Electrified SUVs are popping up everywhere. So it's no surprise that automotive startup Rivian has unveiled one of its own, the R1S. More exciting is the company's electron-powered pickup truck, the R1T.
Automotive startup Rivian unveils an electric truck and SUV
Gallery: Rivian R1T electric truck | 14 Photos
The automaker calls both vehicles Electric Adventure Vehicles. The idea is that both can handle the rigors of the average day and are also ready to go off-road and tackle the elements when needed. If the specs work out the way the company hopes they will, there's a good chance these vehicles could deliver on the company's promise.
According to Rivian, the R1T will have up to a 400-mile range, will do zero to 60 in three seconds, support over-the-air updates, seat five and have a four-motor AWD drivetrain. When it initially ships in late 2020, the truck will be available with either a 180kWh or 136kWh battery pack. Later, a 105kWh battery will be available.
Rivian says that the R1S SUV will be delivered in 2021 and that both vehicles will ship with Level 3 autonomy (the vehicle will drive itself in certain circumstances, probably on the highway).
All of this is impressive, but it takes more than promises for a new company to deliver a vehicle. Especially at scale. Just ask Tesla.
If Rivian can pull this off, the next time you hassle a friend to help you move, your Ikea furniture, clothes and boxes of old smartphones might be hauled by an electric truck.