Gas vs Electric · Real running cost
Rivian R1S: charging cost vs gas
We've set the Rivian R1S as your EV below. Pick the gas car you'd compare against, set your prices and miles, and see the real cost difference — and the break-even.
When you come out ahead
Showing cumulative fuel savings. Add the two cars' prices in the controls to plot your exact break-even point.
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The R1S is Rivian's three-row electric SUV, sharing the R1T's adventure hardware in a family-friendly body. At about 1.9 mi/kWh it isn't efficient, but it competes with large gas SUVs in the 16–20 mpg range that are expensive to fuel. Charge at home and the per-mile cost drops well below gasoline.
Like the R1T, big tires, off-roading and towing all pull efficiency down, so a hard-worked R1S narrows the gap. As a daily-driver family hauler on home charging, though, the fuel savings against a thirsty gas SUV are substantial — and it's a premium price, so lean on the break-even to judge it.
What to keep in mind
- Three-row space with a far lower per-mile fuel cost than a big gas SUV.
- ~1.9 mi/kWh is low, so home charging is essential to the savings.
- Off-road tires and towing cut efficiency; the ~$76,000 price needs the miles to pay back.
Rivian R1S: common questions
How much does it cost to charge a Rivian R1S?
At the U.S. average home electricity price of about 17¢/kWh and roughly 1.9 mi/kWh, a Rivian R1S costs about 9¢ per mile to charge at home — around $1,074 a year at 12,000 miles. Public DC fast-charging costs more, so set your home/public mix in the calculator.
Is a Rivian R1S cheaper to run than a gas car?
Charging at home, usually yes. Against a typical 18-mpg gas SUV, the Rivian R1S's per-mile fuel cost is much lower — the calculator shows your annual fuel saving and how long the price difference takes to pay back.