American-based electric-truck manufacturer Rivian has put the brakes on production of its R1T EV pick-up and R1S EV 4×4 wagon until 2021 due to the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19).
Rivian had originally planned to start production of the R1T in December of this year at its Normal, Illinois plant, but it has shut down the facility bar a skeleton crew of maintenance workers, according to a report on Autoblog. The plant, which it bought off Mitsubishi in 2017, is also slated for production of the R1S wagon, as well as up to 100,000 electric vans.
The R1T features a quad-motor system that delivers a claimed 750hp (560kW) for a 0-60mph (0-100km/h) time of just 3.0 seconds. It also offers a towing capacity of 11,000lb (5000kg) and genuine off-road capability, thanks to the quad-motor set-up that allows power to be directed to each wheel independently. In addition, the R1T’s ‘skateboard’ EV platform provides a low centre of gravity to aid both on- and off-road performance, while Rivian also claims and impressive wading depth in excess of 900mm.
Most significant for potential buyers will be the Rivian R1T’s claimed 400-mile (640km) range… and the fact it looks nothing like a Tesla Cybertruck, instead adopting more traditional pick-up styling.
The Rivian R1T is expected to cost from US$69K (A$110K) when it eventually goes on sale in the USA 2021.