Rivian, an electric vehicle manufacturer, unveiled its highly anticipated Electric Adventure VehiclesTM — the R1T, an all-electric pickup and the R1S, an all-electric SUV — at events surrounding the LA Auto Show.
Please note and most noteworthy, this is also important because the F-150 and some serious amount of Amazon trucks will be built on this platform.
Furthermore, Ford is putting the final touches on the Mustang-inspired electric crossover it announced over a year ago. The Blue Oval announced plans to introduce the model on November 17, meaning you’ll have something other than politics to talk about this Thanksgiving.
Full details won’t be announced until then, but we already know a great deal about it.
The interplay between color and materials allows for Rivian vehicles to be differentiated in an over-saturated luxury-vehicle market. Sustainably sourced wood used throughout. As well as its natural finish contributes to a warm and inviting feel. In addition, the wooden panel becomes the centerpiece of the vehicle’s interior. Because it’s housing the main center display and driver cluster. Thereby forgoing the usual function of wood as a decorative trim. The interior of the car evokes a feeling of home and comfort. All with the overall design drawing inspiration most interestingly from contemporary furniture. That’s as well as hiking and outdoor gear. So they use high-end leathers and fabrics. Passengers can then throw muddy boots and dirty gear with these materials. All that can be easily cleaned and maintained.
The R1TTM, a 5-passenger pickup truck, debuted at the Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles. With 400+ miles in electric range. This is allowing also a wading depth of 1 meter. In addition, lockable storage bins that can fit the bulkiest of gear.
Most importantly, the performance and precise control of quad-motor AWD. Because Rivian vehicles have been developed to help customers get out and explore the world. Most noteworthy, both vehicles are produced at Rivian’s manufacturing facility in Normal IL.
Skateboard Platform
The foundation most importantly of the R1T and R1S is Rivian’s skateboard platform. One term car companies will be using for the battery pack, drive units, suspension, braking and thermal system. As well as , all below the height of the wheel. Thereby leaving the space above for occupants and their gear.
Beyond the packaging benefits, this architecture delivers a low center of gravity that supports the vehicle’s agility and stability. Adding to these inertial advantages is a sophisticated suspension architecture with unequal length double wishbone suspension in the front and a multi-link suspension in the rear. The suspension features dynamic roll control and adaptive dampers along with ride-height adjustable air- suspension – allowing the suspension to be adjusted for highway comfort, on-road performance or off- road capability.
Rivian’s vehicles also feature a quad-motor system that delivers 147kW with precise torque control to each wheel. Thereby enabling active torque vectoring and maximum performance in every situation. That’s from high-speeds cornering to low-speed rock crawling. So with 3,500 Nm of grounded torque per wheel (14,000 Nm of torque for the full vehicle). As well, the R1T and R1S can both reach 60 mph in 3 seconds and 100 mph in less than 7 seconds. This powertrain and chassis also enable the R1T’s tow rating of 11,000 pounds.
Also the underbody and skid protection keep the batteries safe. Even on the roughest, rockiest or sandy spots.
Plus and more importantly navigating through up to 3 feet water. (Yes folks, it something most EVs would avoid!).
Exterior
The R1T and R1S designs communicate strength and refinement while still inviting customers to get the vehicles dirty. Strong proportions and clean, continuous body lines. All helping achieve a modern, inviting stance while acknowledging the performance and level of technology integrated into the vehicles.
Signature Stadium Headlights that wrap around the front of the vehicles to create a distinct Rivian look. The shape of the headlights is inspired by a carabiner. The original idea was to attach a carabiner to the front for tying down canoes and other things from the roof. The physical carabiner did not make it to the final design, but the headlights took the inspiration.
The lighting creates a signature aesthetic that again offers practical features, from signature stadium headlights to a beautifully integrated daytime running light that doubles as a charge light indicator, which will shine green to indicate a full charge. Strong proportions and clean, continuous bodylines achieve a modern and inviting form to complement the interior design of the vehicles.
The main bodyline of the R1T, which wraps up and around the cab and gives the vehicle a distinctive silhouette, while highlighting the Gear TunnelTM cutline and accentuating the rear fender flares. The R1S shares much of its appearance with the R1T but in the rear highlights a function-driven design expressing capability and utility with plenty of space for occupants and gear. Both vehicles feature short overhangs, high ground clearance and aggressive approach and departure angles for a confident and rugged stance, all enabled by Rivian’s unique skateboard platform. A Rivian will be quickly recognized, with its iconic, signature “stadium” headlights and a daytime running light that extends the entire width of the vehicle.
Interior
Frunk (Front Trunk) offers additional space to store more gear. Even perfect for a cooler in the space that a traditional engine would typically occupy. The placement of the windshields allows more space for the frunk. As well as a bit more familiar to the truck / SUV consumer.
In harmony with the exterior, the interior of Rivian’s vehicles welcomes occupants. That’s into a premium environment that conveys craftsmanship yet invites rugged, daily use. Color and materials play an important role in differentiating Rivian vehicles. Sustainably sourced wood is used throughout the interior.
As well as its natural finish contributes to a warm and inviting feel. The most striking use of wood is as a structural element that integrates the main center display and driver cluster, integrating form and function beautifully.
In the high-wear areas of the interior, the materials take inspiration from sportswear and active gear, combining durable and innovative materials that can easily be cleaned.
