Let's take a closer look at Rivian's all-electric R1T van and why I ordered it



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After the unveiling of the 100% electric Rivian R1T pickup truck, we took a closer look at what is becoming one of the most anticipated EVs and should be released in the next two years.

Here are a ton of photos, videos and GIF files from the Rivian R1T, and why I ordered one.

As we have already pointed out, the specifications of the R1T are incredible.

It is equipped with 4 electric motors, with a power of 147 kW each on the wheel, while the total power can be configured at levels ranging from 300 kW to 562 kW (gearbox input).

The different power levels correspond to different battery choices, which is another impressive feature, as they have the highest capacity of any other electric tourism vehicle: 105 kWh, 135 kWh and 180 kWh.

Rivian says that this will result in "more than 230 km, over 300 km and more than 400 km" on a full charge.

We are talking about a charging rate up to 160 kW in fast charging stations and an onboard charger of 11 kW for a level 2 load.

The entire powertrain is installed on a modular and smooth skateboard platform suitable for different battery capacities:

If this system can actually provide the features promised by Rivian, the vehicle will likely be a success, but the powertrain is just one element.

The Rivian R1T is a utility vehicle with useful features, most of which are unique in an electric vehicle.

First of all, the truck is a 5 seater vehicle and has a ton of closed storage space. The frode is absolutely huge and Rivian has also designed another storage space behind the rear seat called "gear tunnel":

In fact, you can sit or stand in front of the transmission tunnel door when it is open and give you easy access to the roof, which can be equipped with different roof bars.

There is still plenty of room for the cabin and this does not seem to affect the bed too much – although the size of the bed seems to be the most criticized feature to date.

At 1400 mm (55 inches) with the tailgate raised, it is a little short for some applications, but it has another storage compartment that can accommodate a spare wheel of normal size.

Here is an overview of the Rivian R1T bed:

What is missing from the R1T in terms of bed size, it can reach a towing capacity with a trailer weight of 5,000 kg, that is to say 11,000 lbs.

Like any vehicle that can tow, whether it's electric or not, it will certainly affect the range of vehicles and we do not yet have the exact performance ratings on it, but the higher capacity versions should still have Decent autonomy with something in tow.

There are also plugs for connecting power tools or loading other equipment into the truck bed.

As for the load port of the vehicle, it is equipped with a concealed standard CCS plug on the front pbadenger side:

Rivian says that it will have a load capacity of 160 kW, which will add about 200 miles of autonomy in about 30 minutes of charging.

The interior of the Rivian R1T electric van is simple and comfortable:

Here are some additional pictures of the all-electric Rivian R1T pickup:

Rivian R1T

Electrek's Take

I decided to make a reservation, which requires a refundable deposit of $ 1,000.

If Rivian can meet the specifications promised at this price, I think it will be a great product. It seems a bit too good to be true, but I want to believe it now.

I was not sure of the design when I saw the pictures for the first time, but after seeing the truck in person, I'm comfortable.

Lighthouses were my main concern, but they look good in person and I feel that they could possibly grow on me:

Rivian R1T lighthouse

Rivian's general manager, RJ Scaringe, told me they knew it was a polarizing feature, but they thought it would be a hallmark of the brand.

I think I would have preferred a horizontal configuration, but I can overcome that.

In any case, the design is not the most important thing with a van, but I think they did it with the R1T.

At $ 69,000, before the incentive for the basic model, I think it's a great value, but I'd like to choose the 135 kWh version and they have not yet confirmed the price of this model.

Therefore, I still need more details in terms of price, but I think that might be reasonable.

I would also like to drive the truck before transferring my booking into an order, but I think it will be very fun.

RJ m showed a video of what they call the "tank mode", which used the torque of the 4 motors spread on each wheel to spin the truck.

It looks awesome. Of course, you are supposed to do this only off the road unless you want to melt your tires.

We will closely monitor Rivian over the next two years as they attempt to put the vehicle into production.

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