Rivian R1T and R1S Australian launch is one big step closer
The Rivian R1T and R1S Australian launch is one big step closer.
The American EV brand’s SEC filings outlined Australia’s regulatory environment and found nothing that would prevent its planned Aussie debut.
The brand has confirmed a “major Asia-Pacific” launch will follow its North American rollout plans, and suggests that manufacturing in our region is also on the cards.
Rivian filed a major SEC (Securities Exchange Commission) update that detailed the brand’s plans both in America and abroad, and in it, Australia was singled out as a market that had been under investigation.
“We have analysed the principal laws in the United States, EU, China, Japan, United Kingdom, and Australia relating to our distribution model and believe we comply with such laws,” the document says.
The news confirms our own understanding of Rivian’s plans for Australia, with the brand confirming our market would get Rivian products as far back as 2019.
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The brand’s US rollout, however, was beset by delays, which pushed back any international ambitions, with the Rivian having already suggested an Australian launch would be up to two years after its American debut.
With the brand only just now reaching customers domestically, it means an Australian launch is unlikely before late 2023. But the filing does at least confirm that the Asia-Pacific region, including Australia, is in the brand’s sights.
“We intend to enter Western European markets in the near-term, followed by entry into major Asian-Pacific markets. To serve our global demand, we plan to localise production and supply chains in these regions,” the statement says.
The documents also confirm that the brand’s direct-to-consumer online sales model will be rolled-out in new markets, but doesn’t detail maintenance or servicing plans.
Both the R1T truck and R1S SUV share a bespoke skateboard chassis that houses four 147kW electric motors producing a staggering 1400Nm of torque. Three battery options will be offered – 105kW, 135kWh and 180kWh.
The R1T is claimed to hit 100km/h in around three seconds while being able to deliver a range between 370km and 650km, despite being 5.5-metres long and a hefty 2.6 tonnes.
The R1T’s US starting price is US$69,000, or about $105,000 in our money. Which plenty relevant now that the Rivian R1T and R1S Australian launch is one big step closer
