Startup company Rivian unveils world’s first adventure EVs

An electric vehicle automotive startup called Rivian, has just debuted the world’s first pair of what they are calling Electric Adventure Vehicles at the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show. The two vehicles, the all-electric R1T pickup and the R1S SUV, are aimed at providing class-leading specifications, a sophisticated exterior and interior design, and a wide range of features developed to help maintain an active lifestyle.

The chassis and foundation for these two vehicles is called Rivian’s skateboard platform. This unique platform efficiently packages the battery pack, drive units, suspension, braking, and heat management systems as low as possible, providing more packaging space above for occupants and any gear. A low center of gravity also adds to vehicle stability and agility, complementing the 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.

Quad motors deliver 147kW (197 hp) to each wheel, allowing for precise torque control and active torque vectoring for maximum traction in high-speed cornering or low-speed rock crawling. Instantaneous torque provides 3,500 Nm to each wheel, totalling 14,000 Nm for the whole vehicle, propelling the R1T and R1S to 100 km/h in three seconds, and 167 km/h in less than seven seconds. This powertrain and chassis also enables the R1T’s tow rating of 11,000 pounds.

The batterties of the Rivian were developed with tough underbody protection and an advanced cooling system to handle all types of terrain and temperature ranges. Three battery sizes are planned with a 180 kWh and 135 kWh available at launch, and a 105 kWh being made available within six months after launch. The battery is designed for fast charging with charging rates of up to 160kW. This enables approximately 320 kilometers of range to be added in 30 minutes of charging. In addition to DC fast-charging, an 11kW onboard charger facilitates rapid charging.

Versatility comes in the form of lockable storage and a 330 liter front trunk, and the addition of the R1T pickup’s lockable gear tunnel that provides more than 350 liters of space to haul hear of any size, such as snowboards and golf bags. The gear tunnel doors also act as steps for loading items into the bed or on the roof, as well as seats perfect for lacing up hiking boots. The R1T has a watertight, integrated tonneau cover for the bed and in the rear beneath the bed floor 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 with more 400 watts available at each. The bed also has integrated locking cables to safely secure bicycle frames and other gear. In addition, any gear stored in the bed is also monitored by a bed camera and alerts owners should the bed be entered or items removed. A unique telescoping rack system also quickly attaches to the bed rails, roof, and floor of the R1T in order to be integrated with tents, travel containers, and other types of racks.

All Rivian vehicles will be able to connect to a cloud-ecosystem for data exchange and processing, and will be able to provide a seamless interface for vehicle status and control. The R1T will also launch with an array of cameras and sensors that enable driving autonomy up to level 3 (hands-off wheel and eyes off road) for highway use. A full complement of active safety systems and eight airbags will come with every Rivian vehicle.

These adventure electric vehicles are scheduled for delivery in late 2020 for the R1T pickup, and early 2021 for the R1S SUV. Pricing and full details will follow.