Rivian R1T First Drive: The Electric Truck is Here

Rivian R1T: A Groundbreaking Electric Pickup

Rivian’s initial offering in the pickup truck segment has proven to be remarkably well-balanced.

Performance and Handling

The Rivian R1T electric truck strikes an ideal size, avoiding both excessive bulk and insufficient capacity. It demonstrates exceptional capability in challenging terrains, navigating rock crawling and off-camber trails with confidence.

Acceleration is brisk, achieving zero to 60 mph on unpaved surfaces in a matter of seconds, with controlled traction – though a drift mode is available for those who desire it. The vehicle exhibits minimal body roll when traversing winding mountain roads, maintaining a secure feel at the limits of its performance.

Premium Features and Practicality

The R1T boasts a high-quality interior and exterior design, positioning it within the premium vehicle category. However, this sophistication doesn’t compromise its ruggedness.

Rivian’s design and engineering teams prioritized a blend of aesthetics and functionality throughout the vehicle. Thoughtfully integrated details, such as the placement of tie-downs, an air compressor, and power outlets, indicate extensive real-world testing by Rivian personnel, encompassing activities like camping, mountain biking, and everyday errands.

Consequently, the R1T feels prepared for any season and capable of handling diverse tasks. Crucially, it delivers an enjoyable driving experience.

Initial Impressions

During a three-day evaluation with a near-production model, the R1T proved to be an electric truck that exceeded expectations.

While not without minor imperfections, a few hardware elements and software interface components could benefit from refinement. A particular example is an unusual notch, potentially intended as a pen holder, which may accumulate dust near the wireless charging pad.

A comprehensive review will necessitate further testing and mileage. Nevertheless, the Rivian R1T makes a strong initial impression as a complete package.

Image Credits: Kirsten Korosec

A Significant Achievement

The development of the R1T represents a substantial accomplishment for Rivian.

It is a challenge for established automotive manufacturers to accurately predict and fulfill consumer desires. Mass-producing a vehicle that meets these expectations while maintaining high standards of quality is even more difficult.

Rivian is uniquely positioned as the first to market with an electric truck in the U.S., creating a highly desirable vehicle and aiming for large-scale production.

Production and Future Outlook

Rivian has successfully addressed the desirability and driving dynamics aspects. The company now focuses on scaling production and fulfilling deliveries.

Progress is being made towards these goals. The first production Rivian R1T, finished in “Rivian blue,” recently left the assembly line at the company’s facility in Normal, Illinois, marking a significant milestone for the automaker and its founder, RJ Scaringe.

Company Growth

Founded in 2009 as Mainstream Motors and later rebranded as Rivian in 2011, the company has experienced rapid expansion in recent years.

Rivian operated discreetly for several years before unveiling prototypes of the all-electric R1T truck and R1S SUV at the 2018 LA Auto Show.

Since then, Rivian has secured billions of dollars in funding ($10.5 billion since 2019), expanded its Normal, Illinois factory, increased its workforce to over 8,000 employees, and established Amazon as a commercial client. Additionally, the company has confidentially filed for an IPO.

Beyond its Illinois factory, Rivian maintains facilities in Palo Alto and Irvine, California; Plymouth, Michigan; and an office in the U.K.

Rivian R1T: A Detailed Overview

The Rivian R1T model I tested was a Launch Edition, finished in glacier white and fitted with Pirelli Scorpion 20-inch all-terrain tires. The total cost approached $75,000, not including the $1,075 destination fee.

The original Launch Edition, distinguished by unique badging, is currently unavailable for purchase. However, Rivian’s “Adventure package” trim offers a remarkably similar configuration, starting at $73,000.

Key Features of the Adventure Package

• Both Launch and Adventure editions include an off-road upgrade.
• This upgrade features a reinforced underbody shield for protection.
• Dual front bumper tow hooks and an integrated air compressor are standard.
• Interior enhancements include a 100% recycled microfiber headliner.
• “Chilewich floor mats” complete the premium interior appointments.

The R1T is built upon a skateboard architecture. This design integrates the battery pack, drive units, independent air suspension, and essential thermal and lower body structures into a unified chassis.

This foundational chassis allows Rivian to efficiently produce diverse vehicle models by simply changing the exterior body – the “top hat.” This approach aims to provide both flexibility and cost-effectiveness in their manufacturing process.

The resulting vehicle boasts a low center of gravity and 68 cubic feet of cargo capacity. Designers and engineers have thoughtfully maximized space to accommodate drivers and passengers of varying heights.

