Why the Rivian R1T is the Best Electric Pickup

The Rivian R1T reached 60 mph in 3.3 seconds, making it the fastest pickup truck Car and Driver has ever tested.

The launch of the long-awaited Rivian R1T electric pickup truck is slowly approaching. The California-based startup announced its intention to deliver the R1T to customers in July, but that date was pushed back to September as the company was able to iron out the final kinks. Well, now one of the most important customer sales requirements for the Rivian R1T has been met.

The EPA has officially released range estimates for both the truck and its SUV counterpart, the R1S, which are scheduled for release in 2022. Also top questions for Rivian R1T customers: Are multiple battery sizes expected down the line? Official EPA estimates are only for Launch Edition models, which come with a 135.0-kilowatt-hour battery pack that provides electricity to four motors.

This setup, according to the EPA, would be good for 314 miles of range, and the $73,000 R1T version returns an estimated 74 mpg city, 66 mpg highway, and 70 mpg combined. The R1S, which uses the same battery and motor setup, can travel a little further at a cost of up to 316 miles. However, it is less efficient, and returns lower MPGe in city, highway, and EPA combined ratings. Rivian said a larger battery pack with a range of about 400 miles will arrive later.

Rivian R1T deliveries

If Rivian R1T deliveries do begin this month, it will become the first electric pickup truck available to the public. It will soon face stiff competition in the Ford F-150 Lightning, the GMC Hummer EV, and perhaps eventually, the Tesla Cybertruck. These competitors do not currently have official EPA numbers and only have range estimates from the manufacturers themselves.

The Lightning, which will be much cheaper than the base Rivian but could easily be priced at a similar amount, is supposed to go 300 miles with the largest battery pack.

Meanwhile, GMC, which will start above Rivian and move into the $100,000 region, is expected to achieve a 350-mile range from its massive 200.0 kWh battery.

Tesla claims that the top-spec Tri Motor version of the Cybertruck, which will cost roughly the same as the Rivian R1T, will get 500 miles on a charge, but it also appears that the truck has been delayed until late 2022 at the earliest.

With Ford not arriving until the spring of 2022 and GMC expecting by the end of 2021, Rivian will have to outpace all of its competitors to market if the emerging electric vehicle maker can get cars into customers' hands this year.

Conclusion

The Rivian R1T represents a significant milestone in the automotive industry, symbolizing the intersection of sustainability, innovation, and utility. As the first electric pickup truck to hit the market, the R1T has set a high bar for performance, versatility, and environmental consciousness. Its impressive range, powerful off-road capabilities, and advanced technology make it a compelling choice for both adventure enthusiasts and everyday users looking for a reliable and eco-friendly vehicle.

The R1T's impact goes beyond just being a new vehicle; it is a catalyst for change in the way we think about transportation. By demonstrating that electric vehicles can be rugged, capable, and practical, Rivian is helping to shift the narrative around electric mobility. The R1T challenges the traditional notions of what a pickup truck can be, offering a glimpse into a future where sustainability does not come at the expense of performance or convenience.

Furthermore, Rivian's commitment to environmental stewardship is evident not only in the R1T's design but also in the company's broader initiatives. From their plans to create a robust charging network to their efforts in supporting conservation projects, Rivian is positioning itself as a leader in the green automotive revolution.

As the electric vehicle market continues to expand, the Rivian R1T stands out as a pioneering force that could pave the way for a new era of eco-friendly trucks. Its success could inspire other manufacturers to accelerate their electric vehicle programs, leading to increased competition, innovation, and ultimately, more choices for consumers. The electric pickup revolution has begun, and with the Rivian R1T at the forefront, the future of transportation looks brighter and more sustainable than ever.