Rivian bought back a 24,000-mile R1T from its owner for full price, and here's why

Mitch Dumke, an owner of the Rivian R1T, has shared his mixed experiences with the electric truck over a 15-month period, during which he covered 24,000 miles. Dumke used the truck for various ranching tasks, including hauling trailers and transporting tools.

While Dumke praised the R1T as a reliable work truck, he encountered significant issues. The truck required towing four times due to malfunctions in the drive system and parking brake, rendering it inoperable. Despite these setbacks, Dumke commended Rivian's exceptional customer service. The company promptly arranged tow services, provided transportation credits, and supplied rental cars during these incidents.

Dumke's reliance on a rental car from Enterprise spanned about 45 days within a three-to-four-month period, eroding his trust in the Rivian R1T. Consequently, he and Rivian reached an agreement for the company to buy back the truck at full price, as the issues remained unresolved after several service appointments.

Despite his experiences, Dumke still recommends the Rivian R1T, considering his situation an isolated incident and recognizing the company's efforts to learn from its mistakes. He noted a few issues, such as a faulty powered tonneau cover and a problematic hood latch, but also highlighted positive features. The truck's bed-mounted electrical outlets and the innovative Gear Tunnel were particularly useful on his farm, offering convenient power access and storage solutions for items like boots and tools.

In summary, Dumke's experience with the Rivian R1T illustrates both the potential and growing pains of electric vehicles in demanding work environments. His story underscores the importance of responsive customer service and continuous product improvement in the burgeoning electric vehicle market.

Source: InsideEVs