Image Credits: Kirsten Korosec

The R1T’s powertrain consists of a 135-kWh lithium-ion battery, four motors enabling all-wheel drive, and a single-speed transmission. This combination generates 835 horsepower and 908 pound-feet of torque.

These specifications translate to substantial power, impressive performance, and a secure, planted feel during acceleration, even when navigating curves.

The quad-motor drive system’s architecture is noteworthy. A dual-motor drive unit is positioned on both the front and rear axles.

This configuration allows for independent torque adjustment by each motor, enhancing traction across diverse terrains. During testing, this was particularly evident on dirt roads.

The system intelligently distributes power to the wheels requiring it most, minimizing wheel slip and maintaining vehicle control during rotation.

The vehicle’s advanced thermal management and battery management systems enable a towing capacity of up to 11,000 pounds. It also supports a DC fast charging rate of 140 miles in just 20 minutes at 200 kilowatts.

Unfortunately, a full evaluation of these capabilities wasn’t possible during the initial test drive, but they remain a priority for future assessment with extended vehicle access.

The Driving Route

The initial press event commenced for all journalists, with the exception of myself due to a delayed flight, at Denver International Airport. Participants then proceeded on a roughly 100-mile journey along Interstate 70, ascending into the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains.

The destination for this drive was Breckenridge, a well-known ski resort situated at the foot of the Ten-Mile Range. (It's important to note that travel and lodging expenses were covered by TechCrunch, while Rivian provided the vehicle and meals.)

My opportunity to experience the Rivian R1T was postponed until the subsequent day.

The following morning began with an outdoor breakfast prepared using the Rivian Camp Kitchen, followed by a comprehensive safety inspection and briefing. This prepared us for the core of the event.

A significant portion of the day was dedicated to off-road driving, though I also had the chance to experience the vehicle on paved mountain roads. The initial path followed the North Fork of the Swan River, connecting to the Deer Creek and Saints John trails.

This circuit presented a variety of challenges, including rock crawling, a demanding V-shaped section, and both steep ascents and descents. There were also stretches of dirt road suitable for testing the “rally” mode. (Further details on this mode will be provided later.)

Image Credits: Kirsten Korosec

The route eventually led drivers through Montezuma, a former mining town, and onto Highway 6. This highway is characterized by its winding path as it climbs over Loveland Pass.

The concluding segment of the day differed in length based on each driver’s choice. The route selected by myself and another journalist involved traversing Loveland Pass twice, then returning through Keystone, along Swan Road, and ultimately reaching our final destination.

On the subsequent morning, journalists were given another opportunity to drive back to the airport. The entire initial drive covered approximately 270 miles over a period of three days.

Vehicle Handling and Operational Capabilities

Image Credits: Rivian

The independent air suspension demonstrated significant capability during the off-road portion of testing. Drivers are provided with a selection of driving modes, including all-purpose, sport, off-road, conserve, and towing. The off-road mode itself offers further customization with options like off-road auto, rock crawl, and rally.

A drift mode is also available, though it wasn't utilized during this evaluation.

The vehicle’s ride height, damping characteristics, and the regenerative braking pedal map are all dynamically adjusted based on the selected drive mode. As an example, conserve mode lowers the vehicle to approximately 8 inches of ground clearance.

Conversely, the off-road mode allows for a maximum ride height of 14.9 inches.

Our off-road testing involved navigating steep inclines and a shallow water crossing. The substantial ground clearance, coupled with approach, breakover, and departure angles of 34 degrees, 25.7 degrees, and 29.3 degrees respectively, ensured the vehicle traversed obstacles without scraping or hesitation.

On several occasions, Rivian personnel encouraged us to drive directly over large boulders, a tactic typically avoided in conventional vehicles. The vehicle successfully handled these challenges without issue.

Image Credits: Rivian

A minor issue was observed with the passenger-side window, which occasionally exhibited lag or ceased operation entirely. This is likely a preliminary issue that will be addressed and resolved before vehicles are delivered to customers.

The vehicle’s performance across the different drive modes was impressive. However, the user interface for switching between these modes presented some usability challenges, which will be discussed further.

User Interfaces

Image Credits: Rivian

The vehicle’s cabin strikes a generally favorable balance between integrated technology and traditional physical controls. Essential functions like windshield wipers and gear selection are managed via stalks, avoiding integration into the central infotainment system. Two thumb toggles are conveniently positioned on the steering wheel for volume control, track skipping, phone operation, and access to the Alexa voice assistant, alongside certain advanced driver assistance features.

