Rivian goes to great lengths to prove what its electric vehicles are capable of, and now, the automaker has created the Rivian Adventure Department (RAD) to push performance beyond limits. Since its inception in 2009, Rivian has often impressed by pitching its vehicles in extreme environments, and now, through RAD, it intends to do more.
One notable adventure was in 2019, when Rivian sent two R1T prototypes to the southern tip of South America, driving 13,000 miles from Patagonia to Los Angeles as chase vehicles during the filming of the documentary series Long Way Up. Around 140 charging stations were set up on the route to charge both cars.
The American brand defines RAD as “a team of Rivian designers, engineers, and adventure enthusiasts who spend their days and nights exploring the limits of what a Rivian can do.” Their only mission is “finding the next level of what’s possible with our vehicles, bridging between where we find the extremes and the features that end up in your driveway.”
Jeff Hammoud, Rivian’s chief design officer, describes RAD as the “DNA” of the company. He said:
“RAD represents the living, breathing expression of the passion that defines Rivian. That impulse to explore, to push limits, and to embrace the adventure is not confined to one team—it is the very DNA of our entire company, from the designers and engineers to our community of owners.
“The Rivian Adventure Department simply gives an official name and a powerful focus to the transparent, open spirit that drives every vehicle we design and every mile we seek out. It’s a promise to never stop pushing the boundaries of adventure.”
From winning the Rebelle Rally (America’s longest competitive off-road navigation rally) in 2023 to setting a production electric truck record at Pikes Peak in 2024, Rivian has a lot to boast about. For 2026, RAD has set its eyes on the 2026 FAT Ice Race in Big Sky, Montana, to push its limit on snow.
However, Luke Lynch, Chief Engineer, R1, describes competition as just one aspect of the adventure. He said:
“RAD is where we maximize the capability of our vehicles. Subjecting them to extreme conditions—from the 14,000-foot ascent of Pikes Peak to the barren deserts of the Rebelle Rally. For us, the competition is only one element. Vigorously validating every system, component and algorithm is the other.
“The greatest outcome of developing the vehicles in these extreme environments is a beautifully well rounded vehicle. The cherry on top is translating those hard-won lessons into features, like the new RAD Tuner, that deliver next-level fun to our owners.”