- First all-electric, all-wheel drive pickup
- 3-row SUV version also available
- Four motors deliver nearly 800 horsepower
- Boasts 11,000-pound towing capacity
- Max range of 400 miles per charge
- Priced from $69,000
Rivian, a startup EV maker, has unveiled its first product, an all-electric pickup truck called the Rivian R1T as well as a 7-passenger 3-row SUV called the R1S, both of which promise a maximum range of 400 miles or more. The pickup and SUV are equipped with four 147 kW (197 horsepower) electric motors at each wheel, giving the R1T a tow capacity of up to 11,000 pound and the R1S 7,700 pounds.
The R1T/R1S which the company says it will begin deliveries in late 2020, will be available with two battery packs at launch, 135 kWh or 180 kWh, with respective ranges of 300 and 400 miles for the pickup and 310 and 410 miles for the SUV. The 135-kW version is rated at a total system output of 753 horsepower and 826 lb-ft of torque good for 0-60 mph acceleration of 3.0 seconds. The larger battery pack delivers slightly less horsepower, 522, but the same 826 lb-ft of torque and is said to go from 0-60 in 3.2 seconds.
An entry level model with a 105-kWh battery with a range of 230 miles for the R1T and 240 miles for the R1S is promised a year later. That model will make a combined output of 402 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque with a 0-60 mph time of 4.9 seconds. Top speed of all models is 125 mph.
Skateboard design
The Rivian R1T’s cab and 55.1-inch bed ride on a “skateboard” that contains the battery pack, while the SUV uses similar body on chassis construction. The motors are hung on the front axles on either side of the pack. Rivian says this construction provides the vehicle with a low center of gravity, which will help with ride and handling. The crew cab configuration has seating for five passengers.
The Rivian R1T has a conventional look, with a conventional nose that houses storage of 11.6 cubic feet beneath the hood. The cargo area is said to hold an additional 12.6 cubic feet of space in a “gear tunnel” that runs side-to-side beneath the cargo bed. The Rivian R1S will be offered in 5-passenger 2-row and 7 passenger 3-row configurations.
The R1T/R1S rides on a 135.8-inch wheelbase, measures 215.5 inches in overall length, is 79.3 inches wide and stands 71.4 inches tall. The Rivian R1T is roughly the size of a half-ton pickup truck like the Chevrolet Silverado or Ford F-150, while the the R1S is similar to the Chevy Tahoe or Ford Expedition.
Outdoor adventure rather than work
While the Rivian R1T boasts a high towing capacity, the company said it is focused on more outdoor adventure instead of providing an electric work truck. Similarily, the R1S SUV’s all-wheel drive capability and unique storage solutions are geared towards an upscale, active lifestyle audience that may be more in the market for a Land Rover, which Rivian cites as its closest competitor.
Where will the Rivian R1T/R1S be built?
Rivian will build its truck and SUV at the former Mitsubishi Motors assembly plant in Bloomington, Ill. The plant was originally built for a Chrysler-Mitsubishi joint venture called Diamond-Star Motors.
What will the Rivian R1T/R1S cost?
Rivian is taking a refundable $1,000 deposit for deliveries slated in late 2020 with prices starting at $69,000 for the R1T and $72,500 for the R1S before a $7,500 federal tax credit.
