Rivian's first EV is now available: The R1T electric vehicle.
The R1T will be competing with luxury EV brands such as Tesla and GMC's Hummer. Production of the Tesla Cybertruck is delayed to 2022. Rivian's original vehicle was also delayed by the pandemic, parts shortage and other delays. The truck is finally being delivered to early reservation holders.
Although the R1T is the first long-range, electric pickup truck to be produced, its starting price is almost twice that of the Ford F-150 Lightning. The 135-kWh battery provides more than 300 miles, and there are four electric motors at each wheel. For $67,500, a slimmer version will be available in January.
After a drive through the Colorado mountains in a pre-production model, the first reviews came in Tuesday. It is quiet and fast and ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. In three seconds, it can travel from 0-60 mph in just three seconds.
TheDrive described the truck as an REI truck. James Gilboy, a reviewer, wrote that "its styling is outstanding, its thoughtful design of its storage, accessories and storage will be catnip for adventurers and its build quality inspires faith."
While he was driving up a steep hill, he was impressed and reminded that this quiet electric vehicle is not a large construction truck. He said, "And not just was it easy, but also it was downright comfortable, and as quiet as any hiking." There were only two sounds: tires on rocks and creeks passing us, and surprise yelps from wildlife that didn’t hear us coming.
Hannah Elliott, Bloomberg's reporter, enjoyed the Patagonia vibes and rugged ride with its camping gear, compartments and attachments (there's also a gear tunnel, front trunk, or frunk) Although it was stronger than any Tesla, she said it wasn't tough enough.
She wrote, "Laden with vegan leather seats and an all glass panoramic roof, The R1T is not a workhorse."
A look inside the Rivian R1T. Credit: RIVIAN
The Verge reminded readers that this electric pick-up truck is the first available. This sets the standard for the future. Mitchell Clark, a reviewer, stated that Viian is targeting the people who purchase Subarus and Land Rovers.
Chris Davies, SlashGear's founder, was amazed by the off-roading and trail riding he did in his fully-electric 6,000-pound truck. He wrote that the truck "makes a convincing argument that electric pickups are the natural next evolution."
Antuan Goodwin, CNET Roadshow reviewer, came to the same conclusion. "The 2022 Rivian R1T was not only the first electric truck. It's also a very good truck."
Reviews noted that the main touchscreen was not compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. However, Amazon's Alexa digital assistant is coming soon. Amazon is still a major backer.
The first round of reviews is consistent with MotorTrend’s initial impressions from an exclusive ride last week: "100% amazing."