A driver monitoring system, utilizing an integrated camera, is activated in conjunction with the Driver+ advanced driver assistance suite. The driver display itself is characterized by a minimalist design, presenting only essential data such as vehicle speed, navigational mapping when required, and remaining driving range.

Occupying the central position is a rectangular touchscreen, serving as the primary interface for nearly all vehicle functions. While comprehensive, I found myself desiring physical alternatives for a few controls. Positively, the infotainment system eschews a traditional home screen, instead displaying all necessary options permanently at the bottom of the screen, enhancing intuitiveness and ease of navigation.

Image Credits: Rivian

Generally, I don’t advocate for an abundance of buttons and knobs. However, while navigating a challenging, steep, and rocky incline, I wished for a more tactile method of adjusting the air vent direction than repeatedly tapping the touchscreen. Similarly, modifying brake regeneration levels while traversing uneven terrain or winding roads proved less than ideal.

It’s plausible that familiarity would mitigate these inconveniences with extended use. Nevertheless, specific areas – notably the HVAC system – suggest that Rivian customers may appreciate the option of physical controls or knobs.

The software performed reliably during testing, exhibiting no noticeable lag. Bluetooth pairing with my phone was seamless, enabling uninterrupted music playback. It is worth noting that the vehicle does not currently support Apple CarPlay or Android Auto integration.

Rivian benefits from a software-centric approach and a cloud-based architecture, facilitating over-the-air (OTA) software updates. Company representatives assure that these updates will be delivered remotely, eliminating the need for service center visits. Regular updates are planned to introduce new features and applications.

Tesla owners have embraced OTAs, as the company has leveraged them to deliver features like video games and other enhancements. Rivian’s approach appears, at present, to be more focused on hardware-based “Easter eggs,” potentially reflecting the preferences of its target customer base.

Hardware Accessories

Several hardware components, including the keys, gear tunnel, and gear guard, deserve mention. A more detailed examination of all accessories – encompassing the portable speaker, tire air compressor, and flashlight – will be presented in subsequent articles this week.

Let's begin with the key, or rather, keys. Rivian has engineered four distinct methods for vehicle access: a dedicated phone application, a fob equipped with a carabiner-style lock, a credit-card-shaped key, and a bracelet. While this may appear excessive, it aligns with the profile of the typical Rivian customer – an individual who leads an active lifestyle and frequently embarks on adventures in remote locations.

Image Credits: Kirsten Korosec

The Rivian gear tunnel is next, offering a substantial 11.6 cubic feet of storage space. This feature represents a core element of the vehicle’s design, remaining consistent throughout the numerous iterations of the truck’s initial concepts, as noted by Scaringe.

Within the gear tunnel, an optional skateboard platform is available, designed to accommodate the $5,000 Camp Kitchen attachment. Rivian is clearly anticipating further accessory development – perhaps a warming system for ski or snowboard boots, or a container for storing soiled athletic apparel (these are merely suggestions) – that can connect to this platform.

The gear tunnel doors, which descend after a user activates a button on the pickup bed frame, are robust enough to support a person’s weight and provide additional storage. An employee of Rivian is visible in the image below, removing the air compressor attachment from one of the compartments.

Image Credits: Kirsten Korosec

Furthermore, a hardware and software integration known as Gear Guard is included with the Adventure package. This system utilizes a locking cable that connects to the truck bed and secures items like bicycles or other equipment. Upon connection, the vehicle’s security system is activated.

The security system leverages the vehicle’s ten external cameras to record any individual approaching and attempting to tamper with the secured gear. This footage is accessible on the central display, can be stored, and is capable of being shared. Currently, this video is not immediately transmitted to the user’s phone application.

Image Credits: Kirsten Korosec

It is anticipated that Rivian will integrate this functionality as the app undergoes further development and refinement. The advantage of constructing a vehicle from the ground up with a focus on software and hardware integration lies in the ability to improve upon these details.

Rivian has excelled in areas that would prove most challenging to alter. The truck delivers genuine off-road capability, on-road performance comparable to a responsive sedan or sports car, and the benefit of quiet electric propulsion, all without compromising on design, interior materials, software, or functional accessories.

This initial offering is poised to instill confidence in the brand and, it is predicted, will resonate positively with consumers.