Rivian R1T electric ute to be sold in Australia – but not to the public

The Rivian R1T electric pick-up is finally coming to Australia – going on sale to customers three years after deliveries began in the US.

However, it will not yet be made available to the public – rather the Rivian will be upfitted by Australian-based company MEVCO for sale to mining fleets here and overseas.

The start-up currently works with Melbourne-based company SEA Electric to convert Toyota HiLux and LandCruiser 70 Series utes to electric power for sale to mining fleets – for an estimated cost of up to $100,000 per vehicle.

While the Rivian R1Ts are to be sold to Australian mining sites, it is believed they will be offered in left-hand drive only – and cannot be sold to the general Australian public for use on the road.

Drive has contacted MEVCO for information on when the Rivians will be made available, and how much they will cost.

Rivian head office in the US has previously expressed interest in an Australian launch – and sale to the general public – but has not announced a timeline to do so, nor are its vehicles produced in right-hand drive.

MEVCO said in a media statement its deal with Rivian is an exclusive "global partnership", and it will "customise the Rivan R1T to mining specifications," as well as "support mines on charging infrastructure, maintenance and workflows."

Electric vehicles are particularly useful in underground mines as they emit zero tailpipe emissions in what are near-enclosed spaces.

The Australian company has had a left-hand-drive Rivian R1T in a green MEVCO livery in the country for at least two months for display and test drives with mining fleet customers.

“We have already seen strong support for the Rivian product, as well as the infrastructure MEVCO is building to support the rollout,” Matt Cahir, CEO of MEVCO, said in a written statement.