Future Rivian R2 owners ask about camping with AC all night — drivers say it costs 8-10% batteryThe Cool DownAaron GoldsteinFri, September 25, 2026 at 10:09 PM UTCAdd us on GooglePhoto Credit: iStockA couple considering a Rivian R2 as their first EV wanted to know whether an electric SUV can keep them comfortable overnight without draining the battery.Here's what to knowIn the Reddit thread, the original poster wrote, "Wife and I plan to be first-time EV owners soon. The Rivian R2 is at the top of our list."They asked, "Can we run the air conditioning and/or heat all night while sleeping in the Rivian R2?"People who had already spent nights in EVs said the battery impact is modest.AdvertisementAdvertisementOne wrote, "The cabin overheat protection is a game changer for sleeping in these things. Runs all night and uses maybe 8-10% battery, nothing to stress over for a weekend trip. Rivian's camp mode keeps the screens dim and climate steady. It's basically designed for exactly what you're talking about."Another response came from someone who had tried it in more than one vehicle."I have camped in below zero temperatures and above 90 in Tesla Model Y and R1S," they said. "In both cases it was extremely comfortable. But, you have to do something with your stuff because your bed takes up all the storage space."A Fisker Ocean owner in the discussion described it this way: "Car camping is certainly a thing, with the EV advantage being that you don't need to run an engine (and risk exhaust fumes) to have the car 'on.'"More backgroundFor overnight trips, one of the big advantages of an EV is that the cabin can stay cool or warm without a gas engine idling the whole time. That can make sleeping quieter and cleaner, with no engine noise, no tailpipe exhaust, and no gasoline burned just to keep the temperature comfortable.AdvertisementAdvertisementBefore heading out, one commenter suggested testing the sleep setup at home first to make sure it feels workable.Leaving extra charge in reserve was another recurring piece of advice. One commenter said overnight climate control "uses surprisingly little battery, usually just 1-2% per hour depending on outside temps," but having a cushion can make the morning drive to the next charger less stressful.Drivers also mentioned a few simple add-ons, like window shades and a small tent to hold gear outside the vehicle.Where can I learn more?If you're considering an EV for camping or road trips, there are plenty of options to consider.AdvertisementAdvertisement• Winnebago's eRV2 electric motorhome points to cleaner road trips with longer overnight stays in mind.• Vanacea unveiled a fully-electric camper van built for off-grid travel and self-charging stops.• More travelers are turning to solar-powered RV setups to stretch road trips off-grid.Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips, smart advice, and a chance to earn $5,000 toward home upgrades. To see more stories like this one, change your Google preferences here.