Former Tesla aficionado Michael Cusick has shifted his loyalty to Rivian Automotive RIVN following the survival of his Rivian R1T electric truck in Hurricane Helene.
What Happened: Cusick, a resident of Asheville, North Carolina, was a staunch supporter of Tesla Inc TSLA having owned and extensively driven a Model 3. However, his experience with the Rivian R1T during Hurricane Helene, which wreaked havoc in the southeast, including Asheville, has led him to switch his allegiance to Rivian.
According to the report by Business Insider, after weighing several options including the Tesla Cybertruck and the Chevy Silverado EV, Cusick purchased a Rivian R1T in June 2024.
He was attracted to the Rivian R1T due to its midsize truck capabilities, its ability to traverse narrower trails, and its air suspension that provides about 2 feet of ground clearance.
During the onslaught of Hurricane Helene, Cusick’s Rivian was swallowed…