Vehicle Specifications*
Utility
The R1S and R1T leverage the vehicle architecture to deliver more lockable storage. Yes folks more than any other vehicle in their respective segments. The 330-liter front trunk on the R1T and R1S. On both it’s easily accessed for daily use. Finally, that’s with the hood fully powered for opening and closing.
The R1T’s lockable Gear Tunnel aft of the cab extends across the vehicle. As well as providing more than 350 liters of space for hauling oversized gear. That’s such as snowboards, golf bags or strollers. The Gear Tunnel doors also act as steps for loading items. All into the bed or onto the roof. That’s as well as a seat for such as lacing up hiking boots. The R1T has a watertight, integrated tonneau cover. All for the bed and beneath the bed floor. It’s is a 200- liter sealed bin that can also be used to store a full-size spare tire. The bed features three 110-volt outlets and integrated compressed air.
As part of a Gear GuardTM feature, the bed also has two integrated locking cables to safely secure bicycle frames and other gear to the bed. Any gear stored in the bed is monitored by a bed camera and alerts owners should the bed or contents be tampered with.
The rear of the R1S features a liftgate and small tailgate. All with the tailgate providing an area to sit and prep for activities. That’s such as gearing up for a mountain climb to tightening skis. The second and third row seats fold flat to provide room for any gear required.
Rivian has developed a racking system that utilizes telescoping racks. All with easy-to-use mounts that quickly attach to the roof of either the R1T or R1S. Such as well as the bed rails and bed floor of the R1T. The racks integrate with a range of accessories including tents, travel containers and bike/ski racks. When not in use, the racks can be easily stored in the front trunk.
Battery System
Rivian’s energy-dense battery module and pack are made with the most demanding journeys in mind. Thereby incorporating tough underbody protection. Also an advanced cooling system. That’s gonna give occupants the confidence to go further. All and finally regardless of terrain or temperature.
In addition, adaptive control algorithms learn driver behavior and optimizing user-specific battery management. All for maximizing battery life. In addition, increases reliability and second- life reusability. Three battery sizes are planned. All with the 180 kWh and 135 kWh available at launch. As well as with 105 kWh being made available within six months.
The battery is designed for fast charging with charging rates of up to 160kW. This enables approximately 200 miles of range to be added in 30 minutes of charging.
In addition to DC fast-charging, an 11kW onboard charger facilitates rapid charging at a Level 2 charger.
Connectivity and Digital Experience
Rivian has developed its connected car platform from a clean sheet to allow full control and flexibility over the vehicle hardware, software and user experience. The system operates on a high-speed Ethernet backbone that enables robust security.
This platform supports granular over-the-air updates of vehicle software. Because that’ll enhance functionality and improve performance. All Rivian vehicles connect to a cloud-ecosystem. That’s for data exchange and processing. This is enabling machine learning and data services.
As a result, the digital experience extends beyond the vehicle. Right into the cloud ecosystem. That’s as well as mobile/web applications. It’s also a consistent and seamless interface for vehicle status and control.
In addition, the in-vehicle experience consists of a custom 15.6-inch center touch screen. As well as a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and a 6.8-inch rear touch screen.
It’s because Rivian understands its customers desire for connected adventure. That’s why Rivian developed maps, music, navigation and other adventure-focused features. All to complete the digital experience. The digital user interface strongly reflects this vehicle. It’s therefore not the adventure, outdoors and exploration.
In conclusion, the experience is immersive. Because natural whether it’s being used in a connected urban setting or well off the beaten path.
Self-Driving
The R1T and R1S will launch with a robust hardware suite. All with multiple modalities including camera, lidar, radar, ultrasonic and a high precision GPS. In addition too and coupled with high definition maps. This hardware enables “Level 3” (hands-off wheel and eyes off road) autonomy for highway operation. Beyond the highway Level 3, the vehicle will have a range of self-driving features focused on enabling active lifestyles.
Safety
Rivian’s safety systems and body-structure design will deliver IIHS Top Safety Pick Plus and NHTSA 5-Star ratings. Safety features include 8 airbags for occupant protection and reinforcements of the skateboard platform to protect the battery.
The R1T and R1S will also be offered with a full complement of active safety systems enabled by Rivian’s suite of self-driving sensors.
Rivian is developing vehicles, technology and services that inspire people. I know people that just dropped $1,000 for a deposit because they want an electric vehicle to get out and explore the real world. Whether it’s a family camping trip or a weekend away, Rivian is focused on providing the ultimate platform for experiencing life’s adventures.
Most noteworthy, Rivian has development centers in Plymouth, MI, San Jose, CA, Irvine, CA, and the UK. The company will produce vehicles at its modern, 2.6 million square foot manufacturing plant in Normal, IL.
Core to delivering Rivian’s vision is a team of 600 passionate people working in close collaboration to deliver a set of products that electrify adventure.
R1T pricing starts at $61,500 after Federal Tax credit. R1S pricing starts at $65,000 after Federal Tax credit. Deliveries begin in late 2020. Fully-equipped vehicles with the highest performance level and largest battery pack entering production first.
So the 180 kWh pack (400+ miles range) and 135 kWh pack available at launch. I was also told that it’ll be with the base variant 250+ miles range. That’s to follow 12 months after of the start of production.
Finally, Rivian is accepting preorders for a refundable deposit of $1,000. In conclusion and for more information; available at www.rivian.com.
Source: Rivian, Los Angeles, CA, November 27, 2018 –
