Skip advert
Advertisement

New Rivian R1T to rival Tesla electric pick-up

Electric car start-up Rivian plans to sell its new R1T electric pick-up truck in the UK

Tesla’s forthcoming pick-up looks set to have some local competition after American EV start-up brand Rivian announced that it will launch its R1T at the Los Angeles Motor Show

The R1T is a 5.5-metre, five-seat pick-up truck designed primarily for the US market, although it will form part of Rivian’s plans when the brand arrives in Europe in 2021.

Advertisement - Article continues below

• New Rivian R1S SUV revealed in LA

It’s being offered with three battery sizes – 105kWh, 135kWh and 180kWh – and despite a kerbweight of around 2.6 tonnes, the R1T is capable of 0-60mph in only three seconds. It can travel between 230 and 400-plus miles on a single charge, depending on the battery.

The truck has four electric motors, each delivering up to 197bhp and 14,000Nm of torque. Rivian claims this gives the R1T impressive off-road ability – a key factor for target buyers, who are said to want an EV that’s happy in rough conditions.

• Best pick-up trucks on sale

It has approach and departure angles of 34 and 30 degrees respectively, while adjustable air suspension means its ground clearance can be stretched to as much as 360mm. The maximum wading depth is a full metre.

The car’s design makes extensive use of the sandwich platform to free up handy storage space. There’s a hefty 330-litre front boot, and a novel 350-litre compartment between the back doors and the rear wheels.

Rivian is led by entrepreneur RJ Scaringe, but the new cars are being engineered under the direction of Briton Mark Vinnels, who brings a wealth of experience from Lotus and McLaren.

You've seen the Rivian R1T, but would you pick it over the new Tesla pick-up? Let us know your thoughts below...

Skip advert
Advertisement
Editor-at-large

John started journalism reporting on motorsport – specifically rallying, which he had followed avidly since he was a boy. After a stint as editor of weekly motorsport bible Autosport, he moved across to testing road cars. He’s now been reviewing cars and writing news stories about them for almost 20 years.

Find a car with the experts

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Los Angeles Motor Show 2024: all the key cars
Los Angeles Motor Show 2024 - guide header image

Los Angeles Motor Show 2024: all the key cars

We pick out the models creating a big impression at the last major motor show of the year
News
22 Nov 2024
Volkswagen’s new EV platform to benefit from tie-up with Rivian
Rivian R2 - front tracking

Volkswagen’s new EV platform to benefit from tie-up with Rivian

German company has confirmed that it will apply learnings from joint venture to forthcoming SSP architecture
News
22 Nov 2024
New Hyundai Ioniq 9 teased inside and out
Hyundai Ioniq 9 teaser - front 3/4 outline

New Hyundai Ioniq 9 teased inside and out

Yet another teaser image of the new flagship EV has dropped, a week ahead of its expected LA Motor Show reveal
News
13 Nov 2024
All-electric Rivian R1T and R1S now produce up to 1,011bhp after seismic upgrades
Rivian R1T and R1S 2024

All-electric Rivian R1T and R1S now produce up to 1,011bhp after seismic upgrades

Unfortunately, there are still no plans to launch Rivian’s fully electric pick-up truck or seven-seat SUV in the UK
News
7 Jun 2024

Most Popular

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k
Kia PV5 Passenger - show front

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k

New entry into the electric people carrier market undercuts the VW ID. Buzz by a significant margin
News
29 Apr 2025
Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price
BMW X7 - front

Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price

German firm’s flagship SUV could never be called cheap but it is exceptional value at £735 a month – making it our Deal of the Day for Sunday 27 April
News
27 Apr 2025
New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645
Kia PV5 Cargo on display at Commercial Vehicle Show - front 3/4

New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645

All-new entry into the van market promises competitive pricing and comes with a range of up to 247 miles
News
30 Apr 2025