5 Features That Make Rivian R1T A Unique EV
By James Hill
Pickup trucks today offer the comfort of a luxurious mid-size SUV combined with the payload and towing capabilities of a full-size truck. You also get a wide range of infotainment, safety, and tech upgrades that make the truck reliable for heavy use. Many car brands are consciously shifting to fully electric vehicles to reduce their carbon footprint. The Rivian R1T is a unique entrant in the pickup truck segment. Here is a comprehensive review.
Performance
Rivian’s primary battery pack is designed to endure the toughest weather conditions and outperforms EV benchmark tests. There are hardly any pickup trucks that can go from 0 to 60 mph in just 3 seconds that too powered by an all-electric motor.
The secret to this power is hidden in the truck’s all-wheel drivetrain. The R1T also comes with two unique EV engine configurations with the 600HP dual motor setup or the 835HP quad motor setup. Both motors are capable of an additional towing capacity of 11,000 lbs, making the Rivian R1T a true workhorse pickup truck. The battery offers a decent 280 to 400 miles of driving range, depending on the driving mode. The extended wheelbase, wide tires, and massive clearance make it suitable for tackling different types of terrain.
Utility
Rivian R1T was designed to prioritize utility. In addition to its excellent towing and payload capabilities, the R1T comes with 62 cubic feet of storage between the cab and the truck bed space.
The truck bed itself can haul everything from construction materials to industrial equipment. You also get two 120V power outlets at the back of the truck, an air compressor, and extra space to store your spares. At the top, you can install custom crossbars to secure all your adventure riding and biking gear. Everything you need for camping and adventure hikes can be stored using Rivian’s flexible design. You can even opt for a tonneau cover that will protect the truck bed from harsh weather elements. Every little detail makes the pickup worth the premium price tag.
Design and comfort
The cab, chassis, and frame of the vehicle are made using strong steel, aluminum alloy, and lightweight carbon fiber. This build ensures a low center of gravity, allowing the pickup to corner more efficiently even when fully loaded. The fundamental design is built for rough, rugged terrain and weather conditions. The cabin is decked with wood and leather accents that complement the truck’s design and structure. You even get a full glass sunroof that offers stunning views of nature while driving through the wilderness. Rivian R1T uses premium materials for the steering, dashboard, and seating accessories. Further, the ergonomic design complements the rough driving style and overall utility of the pickup.
Infotainment and technology
You get a 16-inch full touchscreen central infotainment system and a reconfigurable gauge display to monitor the vehicle’s performance. The system can directly connect to LTE and WiFi hotspots to access apps and tools designed to make the drive comfortable. Bluetooth pairing, wireless inductive charging, and Alexa compatibility are among the other options you can get. The only drawback here is the missing Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility. So, you cannot connect and sync your smart apps with the infotainment system. But given the internet access options, everything you need can be downloaded directly with the infotainment system and customized for daily use.
Trim and pricing
Rivian R1T is on the pricier side, with the standard trim selling for over $73,000. This price does not include the estimates for accessories and additional utility upgrades. However, the five-seater pickup has all the necessary space, safety, and comfort upgrades that make the ride worth the hefty price tag. Plus, it is an all-electric pickup with a decent battery range. So, the R1T can be a worthy investment.
