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2021 Rivian R1T and R1S price and specs revealed for USA

The high-performance SUV and pick-up models will arrive in US showrooms mid-2021, however there is still no indication of when Australian deliveries might begin.


All-electric manufacturer Rivian is set to begin delivering its much anticipated R1S SUV and R1T pick-up models mid-next year, with pricing and specs officially announced for the US market.

Based on a shared platform, the vehicles will produce “up to” 550kW/1124NM, accelerate from zero to 100km/h in three seconds, and have a range of about 640km drawn from a 180kWh battery.

The R1S is available in either a five- or seven-seat configurations, while the R1T gets a tray suitable for an 800kg payload.

The electric SUV and pick-up markets are increasingly competitive, and Rivian will be pitching its products against other high-profile upcoming models such as the Hummer EV, Tesla Cybertruck, and Nikola Badger.

A kitted-out limited-run Launch Edition will start at $77,500 (approximately AU$107,000) for the R1T pick-up and $75,000 (approximately AU$103,000) for the R1S SUV, with deliveries expected to begin in August of 2021.

Launch Edition models feature a reinforced off-road floor, dual front bumper tow hooks, Rivian Elevation 360° audio system, wood interior finish, imitation leather seats with heating and ventilation, Chilewich floor mats, limited edition badging and paint colours, and a choice of 20-inch all-terrain or 22-inch sport alloys.

Adventure package variants will arrive in January 2022, with Launch Edition price parity but fewer features.

Adventure package cars get the same reinforced off-road floor and front bumper tow hooks, alongside Rivian Elevation 360° audio, wood interior finish, imitation leather seats with heating and ventilation, and Chilewich floor mats.

The entry-level package – named the Explore – will arrive at the same time as the Adventure, and pricing will start at $70,000 (approximately AU$100,000) for the R1T pick-up, and $67,500 (approximately AU$93,000) for the R1S SUV.

Explore models come standard with surround sound audio, heated seats, and recycled textile floor mats.

CarAdvice has contacted Rivian for comment on the prospect of an Australian launch. This story will be updated with its response.

Speaking with CarAdvice at the 2019 New York motor show (remember motor shows?), Rivian spokesperson Chris Wollen said right-hand-drive models are planned, and that Australia "is an important market" for the brand.

"We know we’re nicely suited for Australia so it’s an important market for us. But there’s lots to get done so we’re focusing on North America first," he said.

Last month Rivian officially launched its Amazon electric delivery van, with 100,000 examples already slated for production.

At the time of the announcement Electrek.com estimated the partnership deal was valued at $4 billion (approximately AU$5.6 billion).


William Davis

William Davis has written for Drive since July 2020, covering news and current affairs in the automotive industry. He has maintained a primary focus on industry trends, autonomous technology, electric vehicle regulations, and local environmental policy. As the newest addition to the Drive team, William was brought onboard for his attention to detail, writing skills, and strong work ethic. Despite writing for a diverse range of outlets – including the Australian Financial Review, Robb Report, and Property Observer – since completing his media degree at Macquarie University, William has always had a passion for cars.

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