This Company is Making (Badass) All-Electric Adventure Vehicles
This week, new electric vehicle company Rivian dropped it's new all-electric R1T Truck and R1S 7-passenger SUV at the Los Angeles Auto Show. New cars are announced all the time, but these are different. Rivian is billing their vehicles as the first adventure-focused electric cars. Think the utility of a Land Rover, Subaru, or Jeep, but in a Tesla package.
And damn, I'm impressed. Rivian is not messing around.
Despite the inevitable comparisons to Tesla, Rivian remains adamant that they're not building a car for Tesla's market. These are vehicles designed for getting out there, getting dirty, getting muddy, and on terrain that you wouldn't take your Model S within miles of. It's a shot across the bow at entrenched companies like Land Rover. You can see it in their branding, and even the aesthetic of the vehicles. It says: "Hey, we can make badass electric vehicles that do more that get you from home to work and back. And bring in top-of-class design while we're at it".
Expect performance paired with function
These are "adventure vehicles", after all. On the R1T, how about a 4x4 that goes 0-60 in 3 seconds, paired with a 1,764 lb payload and a towing capacity of over 11,000 lb? If that's not enough, maybe you'll be sold by its 750 horsepower, 14.5" ground clearance or 1m water fording capability.
Now pair that with the unique layout of an EV (skateboard-style platform frame), and you've got ample space for all your gear in the front-trunk, truck bed, and a "gear tunnel" that's long enough for nearly any ski, and even a surfboard.
It's clear that Rivian has put design and functionality at the core of their vehicles. Each detail speaks to a knowledge active lifestyles, ease-of-use, and convenience. These vehicles are meant to be USED. Whether that's the steps to easily reach a the roof (for your bikes and kayaks), the seats (on the R1S) folding completely flat, or a thoughtful combination of premium and extremely durable materials for the interior.
With a range of 400 miles, you'll be subject to the limitations of any electric vehicle (although 400 is on the high-end of current EV's) -- namely, the availability of charging stations. The good news is, 400 miles is a pretty long way and new EV charging stations continue to be built around the country.Get all the stats here.
I for one, am stoked to see a new company pushing the boundaries of the EV industry. It's the first example of vehicles that I've actually felt might fit my adventurous lifestyle and I wouldn't think twice about heading to that 4x4 backcountry campsite or trailhead. There are plenty of challenges ahead for the fledgling Rivian, but I'm hoping they both succeed and spur other manufacturers into action.
Both the SUV and truck are scheduled for launch in 2020 at a starting price of $69,000 (so no, not cheap), with additional battery upgrades available.
