Rivian R1T wants to electrify the pick-up truck segment
All-electric pickup truck shown ahead of LA Auto Show debut
Still not convinced whether electric-powered cars and crossovers are the future of transport? How about an electric pickup truck that can do what a traditional pickup can do...and then some? Say no more as a California-based company is about to turn that dream into reality.
After giving the public a glimpse of their electric-powered utility vehicle last week, Rivian has officially revealed the R1T pickup truck ahead of its public debut at the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show. Featuring a distinct exterior design that is coupled with a high-tech electric powertrain, the R1T serves as the company's vision of a zero-emissions workhorse.
Looking a lot like a vehicle from the future, the R1T has a unique exterior design. While keeping the traditional pickup truck look, its aesthetics are far more outlandish than your run-of-the-mill utes. The front fascia has vertically-arranged headlights that are then complemented by huge daytime running lights that run the entire width of the vehicle. Meanwhile, the rear gets a single-piece LED taillight design that highlight the pickup's distinct look and girth.
Size-wise, the Rivian R1T's exterior dimensions mirror that of typical mid-sized pickups like the Chevy Colorado and Ford Ranger. It measures 5475 mm long, 2015 mm wide, 1815 mm tall and has a generous 3450mm wheelbase. It also has a 200 mm ground clearance, a maximum water fording depth of 1000 mm, a maximum payload capacity of 800 kg, and a claimed maximum towing capacity of 5000 kg.
As for the bed itself, it measures 1400mm long (2100mm with the tailgate down) and is 1385mm wide. And since it doesn't have an engine at the front, it has a sizable frunk which can hold up to 330 liters worth of luggage.
If the exterior still somewhat keeps the brutish look of traditional pickups trucks, the interior is anything but. Climb aboard the R1T and you are greeted by a futuristic cabin. Leather upholstery, large digital displays, as well as lounge-like styling cues envelope the interior of R1T. Fine wood trim, along with crafted metal effects give the R1T's cabin a striking and high-tech ambiance. Both the instrument panel and infotainment system are touchscreen displays, while the flat-bottomed steering wheel and seats are all wrapped in leather.
Driving the R1T are four electric motors that deliver power to each wheel. Each motor is capable of producing nearly 200 PS. However, depending on the battery pack specified, the R1T's total system output can vary. When fitted with the standard 105 kWh battery, the electric pickup produces 407 PS and 560 Nm of torque. Meanwhile, the 135 kWh variant generates 709 PS with 1,120 Nm of pulling torque. If that's not enough, there's the range-topping 180 kWh which doles over 760 PS. Torque remains at 1,120 Nm however. Depending on the variant chosen, the R1T can have a maximum cruising range between 370 km and 640 km.
Aside from having a powerful electric powertrain, the R1T will also come with self-driving features that enable Level 3 autonomous mobility, a wide array of active safety systems that monitor the pickup truck's movements, as well as eight airbags in total.
Besides showing the R1T pickup, Rivian will also be showing a seven-seater SUV based off the same platform as the pickup called the RS1. It is set to make its public debut at this year's LA Auto Show.
