I got lucky and ran into Rivian Official while they were on a long road trip passing through Las Vegas, Nevada. I got to wheel around and get to know them and also meet up with the Las Vegas Rivian club. They thought I was doing pretty cool stuff and wanted to put me in their Rivian Owner's Spotlight. Read the article to see how I use the R1S to explore the country afforded to me by my custom designed locums work-blocks.
Read the story: Stories.rivian.com/July2024
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Meet Nicholas, an ER doctor who travels to patients around the Southwest in his R1
From backpacking and off-roading adventures to working shifts at different hospitals as an Emergency Medicine physician, Nicholas G. has learned to make the most of his R1S. Read on to see how he uses his R1S as a comfy sleeping pad in nature or between hospital shifts, what features he likes most on road trips around the Southwest, and why he loves pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with an electric vehicle. “Thank you, Rivian, for creating such a versatile and capable vehicle that enhances our adventures and makes every journey a joy!”
What made you choose Rivian? Why the R1S?
I specifically chose the R1S due to its spacious interior when the seats are folded down and for its off-road capabilities. I am an Emergency Medicine physician, but before I started this career, I was a backpacker trail guide for the Grand Canyon and Yosemite National Parks. I fell in love with outdoor adventuring and off-roading. As a medical student, I had to rotate at different hospitals every month, making housing a challenge. Despite limited funds as a medical student, I pursued my passion for backcountry adventures by living out of a converted pickup truck.
However, being 6'7" tall, finding a suitable vehicle was tough. The R1S, with its impressive 7-foot platform when all the seats are folded down, allows both me and my 5’10” fiancé to sleep comfortably. Its electric capabilities mean we can run the air conditioning or heater with minimal battery drain in Camp Mode, making it perfect for multi-day adventures. The front trunk and sub-trunk provide ample storage for our gear, and the off-road capabilities have been outstanding. Now, I smile when I pass those $5.99/gallon gas signs at California gas stations.
You’re an ER doctor who travels around the country as part of your work. Tell us what that’s like and how does your vehicle play a role?
I'm based in Las Vegas, Nevada, but I work partially in California and Arizona and fly to other states for the other part of my work. I block my schedule into about 30 days on and 30 days off. The R1S has been incredible for this lifestyle. Its range allows me to drive between my southwest ERs without stopping to charge, unlike my other EV. On work blocks, I can cut through Death Valley from Las Vegas to reach my central California ERs or drive down to the Salton Sea for my more southern ERs. The R1S’s range and comfort make these trips much more manageable.
I’m even considering a new travel plan: driving the R1S around the country for a month at a time, leaving it at various airports while I fly to work, then returning to continue my adventures. With hospital chargers, I can keep it charged up while on a shift and explore local areas during shift gaps, sleeping comfortably in the car without needing extra hotel rooms.
What have been your favorite adventures (work or play) so far in your R1S?
We just returned from an amazing California adventure in Alabama Hills and backpacking the Eastern Sierras. Installing a rugged roof rack was simple, thanks to Rivian’s pre-installed crossbar mounts, and the extra rooftop storage box for our backpacking gear has been invaluable.
One standout trip was driving through a large mine near Alabama Hills. The R1S handled the challenging terrain with ease. The ability to raise the vehicle’s height for off-roading or lower the height for tight spaces, like caves or parking garages, has been incredibly useful. I imagined a world of all electric vehicles while navigating the mine and smelling the gasoline fumes from the other 4x4s.
What features have you enjoyed the most or found to be the most valuable?
Aside from the air conditioning/heater in Camp Mode, the auto leveler for sleeping, the pre-installed crossbar mounts, the 7-foot sleeping platform, and the tire air-up feature, we’ve loved the 120V and 12V plugins, along with several USB-C chargers. We installed a shower room off the roof rack coupled with a hot water device that plugs into the 12V plugin for hot showers after hikes. She can even plug in her hairdryer!
Our custom-fit blow-up mattress, which inflates in two minutes using an air compressor that plugs into the 12V port, has been a game-changer. It allows us to quickly set up and stow our bed, maximizing space. Charging our phones and watches with USB-C ports while we sleep has also been convenient, reducing the need for portable chargers on backcountry trips. Driver+ helps combat fatigue on long drives, making it easier to travel back home after long treks or between my ER shops.
Any future road trips or adventures planned for the rest of the summer?
We were so impressed with the R1S on our last trip that we’re planning a three-week adventure across California next month, backpacking, rock climbing, surfing, and scuba diving all out of the Rivian. The charging network’s reliability has given me confidence to switch to off-road tires for even more trail exploration. We’re considering an additional storage box for the roof rack to hold all our gear for this extended trip.
The R1S has addressed all the pain points I experienced with my previous truck setup, providing comfort, off-road capability, and the ability to sleep anywhere in virtually any weather. It truly supports our adventurous lifestyle while pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with an electric vehicle.
Follow Rivian for more cool stories: @RivianOfficial on Instagram
Follow our adventures: @theOverlandERtravel on Instagram
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