Maryland to North Carolina in a Rivian: Autonomy Test + Rivian Adventure Network Charging Only

Can you road trip a Rivian from Maryland to North Carolina while leaning heavily on Rivian’s autonomy features and charging exclusively on the Rivian Adventure Network? In this video (embedded below), I put that exact challenge to the test. I’ll walk through the strategy, what worked, what surprised me, and the practical takeaways you can use on your next trip.

 

Quick Takeaways (TLDR)

• Autonomy is a road-trip multiplier but only if you treat it like an assistant, not a substitute for driving.
• Charging strategy matters more than range anxiety: charger spacing, amenities, and timing can make or break the trip experience.
• Consistency beats perfection: a repeatable process (arrive, plug, check status, plan next leg) reduces stress fast.
• Real-world quirks happen including the recurring onboard air compressor noise you’ll hear in the video.

The Road Trip Challenge

The goal was simple (and a little stubborn):

• Drive from Maryland to North Carolina on a real route with real traffic and real timing constraints.
• Use Rivian’s autonomy/driver assistance features as much as possible where appropriate.
• Charge exclusively on the Rivian Adventure Network along the way.

This wasn’t a “perfect conditions” demo. It was a normal trip: highway miles, stops you actually make, and decisions you have to make in real time.

Pre-Trip Setup (What I Recommend Before You Leave)

If you want autonomy + charging to feel smooth, do these before you roll out of the driveway:

1) Confirm your baseline vehicle settings

• Update software (if an update is pending, decide if you’re installing now or after the trip).
• Set your driver assistance preferences the way you actually like them (alerts, follow distance, etc.).
• Check tire pressure and cargo load as both impact efficiency and feel.

2) Plan your charging “rhythm” (not just a route)

• Pick stops based on how you travel like bathroom/food timing, daylight, weather, and how long you want to sit.
• Aim for a repeatable target: arrive with a comfortable buffer, charge to the next-leg comfort level, then move.
• Have a backup mindset even when you’re doing “RAN only”: know what your options would be if something is down.

3) Start with the end in mind

• Where are you sleeping / ending the day?
• Do you need to arrive with extra charge for local driving?
• Is your destination charging-friendly?

On the Road: Autonomy in the Real World

In the video, I use Rivian’s autonomy platform/driver assistance features heavily during highway stretches. Here’s the most useful way to think about it:

• It reduces workload especially during long, repetitive highway segments.
• It reduces “micro-fatigue” (the constant tiny corrections and speed adjustments that wear you down).
• It’s still driver-first: attention rules and situational awareness always apply.  Be ready to intervene at any time if the system makes a mistake.

My practical tip: treat autonomy as a “stress reducer,” not a “time saver.” If you approach it that way, it becomes much easier to judge when to use it and when to disengage.

Charging Exclusively on the Rivian Adventure Network

Charging can be the best part of a road trip (seriously) if you make it predictable. The RAN-only constraint was a good stress test because it forces you to commit to a system and see how it performs.

What to pay attention to at each stop

• Arrival state of charge: Did you arrive with the buffer you expected?
• Charge behavior: Does it ramp as expected? Any surprises?
• Time-to-value: Are you getting enough energy in the first part of the session to justify staying longer?
• Amenities and safety: Restrooms, food, lighting, and general comfort matter more than people admit.

My “simple” charging workflow (steal this)

1. Plug in and confirm the session is actually running.
2. Check the estimated time to your target charge level (not necessarily 100%).
3. Immediately plan the next leg: next stop, ETA, and your arrival buffer.
4. Use the remaining time for what humans need: bathroom, food, stretch, and hydration.

The Unexpected (and the Funny Part)

No road trip is complete without at least one recurring “what is that noise?” moment. In this one, the onboard air compressor becomes a recurring character in the story and I leaned into it a bit for laughs in the video.

Road Trip Checklist for Rivian Owners

• ✅ Software updates checked
• ✅ Tire pressure set
• ✅ Charging plan with at least one backup for each charging stop
• ✅ Snacks + hydration (a couple sips only so you don't have to stop for restroom)
• ✅ Comfort kit: wipes, flashlight, charging cables, and a small trash bag

FAQ

Is “RAN only” realistic for most road trips?

It depends on your route and timing, but doing a trip with constraints is a great way to learn your vehicle, your preferences, and what “comfortable planning” looks like for you.

Do autonomy features actually make road trips easier?

They can, especially on long highway stretches. The key is using them intentionally and staying ready to take over at any time.

What’s the biggest mistake new EV road-trippers make?

Over-optimizing the plan on paper and under-optimizing the human experience. Convenience, amenities, and a calm buffer usually beat shaving a few minutes off a stop.

Watch the Full Video

If you want the full play-by-play including the charging stops, how the autonomy behavior feels over a long day, and the compressor “cameo” 😂 watch the embedded video above.

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