Rivian R1T, R1S have up to 509km of EV range, more to come
The new Rivian R1T electric ute and R1S electric SUV will cover more than 500km between recharges for the launch edition models due on sale within months.
Rivian took to social media to spruik the figures that have been published on the US government’s FuelEconomy website that show the R1T can drive 314 miles on a charge, or 505km.
The R1S has a US EPA rating of 316 miles, or 509km.
Both cars are currently in Australia testing, having being photographed getting unloaded from a plane fresh from cold weather testing in New Zealand.
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Combined with the recent local registration of various Rivian model names it adds weight to the growing realisation that Australia is an important market for Rivian and one where its cars are expected to eventually go on sale.
Both the R1T and R1S EPA range figures beat the American EV start-up’s 300-mile (483km) early estimates by enough to add to the credibility already earned by a brand that recently filed documents with the US Securities and Exchange Commission to publicly list the company at about US$80 billion ($107 billion).
Those range figures are for Rivians fitted with the standard 21-inch wheels. Downsize to the 20-inch wheels with all-terrain tyres and Rivian estimates a range reduction of 10-15 percent off those quoted EPA figures. Similarly, if you choose the sexier and sportier (with presumably grippier tyres) Rivian says the range will drop by 50-10 percent.
Still, in any guise, they’re impressive numbers for such a sizeable machine.
With driving range such an important differentiator in the EV world, the 500-plus kilometres gives Rivian early bragging rights against key rivals, such as the Tesla Cybertruck and Ford F-150 Lightning, neither of which have been officially rated by the EPA.
On its website Ford says the extended range battery for its F-150 Lightning has an EPA range target of 300 miles, while Tesla is claiming upwards of 500 miles (805km) for its recently-delayed Cybertruck.
And there’s plenty more to come in terms of ute EV range, with General Motors saying its Hummer ute and Chevrolet Silverado pick-up will cover upwards of 600km on a charge. The recently-announced EV version of the Ram 1500 is targeting more than 800km of range.
And Rivian is talking north of 400 miles/644km for the “Max Pack” version of the R1T it says it will begin selling in January 2022 for a US$10,000 premium.
While it could be argued that anything north of 500km of range isn’t overly relevant for most drivers, the big numbers become more relevant for utes, or pick-ups, as Americans call them.
That’s because many people carry big loads or tow with their pick-ups, which can seriously reduce the range once batteries and electric motors are doing the hauling.
If you’ve got more range to start with it makes the ute a more useful thing for more people.
However, the equation gets murkier for Australians, because car makers here don’t quote those US EPA figures.
Instead, we tend to be shown a mix of the older European NEDC figures (which are wildly optimistic) or the fresher WLTP range figures. The US EPA figures are said to be even closer to real-world driving, at least for American roads and driving styles.
Short story is the Rivian EV range in Australia could be even higher than those 505km/509km figures.
And the Rivian is coming to Australia, according to one Queensland-based importer.
Whether that means converting the cars locally or, more likely, having them roll off the factory floor with the steering wheel already on the right is yet to be confirmed.
EV range and off-road capability are biggies for Rivian – and EVs are expected to be more capable than ICE cars off-road.
It is offering an off-road upgrade kit with stronger underbody protection and dual tow hooks integrated into the front bumper. There’s also the option of a spare tyre, albeit one that’s smaller than those fitted to the rest of the car.
The F-150 Lightning will have a dual-motor setup when it goes on sale early in 2022, while the Hummer and Chevrolet will have up to three electric motors. The Cybertruck is promising the choice between one-, two- and three-motor setups.
But the Rivian comes with four electric motors each with independent control that means no need for differentials, with electronics instead doing the job of finding traction. It also has a claimed 0-60mph (96km/h) time of 3.0 seconds, making it supercar quick in acceleration.
The R1T’s tow capacity is almost five tonnes and it’s claimed to be able to drive through water upwards of three-feet (91cm) deep, which is up on the 60-90cm of most proper off-roaders.
The R1S is similarly capable, which is no surprise given it’s the same basic vehicle but with a different body on top and the option of seven seats inside.
It’s also only designed to tow about 3.5 tonnes.
The reason for the longer range of the R1S? Aerodynamics are the most likely explanation, with a smoother roofline possibly giving it an edge in slipping through the air.
In both cars, Rivian has a big focus on lifestyle, showing off a range of accessories and options in various promotional images. The R1T and R1S are clearly about adventure rather than showing off around town, with the option of a tent and slide out electric kitchen the start of those accessories.
Being designed from the outset as an EV, it also makes for clever packaging, including sizeable under-bonnet storage.
Plus there’s a healthy emphasis on the environment.
Rivian says there is a vegan interior as well as real wood finishes.
