Rivian Owner Discovers Something Cool About R1T After Hurricane Helene

A Rivian R1T owner from North Carolina has recently discovered something cool about his electric truck – it can be submerged in deep muddy waters and survive. In a Facebook video uploaded by Joshua Vincent Sauer, the owner of the affected truck explained how the incident happened.

According to the owner, he parked his truck across a U-haul facility near the Swannanoa River in Asheville, North Carolina, just as Hurricane Helene started to wreak havoc in the southeast region of the US. With waters rising due to the hurricane, the owner expected his truck to be unusable when he returned. To his surprise, the R1T – found around 150 feet from where he parked, covered in mud up to the roof – popped out its door handles as he approached.

Worked As If Nothing Happened

The owner further shared that he was ready to call his insurance company and file his truck as totaled. It was completely covered in mud and obviously had a battle with the water current based on its position, but it still worked as if nothing happened. After cleaning the windshield, the owner was able to drive away and has since charged the car to a surprisingly open Electrify America charging site.

The owner was obviously delighted by this, even saying that he’s now a believer (despite already buying one). The incident also turned non-Rivian owners into believers, too, starting with the video uploader who publicly stated that he wanted an R1T after witnessing this feat.

EV Batteries Are Sealed

Obviously, EV batteries, which are usually found on the bottom of the vehicle, are sealed and weatherproof, shielded from whatever elements the road might throw at them. However, this recent incident is proof of how Rivian seals its battery packs, which, according to an email to InsideEVs, include salt spray tests to make sure that they are safe from corrosion.

It is, however, not recommended wading through floods carelessly, despite the positive outcome of this recent Rivian incident. Road cars are not meant to be used as boats, regardless of what that automaker CEO suggested, and there are several factors you should consider before going for a swim.

H/T:
InsideEVs