I Traded My 100,000-Mile Tesla Model 3 for a Rivian R1T, But After Just 30 Days of Ownership, a Tesla Driver Flipped Me Off on the Freeway

There’s something uniquely fascinating about the early days of ownership when switching to a new vehicle, certainly when it’s an EV. That first month is full of discovery, comparisons, and quiet validations that you hopefully made the right call. But sometimes, something unexpected happens that completely reshapes the experience. That’s exactly what caught my eye today when I came across Chris Reade's post in the "RIVIAN Electric Vehicles Discussion group." Chris Reade, who's a new Rivian owner celebrating 30 days with his new R1T, had just been flipped off by a Tesla driver on the freeway. No words exchanged. No horn. Just a passing gesture of disdain, all while his family sat in the truck with him too. Here's what he had to say: 

“I’ve officially been a Rivian owner for 30 days now. Had a 2022 Tesla Model 3, which was great but was nearing 100,000 miles. So far, I love the Rivian, if asked to change anything, I would make it slightly larger, the truck I mean. Here’s a question for all: Anyone been flipped off by a Tesla driver? Happened to me yesterday while on the freeway. A Model 3 pulled up next to me. No incident with the driver, just a blatant bird to me while my family was in the car.”

Chris's story struck me as more than just a random encounter.  What does it mean when one EV driver takes a jab at another, especially when both brands have pushed electric mobility into the mainstream? That small, strange moment on the freeway might have been nothing, or it might reflect something more.

The Shift from Tesla to Rivian

To put this in context, Chris is one of many owners who have made the leap from Tesla to Rivian in recent months. Some buyers are finding themselves reconsidering their loyalty to Tesla, while others are discovering just how much fun and freedom a Rivian can deliver after doubting EVs altogether.

For many, the switch isn’t just about specs or tech, it’s about the vibe they feel like they're getting from their EV. Rivian leans into a spirit of calm adventure and thoughtful design, which can feel like a welcome contrast to Tesla’s high-octane innovation and relentless pace. Some owners are drawn to the outdoorsy personality Rivian projects, while others may feel more at home with Tesla’s established edge in performance and infrastructure. It really comes down to which experience resonates more with your lifestyle and values. This isn't to discredit either brand or to say that one or the other are lacking in these aspects, but this represents to the culture of the EV world that I see coming with both of these brands.

In an unexpected twist, this interaction brought to mind a similarly unusual experience involving another Tesla owner. Imagine stepping out of a shopping center only to find your Tesla has been keyed by an unknown individual. It’s a scenario no one wants to face, but it’s one that a fellow Tesla owner recently shared. In his case, he was hopeful that his car's Sentry Mode would capture the culprit and provide the evidence needed. The whole incident felt as sudden as it was frustrating, sparking questions about the safety and security of our beloved EVs in public spaces. If you’re curious to see how Sentry Mode came into play in this situation, be sure to check out the full story here, titled "I Caught Someone Keying My Tesla at a Shopping Center and I'm Hoping Sentry Mode Can Track Him Down."

What Other Owners Are Saying

Under Chris's post, several users shared their own perspectives. Some in solidarity and others with different experiences.

Matthew O'Shea chimed in with a broader view: “Both Rivian and Tesla are really great EVs. Really wish they were not political statements.”

I totally get what Matthew is trying to say. In today's world of heated politics, the topic of Tesla's CEO Elon Musk comes to mind as a polarizing figure on the global stage. Driving a Tesla or any EV shouldn't become a political statement, as owners don't reflect the ideas of an individual.

Tina Lee, on the other hand,  offered a contrasting personal story: “I’ve had the opposite with my 2025 Rivian R1S. I’ve had it for 30 days too and I’ve had three or four people ask me how I like it and what are the things I like or don’t like about it. I even charged at a Tesla charger and was trying to work out the adapter and a Tesla owner helped me. Lol I live in AZ, maybe it’s too hot to be mad?”

See, this is how it should be, and the reality is, for many, it still is. For every strange encounter like Chris’s, there are countless other moments, quiet and kind, that speak to the strength of the EV community. Tina’s story is a perfect reminder that most EV drivers, regardless of the badge, are just trying to figure things out, help each other at chargers, and maybe swap a few pros and cons. That kind of curiosity and mutual respect is what moves this space forward.

Then came Ian Collins, who offered a fresh third-party perspective: “I don’t own either, but I am very interested in Rivian and would choose that in a heartbeat over Tesla. It has nothing to do with the owner of Tesla, just the look and quality of the vehicles. I am not a fan of Musk or his politics, but I do know Tesla makes a quality vehicle as I see so many on the road now and they seem to be reliable and hold up well. You really can’t go wrong buying either, but I do appreciate that RJ has stayed away from politics and just continued the path to keep making something special that people like.”

