Rivian ute due June 2021
Rivian expects to begin US deliveries of its R1T ute in June 2021, followed by its R1S SUV in August.
The delivery dates have been announced by Rivian, adding its pilot production line is running at its Normal plant in Illinois.
“This important milestone brings us another step closer to our full production launch. It also allows us to more precisely estimate delivery timing,” the company says.
Rivian will soon allow reservation holders to configure their R1T or R1S, and it will provide updates on the vehicles’ charging infrastructure.
The top 185kWh models have more than 640km range, while its 105kWh and 135kWh variants get about 370km and 480km range respectively.
EVs and Beyond has asked Rivian when its ute and SUV will be available in New Zealand and Australia, expected in the latter around 2022.
”We’re excited to launch our vehicles in Australia and New Zealand, but have not announced our timing or pricing there yet,” a Rivian spokesperson says.
The R1T is likely to be among the first electric utes available and will compete with the Tesla Cybertruck, Ford F-150 EV, and the GMC Hummer EV, Teslarati
reports.
Rivian has several big investors like Ford, Amazon (which has ordered 100,000 Rivian e-vans), and Cox Automotive.
Join the conversation (3)
NZ should allow any new LHD vehicle to be sold to private individuals, in addition to current allowances. They are perfectly safe to drive with a few additional learnable driver adjustments.
In some situations they are safer as in winding narrow roads where visibility is better than RHD vehicles around right turns and vehicle placement as in keeping left, is enhanced as road edge is seen easily. Try it, you’ll understand. Drivers only, when parking are getting out on pavement side.
In passing another vehicle the driver needs to drop back a little(never a bad move) to see road ahead for passing room. The driver also gets a better view of potential left road side traffic pulling out into traffic from side roads or farm entry/exits.
I’ve yet to see tested theories or records showing in countries where vehicles are allowed to be LHD or RHD that “wrong” side steering wheel placement causes accidents. Drivers cause accidents and in many ways.
Those who import these variations to the norm, ie. LHD, would clearly take the chance that resale may be affected. It doesn’t affect importers/owners of classic American cars. They are not dangerous. Some drivers are.
Agreed , particularly for 4×4 rural use , you tend to be more cautious on the wrong side of the vehicle . I drove 10,000. miles in Europe in a r/h drive ,remembering driver by/to the ditch . Bit of a challenge on roundabouts though.
Curious who said rivian was coming to nee zealand. I see a quote from rivian there intentions in australia but not nee zealand?