As a brand new electric automaker, Rivian debuted its first two models in 2022: the R1T pickup truck and the R1S SUV.
Founded in 2009, Rivian’s been working behind the scenes on sustainable vehicles for a while. They may have gotten off to a slow start, but that’s all changing this year. While there are just two models on the road at the moment, Rivian has big plans for the future of electric vehicles.
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Does Rivian have electric cars?
Yes—in fact, that’s all they have! Rivian is an all-new all-electric auto manufacturer making strides to build a more sustainable future, starting with their two adventure-ready electric vehicles.
Rivian’s R1T electric pickup truck was their first vehicle, and they produced 1,015 of them in 2021. 920 customers have received their R1T so far, and the rest are expected to arrive by Fall 2022. The Rivian R1S electric SUV is set to be released soon, but there has been no official date yet.
2022 Rivian R1T
Powertrain:Four permanent-magnet synchronous AC motors (combined 835 hp/908 lb-ft torque); liquid-cooled lithium-ion 128.9 kWh battery; direct-drive transmission
Driving range: About 314 miles
Charging time: 8 hours with a Level 2 charger
The highly coveted premier EV by the new automaker proves that the brand has what it takes to shake up the electric vehicle sector. The futuristic-looking pickup features chic and smooth lines with oval-shaped and rounded lights—and no grille. It manages a rugged look despite its minimalist exterior.
The inside is just as contemporary, too. Rivian has decked out the interior with real wood and a mostly black and nature-inspired color palette. As a sustainable brand, real leather upholstery has been switched out for lush vegan leather. All switchgears, gauges, and controls are located on two touchscreens.
When it comes to the numbers, the R1T is the fastest pickup truck out there. With one motor for each wheel (yes, four motors), the R1T gets a combined 835 horsepower and managed a zero-to-60 time of only 3.3 seconds. This truck also has a low center of gravity due to the position of its key components (e.g. motors, battery, brakes, and suspension), aiding in its off-roading ability. If that’s not enough, the R1T has a reported towing capacity of over 11,000 lbs.
While it’ll take the R1T about 8 hours to charge with a 240V Level 2 charger, a DC fast charger gets the truck to 80 percent in just 15 minutes. The R1T gets an EPA-estimated 314-mile range on a single charge.
Rivians aren’t mass-produced just yet, so there’s a waiting period of up to two years to get your own at the moment. That being said, all models purchased from Rivian include:
A comprehensive warranty for up to 5 years or 60,000 miles
A battery warranty for 8 years or 175,000 miles
A drivetrain warranty for 8 years or 175,000 miles
A corrosion warranty for 8 years
2022 Rivian R1S
Powertrain:Four permanent-magnet synchronous AC motors (835 hp); liquid-cooled lithium-ion 128.9 kWh battery
Driving range: About 316 miles
The R1S isn’t widely available just yet, but they currently have most of the same specs as the R1T—that is, until Rivian releases a more affordable version of the SUV next year. The R1S currently sports the same quad-motor and “large” battery setup as the R1T, but next year’s Explore and Adventure models will come with a 600-hp dual-motor with two smaller battery options.
Just like the R1T, the R1S boasts major off-roading capabilities and unbelievable speed with a zero-to-60 time of 3.0 seconds. The R1S comes withan all-wheel drive and will be able to tow more than 7,700 pounds.
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How do Rivian electric cars compare to competitors?
Rivian may be the new kid on the block, but they’re already set to make waves in the industry. But how do Rivian EVs really stack up against rivals?
Between first-rate equipment, ultra-chic design, and all-around sustainability, it seems like Rivians are the ones to beat. Let’s look at how Rivians compare to rivals in three main areas: range, performance, and long-term affordability.
Driving range and charging time
Driving range—or how far the car can go on a single charge—is one of the most important characteristics of an electric vehicle. Another key factor to consider? Charging time. After all, this determines how easy the EV will be to deal with on a regular basis.
The R1T boasts a driving range of 314 miles, and the 2022 R1S gets 316 miles. When it comes to range and charging time, the R1T is in good company, as each competitor has a superlative to offer.
Let’s take a look at the solid numbers for the Rivian R1T compared to its main competition.
| | Charging time at 240 volts | Charging time w DC fast-charger |
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Performance
Just because you switch to an electric vehicle doesn’t mean saying goodbye to performance—especially with these trucks. The R1T packs quite a punch, but again, the competition does, too.
When it comes to speed and power, the R1T sits smack dab in the middle of the competition. While it’s faster and stronger than the Ford F-150 Lightning
, the GMC
Hummer EV has the R1T beat—but only slightly.
Cost of ownership
If you’re looking to be one of the first to rock the R1T on the roads, you want to be sure you aren’t wasting your money. With a starting price of $79,500, it’s the middle ground option when it comes to upfront costs. The Ford F-150 Lightning costs almost half that at $41,769…but the GMC Hummer EV will be the splurge option at a staggering $110,295.
A vehicle’s affordability is determined by more than just its price tag, especially when it comes to electric vehicles. While most electric vehicles are most costly in the front end, EVs are typically more economical than gas-powered engines for fuel and maintenance costs.
Rivians—and all-electric vehicles—have other cost-related perks, too. When you add electric vehicle federal tax credits and other electric car incentives
, swapping to an electric option like the R1T can save you a significant amount on car-related expenses—though it’s difficult to put a precise number on the savings this early in the game. MORE: Are there hidden costs of owning an electric vehicle?
How to decide if going electric is right for you
Rivian’s plans to revolutionize the electric car world may sound appealing, but driving an EV isn’t for everyone. If you’re uncertain about saying goodbye to gas pumps forever, here are a few factors to think about:
Will you have access to public charging stations? You’ll need a home station for regular charging, but you’ll want to be sure you have other options when you’re out and about, too.
How many miles do you drive every day? Running out of battery can be a daunting possibility when considering switching to an electric vehicle, but if you usually drive under the maximum driving range, an EV is worth considering.
How often do you make trips over 200-300 miles? For your day-to-day driving, an EV’s maximum range is typically sufficient. If you often drive long distances on regular weekend trips, however, charging may become an issue.
Do you have a garage at home? If you get an electric vehicle, you’ll need to install a charging station at home—but that won’t be possible if you park on the street or in a parking lot.
Do you need a vehicle with towing capacity? The R1T’s got a towing capacity of over 11,000 pounds—but towing can deplete the battery quicker, so it’s important to keep this in mind if you regularly tow heavy trailers with your pickup.
Buying a Rivian will come with a $7,500 federal tax credit—and that doesn’t even include the possible rebates or incentives you could get from your local or state governments or power companies.
On top of those savings, you’ll also enjoy cheaper operation costs, quieter driving, and helping out the environment. On the other hand, electric cars can come with higher upfront costs and tedious charging management.
Rivian’s electric future
Rivian may only have a few vehicles out, but they’re just getting started. They—along with most carmakers—have been impacted by supply chain issues, but the future is bright for Rivian. The company is planning a $5 billion plant in Georgia and they plan to produce 25,000 vehicles in this year alone.
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When they first debuted, electric vehicles were a major nuisance to charge and get used to, but thanks to technology advancements, it’s easily doable.
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