Can you make real coffee in a Rivian while charging? Absolutely. For less than the cost of a week’s worth of drive-thru coffee, you can set up a complete portable brewing station in your electric truck. Here’s exactly what I use.
The Discovery: Electric Kettle Meets Electric Vehicle Link to heading
It’s a fall October evening. The sun is sinking behind the Cascades as my Rivian hums quietly at a charging station. The air has that unmistakable Northwest bite – cool, damp, and earthy. I’m leaning against the tailgate, watching the light fade, when a simple craving hits: I want a cup of coffee. Maybe tea. Or even instant soup.
That’s when it clicks. Why not keep an electric kettle in the truck?
The Rivian has 120V outlets built right in. Silent power on tap. No generator, no gas stove – just plug-and-play convenience that makes a charging stop feel like home.
My Complete Budget Rivian Coffee Setup Link to heading
Total cost: $70-75 (less than most people spend on coffee in a week)
Sure, you could spend $200+ on a fancy temperature-controlled gooseneck kettle. But for tailgate coffee while your EV charges? This budget setup delivers café-quality results without the premium price tag.
1. Amazon Basics Electric Kettle – $30 Link to heading
Get the Amazon Basics Electric Kettle →
This is the foundation of the whole setup. The Amazon Basics Electric Stainless Steel Kettle is compact, durable, and surprisingly fast. It holds just over a quart of water and boils in 4-5 minutes thanks to a 1500-watt heating element.
Why it’s perfect for the Rivian:
- 1500W power draw works perfectly with Rivian’s 120V outlets
- Auto shut-off prevents battery drain if you forget it
- Boil-dry protection for peace of mind
- Stainless-steel interior (BPA-free and easy to clean)
- Compact enough to store in the gear tunnel or under a seat
The affordability is a bonus – it’s cheap enough to keep permanently in the truck without worrying if it gets knocked around on rough roads.
2. Hario V60 Plastic Coffee Dripper – $16 Link to heading
The Hario V60 Plastic Coffee Dripper 02 is lightweight, unbreakable, and built for travel. Plastic might not sound premium, but it’s actually ideal for a vehicle setup – no broken ceramic or chipped enamel to worry about.
Perfect for EV camping because:
- Practically indestructible
- Weighs almost nothing
- Makes exceptional pour-over coffee
- Fits over most mugs or thermoses
- Takes up minimal storage space
3. Mini Manual Coffee Grinder – $25 Link to heading
Fresh-ground coffee makes all the difference. This Mini Manual Coffee Grinder has 40 adjustable settings and a small crank that feels satisfyingly mechanical. There’s something about grinding beans by hand that slows time down just enough to appreciate the moment.
Why hand-grinding works for road trips:
- No power needed (save the battery for the kettle)
- Compact and portable
- Consistent grind quality
- Becomes part of the ritual
- Quiet operation (no 6am blender noise at campsites)
How to Make Pour-Over Coffee in Your Rivian Link to heading
The next morning after ordering my setup, I made my first pour-over coffee from the tailgate. Here’s the process:
- Plug in the kettle to your Rivian’s 120V outlet (front trunk, bed, or cabin)
- Grind your beans while the water heats (about 30 grams for a 16oz cup)
- Set up the V60 over your mug with a paper filter
- Pour slowly in a spiral motion once the kettle boils
- Enjoy as steam rises into the cool air
As the kettle reached a quiet boil, I poured a slow spiral of water over freshly ground beans, steam rising into the cool air. The smell of coffee mixed with pine and damp leaves. No gas stove, no noise – just quiet, efficient heat from the truck’s battery and a ritual that felt grounding.
That first sip was everything.
Maybe it was the crisp air, maybe it was the silence – but it reminded me that simple comforts don’t need to be sacrificed when you travel electric. With a few compact tools and some fresh beans, even a charging stop can feel like a café in the woods.
Beyond Coffee: Other Uses for Your Rivian Electric Kettle Link to heading
This setup isn’t just for coffee. The electric kettle opens up a whole world of possibilities:
- Tea – proper brewing temperature for any variety
- Instant meals – ramen, soup, oatmeal, dehydrated camping food
- Hot chocolate – perfect for kids on family road trips
- French press coffee – if pour-over isn’t your style
- Hot water bottles – instant warmth on cold camping nights
Storage Tips for Your EV Coffee Kit Link to heading
I keep this little setup packed and ready in a small stuff sack:
- Kettle stores in the gear tunnel or front trunk
- V60 and grinder nest together in a small bag
- Coffee beans in an airtight container
- Filters and a small towel complete the kit
Everything fits in a space smaller than a shoebox, and it’s always ready for the next adventure.
Budget Coffee Setup: The Complete List Link to heading
Ready to upgrade your charging stops? Here’s everything you need:
- Amazon Basics Electric Kettle (~$30) – Fast-boiling, reliable, perfect for EV use
- Hario V60 Dripper (~$16) – Portable perfection for pour-overs
- Mini Hand Grinder (~$25) – The ritual of the road in 30 grams
Total investment: Less than $75 for café-quality coffee anywhere your Rivian takes you.
Whether it’s a dawn departure or a sunset stop, there’s something satisfying about brewing coffee right from the Rivian – electrons in, caffeine out.
FAQ: Making Coffee in Your Rivian Link to heading
Will using an electric kettle drain my Rivian’s battery? Minimally. Boiling water uses about 0.1-0.2 kWh, which is less than 0.2% of your total battery capacity. You won’t even notice the difference in range.
Can I use this setup in other electric vehicles? Yes! Any EV with a standard 120V outlet can handle this 1500W kettle. Tesla Model X/S, Ford F-150 Lightning, and most other EVs with power outlets will work perfectly.
Do I need special filters for the Hario V60? Standard V60 size 02 paper filters work great. Buy a pack of 100 and keep them with your kit.
Can I use pre-ground coffee instead of the hand grinder? Absolutely. The hand grinder elevates the experience, but pre-ground coffee works fine if you want to simplify the setup even more (and save $25).
What about cleaning while on the road? The beauty of this setup is how easy it is to clean. Rinse the kettle and V60 with water, compost the grounds and filter, and you’re done. No soap needed between uses.