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Tesla dominates the electric vehicle segment. Vehicles such as the Model 3 and Model Y are very popular, while there’s much buzz about the long-awaited Cybertruck electric pickup truck. However, there are other EV automakers that aim to challenge Tesla’s dominance. This includes EV startup Rivian. While Rivian has a long way to go, it offers two excellent models: the R1T pickup truck and the R1S SUV. On top of that, the R1T and R1S have one huge advantage over all Tesla models: the Rivian Membership program.

Rivian Membership program gives the R1T and R1S an edge over Tesla models

Orange 2023 Rivian R1T electric pickup truck driving up a hill
2023 Rivian R1T | Rivian

Along with kicking off the EV wave, Tesla made big strides in the automotive industry by offering a unique ownership experience for its customers. However, Rivian beats Tesla at its own game with the generous Rivian Membership program for the electric R1T pickup truck and R1S SUV. This gives the Rivian R1T and R1S a crucial advantage.

The benefits of the Rivian Membership program for the R1T and R1S include:

  • Charge Assurance, in which Rivian will send someone to get the R1T or R1S recharged if it runs out of battery power
  • Free unlimited charging via the Rivian Adventure Network and all Rivian Waypoint chargers
  • Rivian off-Roadside Assistance, including Adventure Extraction, in which Rivian sends a recovery car to R1T and R1S owners that get stranded out in the wilderness
  • Unlimited access to 4G LTE connectivity
  • Rivian experiences: Rivian-led adventures, Rivian Hubs, educational programs and workshops, unique gatherings, children’s activities, and stewardship meet-ups
  • Rivian mile-matching: For every mile that R1T and R1S owners drive, Rivian matches that with contributions to sustainable energy, such as wind and solar power. 

Rivian aims to form a community of eco-minded adventure seekers with its membership program

Blue 2023 Rivian R1S electric SUV parked in a driveway
2023 Rivian R1S | Rivian

The benefits of the membership program for the Rivian R1T and R1S are more generous than anything that Tesla offers to its customers. Additionally, with the membership program, Rivan aims to create a community of eco-minded adventure seekers. 

This strategy has worked, for in its short existence, Rivian has already developed a loyal following of electric car enthusiasts that are passionate about the outdoors and protecting the environment. In particular, the “Rivian experiences” aspect of the membership program helps develop a network of like-minded enthusiasts.

This growing network will likely serve Rivian well over the long haul in creating a large customer base. One of the strengths of Tesla is its network of passionate owners, but Rivian takes this playbook to a whole new level.

Other advantages of the Rivian R1T and R1S over Tesla models

Rear angle view of red 2023 Tesla Model Y electric crossover SUV
2023 Tesla Model Y | Tesla

In addition to the membership program, the Rivian R1T and R1S have some other advantages over Tesla models. With their quad-motor all-wheel drive system, they are excellent vehicles for off-road use. While both automakers produce electric cars with great on-road driving dynamics, Rivian separates from Tesla with the off-road capabilities for the R1T and R1S. 

With an electric motor for each wheel, the R1T and R1S channel power to where it’s needed most for maximum traction on challenging terrain. Also, both EVs have an adjustable air suspension that can raise the ground clearance up to 14.9 inches. For even more off-road capabilities, the R1T and R1S have selectable modes for different driving and terrain conditions. This includes Off-Road Auto, Off-Road Rally, Off-Road Rock Crawl, Sport, Off-Road Drift, All-Purpose, Conserve, and Tow Mode.

Another strength of the R1T and R1S is how Rivian, compared to Tesla, takes more concrete measures to protect the environment. While the push behind EVs is to reduce carbon emissions, Rivian takes things a step further with its conservation efforts. This is exemplified by the Rivian Forever Fund, which places 1% of Rivian’s equity into initiatives that preserve and restore ecosystems — and address climate change. Plus, as described earlier, Rivian matches the miles that Rivian owners drive with renewable energy sources.

With the Rivian Membership program, the R1T pickup truck and R1S SUV have a huge advantage over all Tesla models. The Rivian Membership program is a key factor to keep in mind when deciding which electric car to get.