This is the story of the Rivian R1T electric pick-up and its owner, Mitch Dumke, who used it as a work truck.
After using it for 15 months, driving it 24,000 miles, Dumke eventually returned the electric pick-up to Rivian.
That had to be done after the vehicle faced multiple issues over these 15 months, including breakdowns with the drive system and parking brake.
The kicker: the company bought the truck back from Dumke at full price, simply because issues weren’t resolved during all the service appointments.
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Mitch covered his personal experience with the pick-up on his YouTube channel.
Mitch was both surprised and appreciative of the top-tier customer service.
Talking about their service, he mentioned how the company provided him with a rental car and offered him Uber or Lyft credits each time the truck broke down.
While it was commendable on Rivian’s part, Mitch had to spend 45 days driving a rental car while his truck was being serviced.
In his review of the electric pick-up, Mitch shared his likes and dislikes about the vehicle.
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He loved the extra storage space, like the “Gear Tunnel” on the side and the large front trunk, which made it easier for him to carry tools and other equipment for his work.
However, he wasn’t a fan of the large sunroof – which is a common feature on EVs for more than merely aesthetic reasons.
During summer, even with the AC on, the pickup got very hot, which was uncomfortable.
He also suggested the rear camera be placed a bit higher for better visibility.
Despite the problems, Mitch said the truck was good overall – it’s even been labeled the ‘coolest pickup truck in the world’ by some.
He believes his experience was unique and still recommends the R1T, as Rivian is a new company learning quickly from its mistakes.
