Earlier this year, I had the opportunity behind the wheel Two big, fast Rivian trucks. The R1S and R1T are the fastest accelerating cars I’ve ever driven, with enough power and grip to fuse your spine and ribcage with those comfy leather seats. But now, I hear you’re all out there put these things upside down for shit and giggle. So I come to you, on one knee, with a humble request: Please stop this.
Yes, I’m sure it’s fun. It’s a neat party trick when you want to go all baby driver on your friends, fooling them into thinking you’re going in one direction and then actually speeding in the other direction. But that’s also a bad idea and I can explain why with math. Other than that, just, basic logic.
Let’s start with math. In device testing, a Rivian R1S or R1T hits 60 miles per hour in 3.1 seconds. Assuming that the acceleration is consistent, we are looking at an acceleration rate of 28.4 feet per second squared. That means, for every second your foot is on the small pedal, your Rivian will accelerate 28.4 feet per second faster than the last second. Makes sense?
However, according to the owners, your favorite big EV peaks out at 16 mph in reverse. With that calculated acceleration, it would take you just over three-quarters of a second to reach that top speed. It will be a scary three quarters of a second, if you think you’re on Drive rather than Reverse, but at least it won’t last that long.
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In that time, however, you’ll have traveled nearly 10 feet. Remember that objects in your mirror are always closer than they appear, and now they’re coming at you more quickly than you may have expected — and faster than you can perceive and respond correctly. That’s where the logical part of this comes into play: Come on, really? You’re manipulating more than 7,000 lbs of metal here, you want to put it in a direction your eyes can’t see?
Please, stop this. Start your truck forward, in the same direction as your eyes. You’ll have more fun, feel the acceleration for longer, and be less likely to run over your child’s Big Wheel in the process. I can’t believe I have to ask this.
