The Rivian R1T is the upcoming electric pickup truck from a Michigan-based start-up, backed by almost $3bn in investment raised in 2019, expected to arrive in early customer’s hands by mid-2021. The company recently received an order for 100,000 units of its mechanically similar sibling, the R1S electric van
At the CES Show in Las Vegas, a senior official at Rivian confirmed to Professional Pickup & 4×4 that the company will produce right-hand drive models of the 400-mile range electric pickup truck. That range is watched by impressive performance, with the Rivian R1T pickup promising a 0-60 time of just three seconds.
Rivian R1T Pickup: Background
Electric power and pickup trucks are two terms we don’t associate strongly. In fact, pickups tend to be worked harder than standard vehicles, and many buyers are sceptical as to whether electrical power – which is still in its infancy stage – is up to the job.
However, this hasn’t deterred dozens of start-ups and established brands around the world at giving it a go. The latest candidate, Rivian, was founded in 2009 and the R1T, along with an SUV based on the same platform, will be their first vehicles – which it describes as ‘electric adventure vehicles’.
Rivian R1T Pickup: Design
There’s no doubting that the Rivian R1T pickup is an incredibly practical machine. While the load bed may be smaller than that of standard pickups (1,400mm long by 1,385mm wide), there is a 330-litre storage compartment under the bonnet, a 350-litre lockable ‘gear tunnel’, and a 200-litre sealed bin beneath the rear bed floor.
Rivian R1T Pickup: Ride and Handling
The battery, motors and thermal systems are all positioned below the height of the wheel, greatly reducing the centre of gravity. The battery is located in-between the two axles, which means the unladen truck has a well-balanced 52:48 front-to-rear axle bearing ratio, ensuring the truck will be finely balanced on the road.
The R1T also employs independant suspensions all round, with wishbones at the front and comfortable coil springs at the rear.
However, this focus on road manners hasn’t compromised off-road capabilities. There is an impressive off-road ground clearance of 360mm and, because there are no tailpipes or air intakes, a massive wading depth of 1,000mm.
Rivian R1T Pickup: Range and Batteries
Rivian is offering three options of battery packs on the R1T pickup; 105kWh, 135kWh and 180kWh. These correspond to ranges of 230 miles, 300 miles and 400 miles respectively, which is almost as far as a conventional diesel pickup with an 80-litre fuel tank.
Rivian R1T Pickup: Performance
The Rivian R1T offers low running costs but doesn’t compromise on performance; the most powerful derivative reaches 60mph in just three seconds.
There are three power ratings; 402hp/560Nm, 700hp/1,120Nm and 753hp/1,120Nm. The four electric motors supply each wheel individually, meaning the R1T is all-wheel-drive capable. The colossal amount of torque is available instantly too, which is perfect for those hauling heavy loads and trailers.
Rivian R1T Pickup: Payload and Weights
Unladen, the vehicle weighs 2,670kg (about 700kg more than a standard double-cab) and there is an 800kg payload, giving a gross vehicle weight of 3,470kg. The towing capacity is rated at 5,000kg.
When it comes to the UK, this could cause some difficulties as the payload would need to increase 200kg to comply with VAT reclamation regulations.
While this would push the GVW over 3.5 tonnes, an increased allowance for electrically powered light commercial vehicles means that an upgraded licence would not be required. However, any commercial users will be required to take a five-hour course that would allow driving vehicles up to alternatively-fuelled commercial vehicles up to 4.25 tonnes GVW.
Rivian R1T Pickup: Availability
While at the 2020 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, a senior manager at Rivian revealed to us that the R1T pickup truck will have right-hand drive variants.
“We’re keen to get the R1T into as many markets as possible so, of course, this means producing right-hand-drive models”, explained the official. “If you think of mid-size pickup truck markets like Southern Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Thailand and the UK – they’re all right-hand drive. Why limit ourselves?”
Deliveries in the US are expected to start in August 2021.
Rivian R1T Pickup: Technical Specifications
| 105 kWh | 135 kWh | 180 kWh | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Range (miles) | 230+ | 300+ | 400+ |
| Power (hp) | 402 | 753 | 700 |
| Torque (Nm) | 560 | 1,120 | 1,120 |
| 0-60 mph (secs) | 4.9 | 3.0 | 3.2 |
| Maximum speed (mph) | 125 | 125 | 125 |
| Kerb weight (kg) | 2,670 | 2,670 | 2,670 |
| Gross vehicle weight (kg) | 3,470 | 3,470 | 3,470 |
| Payload (kg) | 800 | 800 | 800 |
| Towing capacity (kg) | 5,000 | 5,000 | 5,000 |
| Length (mm) | 5,475 | 5,475 | 5,475 |
| Width (mm) | 2,015 | 2,015 | 2,015 |
| Height (mm) | 1,815 | 1,815 | 1,815 |
| Ground clearance (mm) | 360 | 360 | 360 |
| Approach angle (°) | 34 | 34 | 34 |
| Departure angle (°) | 30 | 30 | 30 |
| Breakover angle (°) | 26 | 26 | 26 |
| Wading depth (mm) | 1,000 | 1,000 | 1,000 |
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