Here’s Why The Rivian R1T Pickup Is The Most Important Electric Vehicle of the Year! (Video)

We get a close look at the Rivian R1T truck and the R1S SUV prototypes to see all the features and get an idea about the future production plans for these all-electric trucks.

The R1T pickup truck has overall dimensions of a midsize truck, but Rivian says the interior is more roomy than a Toyota Tacoma or any other current midsize truck. Behind the crew cab is a bed that measures about five feet in length.

The truck is based on a “skateboard” chassis. Effectively, the frame houses the lithium-ion battery pack in the center. Each wheel gets its own electric motor with about 190 hp and 200 lb-ft of torque each. The suspension is independent front and rear. The total power is estimated at about 750 hp and over 800 lb-ft of torque.

Rivian says, the mid-level version of the R1T is capable of a 0-60 MPH acceleration in about 3.0 seconds. The driving range varies between 230 to 400 miles depending on battery size and driving conditions. Rivian also says that charging times using a fast charger can provide about 80% charge in about 30 minutes.

If equipped with a hitch, the truck is supposed to handle towing a 10,000 lbs trailer.

Since the truck has four motors, it has full all-wheel-drive capability. The air suspension allows it to lower or raise all the way for approximately 14-inches of ground clearance. Rivian says it can ford about three feet of water.

Rivian says that first production models will begin production around October 2020, with first deliveries in December of 2020. They are taking pre-orders now.

Just check out the video to see all the storage solutions, the interior, the infotainment interface, the innovative cargo tunnel, the multi-position powered tailgate and more.