The Rivian R1T Specs: Then and Now

In 2018, Plymouth, Michigan-based Rivian showed a concept version of its R1T electric pickup truck at the Los Angeles auto show and announced its plan to sell it to the public in 2020. However, delays saw the first customer vehicle roll off the production line and delivered to a customer in September 2021. The initially announced R1T specs are mostly accurate against confirmed numbers today but are not identical. We have firm numbers for the 522 hp Dual-Motor AWD, the 655 hp R1T Performance Dual-Motor AWD, and the high-performance 835 hp R1T Quad-Motor AWD.

Electric pickups were all late to the game

If Rivian had successfully brought the R1T to market in 2020, it would likely be the first automaker to sell an all-electric, full-size pickup truck in North America. Rivian’s main rival in the EV pickup arena at the time was Tesla, which showed off its wedgy Cybertruck in a November 2019 presentation (yes, with that infamous window smash) with a promise the vehicle would be on sale in late 2021. Ford has said it would launch a gas-electric hybrid F-150 pickup in 2020, eventually following up with a full EV version – which it did with the F-150 Lightning. At the 2024 CES show in Las Vegas, VinFast revealed its own mid-size, all-electric VF Wild Concept truck, perhaps an R1T competitor.

Rivian R1T Dimensions: Width Rivalling Full-Size Trucks

According to Rivian’s specifications (both in 2019 and now), the R1T is 217.1 inches/5,514 mm long and 79.3 inches/2,014 mm wide, and it rides on a 135.8-inch/3,449-mm wheelbase. In length and wheelbase, the R1T is larger than a typical four-door mid-size pickup, but smaller than a full-size truck in a four-door body style. The R1T’s width is similar to that of a full-size truck. The Rivian R1T only comes as a four-door with a single cargo bed size. Check out our list of best small trucks here if you’re shopping for a proper mid-size pickup.

The R1T is built on a chassis the company calls a “skateboard” for its flat design and low centre of gravity; it houses the battery pack between the front and rear wheels. The exact structure underpins the R1S electric SUV that Rivian revealed at the LA auto show.

Rivian R1T Horsepower & Performance

Rivian initially claimed the R1T would offer up to 750 horsepower and 829 lb-ft of torque with its largest 180 kWh battery, achieving a rapid 0-60 mph acceleration in three seconds. However, the promised 750 horsepower model does not exist. The R1T lineup would include three battery packs – 105 kWh, 135 kWh, and the top-end 180 kWh. The base model, equipped with the 105-kWh battery, was expected to deliver over 230 miles (370 km) of driving range, while the 180-kWh variant boasts a range exceeding 400 miles (640 km). Unfortunately, Rivian didn’t disclose charging times for the R1T in 2019.

The confirmed specs for all three R1T models as of January 2024:

Will the Rivian R1T be able to go off-road?

The Rivian R1T’s standard four-wheel drive comes from individual motors at each wheel. The company says that arrangement will allow for both highway driving and low-speed rock-crawling. An air suspension provides up to 14 inches/355 mm of ground clearance; the air suspension offers cornering roll control on the highway and adjusts the ride continuously in response to the road surface.

Rivian R1T Towing Capacity and Payload

Back in 2019, Rivian’s specs said the R1T would tow 11,000 pounds/5,000 kg and handle 1,760 pounds/800 kg of payload, figures that compare favorably with most mid-size trucks and challenge some full-size models. Well, these numbers are valid today.

• Towing capacity: 11,000 pounds
• Payload: 1,760 pounds

Because the electric R1T has no engine or conventional drivetrain, Rivian has built in some unique cargo-carrying features. In addition to the cargo bed, there is a front trunk boasting 11.1 cubic feet/314L of volume and a cargo tunnel between the rear doors and rear wheels that can hold 12.4 cubic feet/351L of gear.

Take a look at more electric trucks here.