlighting a durability narrative we don’t hear enough.
Practical questions matter – From seat material to service response, the small ownership details are starting to matter more to prospective buyers than just acceleration or towing figures.
Not all long trips are stressful – Despite certain known issues, Gregg’s journey shows what the best-case scenario can still look like.
EV adventure isn’t just hype – Some critics scoffed when Rivian tried to market its trucks as off-grid adventurers, but this story proves the idea wasn’t so far-fetched. In fact, it’s happening.
People are switching for a reason – More and more former luxury ICE owners are choosing Rivian, like one former Lexus driver who left the brand after seeing the RZ 550e. It’s stories like Gregg’s that help explain why.
What Do You Think?
What’s the one thing you wish more people understood about living with an EV day to day?
And have you taken your Rivian (or any EV) on a long-distance road trip, how did it go?
Don’t hesitate to share your experiences in the comments below.
Aram Krajekian is a young automotive journalist bringing a fresh perspective to his coverage of the evolving automotive landscape. Follow Aram on X and LinkedIn for daily news coverage about cars.
Image Sources: The “RIVIAN Electric Vehicles Discussion” public Facebook group.
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