You have to give it to South Cali-based automotive startup Rivian, which has been working in near secrecy for almost a decade. They are building an all-electric pickup that was officially revealed last night at the historic Griffith Observatory ahead of the 2018 LA Auto Show press day tomorrow.
With the likes of Tesla making all the electric news, this small company with 600 employees has flown under the radar. Well, the secret is finally out.
Mid-size truck with balls
The R1T — a refined, 5-passenger pickup with adventurers in mind — will sprint 0-60 in a mere 3 seconds, tow up to 5,000 kg, and provide around 800 kilograms of payload, all with up to 400+ miles of range. And frankly, it looks badass, exuding an attitude you don’t typically see from electric vehicles. So, we expect Rivian’s upcoming SUV to floss the same design philosophy.
Here’s our story on the R1T’s specs then and now.
R1T vs Ranger vs Tacoma
The Rivian R1T is similar in size to mid-size trucks like the Ford Ranger and Toyota Tacoma. However, it edges out both competitors with its 226-inch wheelbase, offering a bit more length.
This longer wheelbase contributes to its stability and interior space, giving it an advantage in comfort and handling. The R1T also stands taller at 71.5 inches, providing better ground clearance for off-road adventures. These dimensions make the R1T a formidable contender in the mid-size pickup segment, balancing capability with practicality.
2021 R1T Price & Release Date
This mid-size hauler won’t come cheap. Nor should it considering it’s capabilities. Expect to pay US$69,000 for the base trim powered by 4 electric motors and a 230+ mile range from its 105 kWh battery. The company is taking $1,000 pre-orders now.
Produced out of Rivian’s Normal, Il plant in the US, expect the R1T production to being 2020 for the $69,000 base trim, following the production of some higher-end versions first.
At nearly $70,000, the price tag is hefty for a small pickup in a segment that’s heating up with the likes of the resurging Chevy Colorado, the upcoming Ford Ranger with a $30,000 MSRP, and the popular Toyota Tacoma. But again, the R1T isn’t your typical mid-size truck.
