Rivian R1T EV pick-up delayed
The launch of the much-anticipated Rivian R1T full-size battery electric pick-up has been delayed into 2021 because of the coronavirus.
The US start-up that’s attracted US$2.8 billion in funding from Ford, Amazon and Cox Automotive has stopped retooling its plant in Illinois because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
It had planned to get the dual cab R1T on-sale late in 2020 in North America, but has now pushed timing out without being specific about when production will commence.
Rivian has confirmed development of the R1T and its seven-seat SUV sibling the R1S continue remotely as much as possible and staff are being paid during the stay-at-home period.
Rivian has previously stated it will offer both vehicles in right-hand drive, but an Australian arrival isn’t expected before 2022.
The basis of both R1T and R1S is 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 can tow up to 5000kg but payload is limited to 800kg, which places it lineball with orthodox ‘1500’-spec US pick-ups, such as the Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado and RAM.
The R1T’s US starting price is US$69,000, or about $105,000 Aussie.
The company, led by founder R.J. Scaringe, is thought to be amongst the best-placed EV start-ups to survive the economic shock of the pandemic because of its strong corporate backing.
Amazon alone has ordered 100,000 Rivian electric delivery vehicles.
Rivian isn’t the only EV start-up to delay production, with Ohio-based Lordstown Motors also confirming the roll-out of its Endurance light-duty pick-up has been delayed until January 2021.
“Like most companies, the pandemic has caused us to tweak our plans. However, it has also dramatically strengthened our conviction and enthusiasm to bring the Endurance to market as soon as humanly possible,” company founder and CEO Steve Burns wrote on Lordstown’s website.
Originally schedule for unveiling at the cancelled Detroit motor show mid-year, the Endurance is now set for a virtual reveal from the company’s headquarters in Lordstown, Ohio.
A key Endurance design feature is its four in-wheel hub motors. Claimed range is a minimum 400km and pricing starts at $USD52,500, or $80,000 AUD.
