Page 61 - Motor Trend (April 2020)

Electric Pickups I ROUNDUP

Rivian R1T Late 2020
Price $69,000
(high-content launch model, 105-kW-hr
battery, before applicable tax credits)
Powertrain Layout 4 inboard motors;
402–750 hp/413–829 lb-ft comb;
1-speed auto gearboxes; 105-, 135-,
or 180-kW-hr battery pack
Configuration 4-door/5-pass/4.5-ft bed
L x W x H; Wheelbase
217.1 x 79.3 x 71.4 in; 135.8 in
Performance 0–60: 3.0–4.0 sec;
230-, 300-, or 400-mile EPA range*
Towing/Payload Capacity
11,000/1,760 lb*
Unique Selling Propositions
12.4-cubic-foot “gear tunnel” stowage
compartment offering pull-out kitchen Rivian’s dressy interior is designed for easy
cleanup. The SuperFabric carpet and mats
and other accessories, “tank-turn”
inspired by outdoor furniture can be hosed off.
maneuverability on dirt, removable
speakers and flashlight, three-position
like a Ring-style doorbell cam, watching delinked for full articulation off-road.
Swing-and-Drop (90- or 180-degree)
and recording any suspicious behavior. Like all new EVs, a 110-volt charger
tailgate *estimated
The launch models will all feature four- comes with the vehicle. Rivian will sell a
ivian wants to be to outdoorsy motor all-wheel drive with a choice of three Level 2 home charging unit; at public DC
adventurers what Tesla is to on-road battery sizes and different power output fast chargers the battery can accept up
Rperformance lovers: a fashionable, levels. The announced $69,000 initial price to 250 kW when the battery is near empty.
high-performance, upscale, thoughtful, buys a loaded launch edition with the If you’re fretting about this startup’s
green product filled with surprise and 105-kW-hr battery and full SAE Level 3 long-term prospects, please note that
delight features. Countering Tesla’s autonomous driving capability (in good even if nobody buys a single R1T or R1S, the
Superchargers will be the Rivian Adventure weather and on limited-access freeways, Normal, Illinois, plant can keep busy for
Network of rural CCS chargers in places ramp to ramp). The middle 135-kW-hr years while building the 100,000 Amazon
like national parks, which non-Rivian battery gets the highest output rating Prime delivery vans and undisclosed
owners will be able to use, as well. (750 hp/829 lb-ft) to deliver Tesla-esque number of Ford SUVs already contracted.
A short 4.5-foot bed keeps the R1T 3.0-second 0–60 acceleration. In Tesla But we reckon Rivian’s timing and product
maneuverable and easy to park, with its fashion, more affordable R1T variants will are right for the R1T to make a splash.
reduced cargo volume amply augmented follow, along with additional powertrain
by an 11.7-cubic-foot frunk and a novel options in 2021 or later.
12.4-cubic-foot “gear tunnel” The Rivian party trick Tesla can’t match
under the rear bench seat, which is the tank-turn. On low-friction dirt,
is accessible from either side sand, or snow, it can spin the left tires in
via swing-down doors that one direction and the rights in the other
function as seats while donning to pivot in place. A height-adjustable
adventure gear or as bed steps air suspension features Tenneco
(300-pound max). With the Kinetic hydraulically cross-linked
gooseneck-hinged tailgate dampers that function like
folded down, the bed deck is anti-roll bars and can be
long enough to accommodate a
typical road or dirt motorcycle.
The tailgate will also be
able to drop straight down to
improve bed accessibility, and
it can be motorized. Other bed
features include Gear Guard
security cables, which include a
fiber optic line that alarms and
messages the owner if cut. The
camera facing the bed also works

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