Ian’s comment stands out as it reflects an outside-in perspective that’s free of brand loyalty. There’s value in that clarity. Without the baggage of ownership, Ian is focused on how the vehicles look, perform, and hold up, not how they trend online. And it’s refreshing to hear appreciation for both companies in the same perspective. That level-headed curiosity might just be the future of this space, especially as more people hopefully enter it not with brand allegiances, but with open minds and practical questions.

Finally, Dan Weiss added his take with a bit of humor and realism: “Sounds like a loser mad at life. I’ve had the opposite. A lot of Tesla owners want to know how I like it because they are thinking of switching to Rivian.”

Once again, this helps bridge the gap in explaining that not everything is about the hate. Many are curious to see other things out there.

Yet while Chris Reade’s Rivian R1T ownership has largely been positive, not all Rivian owners have had such smooth experiences. Another Rivian driver recently shared her frustration after encountering painfully slow Level 3 charging speeds and then being told they'd have to wait an entire month just to get their R1S serviced. That story - frustrating, eye-opening, and full of cautionary details - is worth reading if you’re curious about the potential downsides of owning an EV from a newer automaker like Rivian.

These kinds of unexpected moments in EV ownership—whether it’s a freeway encounter or something more technical—highlight just how many unusual learning curves come with adopting a newer electric brand. For instance, a Hyundai Ioniq 5 owner recently shared how his car went completely dead after sitting parked with a 78% charge for just 10 days, a scenario that’s both frustrating and deeply puzzling for any EV driver. Stories like these remind us that as electric vehicles push boundaries, they sometimes bring surprises that even seasoned EV enthusiasts don't see coming.

EV Culture: Tribalism or Curiosity?

These comments show that the dynamic between Tesla and Rivian drivers isn't black and white. For every story of hostility, there's one of curiosity or even friendly moments. There’s also the broader context of shifting EV brand loyalty, as reflected by owners who sold their Tesla Model 3s and saw regret unfold afterward, or others who stand by their Tesla no matter what the critics say.

Part of this polarization for Tesla, as an example, stems from something deeper than brand loyalty. It’s the way Tesla, and by extension, Elon Musk, have become cultural symbols. Once viewed almost universally as a forward-thinking disruptor, Tesla’s image has shifted in recent years, with Musk becoming increasingly vocal on political and social issues. Some fans admire his candor and see this part of him as a benefit. Others feel alienated, especially as his public persona veers further into political commentary and involvement in the new Department of Government Efficiency, commonly known as DOGE. 

This politicization has inevitably bled into the experience of owning a Tesla. For many, it creates discomfort. Turning what used to be a cool piece of tech into a kind of identity marker. Meanwhile, other Rivian owners are discovering the practical joys of EV ownership, like road tripping in a tri-motor R1S from Palm Springs to Las Vegas with unexpected comfort and range stability.

Chris’s story also reminds us that owning an EV can sometimes come with surprises - some funny, some frustrating. Even seemingly minor issues can leave owners scratching their heads, like the case of a Chevy Bolt driver who’s been hearing a strange “popcorn popping” sound from the front suspension - an issue so bizarre that even experienced mechanics are stumped. It’s a fascinating look into how some EV quirks remain elusive and unresolved. If you're intrigued by the more mysterious side of EV ownership, you’ll want to read about that curious case as well.

Your EV Doesn’t Define You, but Try Telling That to Everyone Else

I never thought switching from one EV to another would come with so many unspoken expectations. You’d think it’d be simple, you trade in one vehicle, drive off in another, and move on. But what I’ve seen, and what Chris’s story highlights, is that people sometimes read a lot into your choice of car. It’s like your EV says something about who you are, whether you meant it to or not. That shouldn’t be the case, but it’s part of today's growing culture.

What’s fascinating is that this space is no longer just about early adopters and range anxiety but also about how you’re perceived, even at a stoplight for example. Some people, like those who switched from a Kia EV6 to a Gen 2 Rivian R1S, find that change liberating. Others, like Chris, get a strange reminder that public perception can trail far behind personal intention. But the more we talk about these stories, the more we normalize the idea that choosing an EV is about fit, not loyalty to one thing or the other.

The Takeaways That Matter Most

So what are the takeaways here?

First, switching from one EV brand to another doesn't mean you're abandoning a team, it just means you're exploring what fits your life better at that moment.

Second, don’t let one weird freeway interaction color your view of an entire community. The majority of drivers, Tesla or Rivian, just want to enjoy their vehicles and share their differences.

And lastly, we might all benefit from unplugging the attitude and plugging into the shared values that got us into electric vehicles in the first place.

I’ve Said Enough, Now It’s Your Turn

Have you ever felt like your car said something about you even when you didn’t mean for it to? And do you think people read too much into the kind of car someone drives nowadays?

Let me know in the comments, I'd like to hear what you have to say about this.

Aram Krajekian is a young automotive journalist bringing a fresh perspective to his coverage of the evolving automotive landscape. Follow Aram on X and LinkedIn for daily news coverage about cars.

Image Sources: Grok and Chris Reade's post from the "RIVIAN Electric Vehicles Discussion" public Facebook group.