Over the past week, I have released several articles regarding the wider subjects of the Los Angeles Auto Show. Today, we start working on more focused things. Our first subject, Rivian. Now, Rivian released two models for their entrance into the market, that’s 200% more car than Tesla did.
The Truck
Their truck model, dubbed the R1T (R=Rivian 1=First Model T=Truck) is fully electric and advertises over 400 miles of range. They proudly state that this is enough charge to drive from San Francisco to Yosemite and back.
In the pictures above, you see it is immensely practical, with a front trunk, a pickup bed, and a weird space between the cab and the bed for the things you’d rather the world didn’t see. In the rear view, you also can note that the bed folds 180 degrees, pointing directly down. A huge trend in the truck industry right now is putting a step on the tailgate to get into the bed. Rivian, being an elegant company, put some brushed metal brackets in the tailgate to allow you to step up. I can’t see these staying in their flawless condition past five uses. The interior of the bed is smooth plastic, a mistake as lumber and IKEA furniture will easily scratch this, it also won’t keep things in place like the usual textured plastic.
The wheels have some sort of Pirelli off-road tire and have an aggressive tread pattern. Brushed metal decks the wheels along with what appears to be a carbon fiber insert.
The cab is nicely appointed, simple, but not feeling empty like Teslas. I’m left confused by what appear to be paddle shifters on the steering column.
What about performance? The R1T is powered by a 4-Motor system making a total 750 hp. What’s more impressive is the torque; a staggering 10,300 lb-ft! It does 0-60 in less than three seconds! It can go through 3 feet of water! By comparison, the excessively-lifted RAM Power Wagon can ford 30 inches, that’s six inches shy of the Rivian! For towing, the Rivian can pull a reasonable 11,000 lb, about the same as most light-duty full-size trucks. It offers a payload rating of 1700 lbs, about the same as a Chevy Colorado.
Rivian’s website says that the Rivian will start at about $61,500 for the 250-mile range version.
The SUV
The SUV dubbed the R1S (R=Rivian 1=First Model S=SUV) is also fully electric and also advertises 400 miles of range.
Much of the specs are the same, 0-60 in under 3 seconds, 3 feet of fording, luxurious interior, etc. Here are the differences:
The R1S has the same payload, but more room and less towing capacity at 7700 lbs.
The R1S brags about having plenty of room and comfort for all passengers.
Which is Better?
Personally, I find the R1T to be more practical while the R1S looks better. The margin for looks is close, I’d give this comparison to the R1T
Rivian is surely destined for greatness, the adjacent Kia and Ford exhibits were quiet while people flocked to see these two vehicles. Tesla has found some competition, especially with their Model X. All we can do is sit back and watch while Tesla can only hope that there is a production error that destroys the company’s reputation. If the R1S and R1T get to the market, Tesla will have to step up from the surface of the earth to the stratosphere if they even want to compete.
-Ethan White
Want to see more cool car content? Go check out some of my other articles or go visit ACE Driving!
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