Rivian R1S becomes backup battery during Hurricane Beryl

A Rivian R1S became a backup battery source for a homeowner in Texas during Hurricane Beryl. 

After a week-long power outage in Texas, Rivian Forums member BrayBay used his R1S as a backup battery. Hurricane Beryl hit Houston last week, leaving thousands of residents without power. He used extension cables and power strips to power several appliances in his home, including the refrigerator, coffee maker, air fryer, single stovetops, fans, personal devices, and flashlights. The R1S owner also charged his Rivian camp speaker, allowing him to relax a little.

“Overall, the Rivian turned a terrible situation into something a lot more bearable and with less things to worry about. I ended up using roughly 8% - 9% per day, so I could have gone almost two weeks on the Rivian alone before needing to fast charge. Very impressed with the Rivian, and so lucky to be an owner,” wrote BrayBay.

The Rivian Forums member encouraged other Rivian owners to share their power outage stories. He also asked if they knew better ways to connect Rivian car batteries to charge household items. A few Rivian R1 owners shared their power outage stories and how their electric vehicles saved them. 

BrayBay and the other Rivian owners' power outage stories suggest that bidirectional charging would be useful for R1 drivers. During Investor Day, Rivian briefly discussed the release of its bidirectional charger. The company noted that the R1T and R1S can have up to 24 kW of bidirectional charging with a specific wall mount. Rivian R2 vehicles will also be capable of bidirectional charging up to 11 kW.

Read BrayBay's Rivian R1S power outage experience here

Check out some of our cool Rivian accessories for your R1T and R1S!

Want a cooler cabin? For those hot sunny days, the Rivian R1S Glass Roof Sunshade is a must-have. This custom-designed shade keeps the interior cool and protected from harmful UV rays. It's quick and easy to install and remove, with a handy storage bag for convenience. Plus, the included clips ensure a secure fit, so you can enjoy the ride without a worry.

Want to make your Rivian R1S look even cooler? The Rivian R1S Chrome Delete DIY Kit is a simple project that lets you ditch the chrome trim and achieve a sleek, modern look. It covers the chrome above the doors, behind the windows, and above the windshield, transforming your R1S with a clean, cohesive aesthetic. And the best part? You can easily install it yourself – no professional needed!

Need a license plate holder that goes on in a flash? We hear you! The Rivian R1T / R1S Front License Plate Holder "Quick Bandit" is the answer. This bad boy uses a special latching system so you can take it on and off in seconds – seriously, it's that fast! Perfect if you want to keep your Rivian looking sleek when you're out cruising.

Keeping your Rivian R1S sparkling clean just got easier! These All-Weather Floor Mats by 3D MAXPider are the real deal. They're made with a super durable material that looks great and protects your floors from all kinds of messes, rain or shine. The special grippy bottoms mean no slipping or sliding either.

Same goes for the Rivian R1T All-Weather Floor Mats by 3D MAXPider! They'll keep your truck looking sharp and protected no matter what you throw at it.