Rivian’s battery-powered RT1 pickup goes 0-60 in 3 seconds, is designed with storage in mind

Though we’t seen intriguing battery-powered electrical pickup designs from businesses such as Workhorse and Bollinger, not to mention the rumored mammoth model Tesla is working on, the very compelling model we’t seen is from a company named Rivian.

Built atop a common “Skateboard” stage, Rivian has introduced its R1T pickup and R1S SUV for a reimagination of their respective sections, says company founder and CEO R.J. Scaringe.

“I began Rivian to provide products that the planet didn’t already have… Starting with a blank sheet, we have spent years creating the technologies to deliver the perfect vehicle for busy customers,” Scaringe states. “This implies having great driving dynamics on almost any surface on- or off-road, providing cargo solutions to readily store any type of equipment, if it’s a surfboard or a fishing pole and, quite importantly, becoming able of driving long distances to a single charge,or rdquo; he continued.

The R1T, which includes a variant pushing 800 horsepower, includes autonomous driving abilities, a selection of around 400-plus milesplus a wading depth of up to 1 meter (3.28 ft ) plus a quad-motor all-wheel-drive that is intended to deliver accurate control onoff-road and -.

The “Skateboard” platform

The basis of the R1T and R1S is Rivian’s multifunctional system, which packages the battery pack, drive components, suspension, braking and renewable system all below the height of the brakes leaving the distance over for their equipment while providing a very low center of gravity.

An unequal length double wishbone suspension in the front and a multi-link suspension at the back are intended to provide a smooth ride. Dynamic roster control and adaptive dampers together with ride-height adjustable air-suspension enable the suspension to be adjusted for highway comfort, on-road functionality or off-road capability.

Rivian’s vehicles also feature a quad-motor system that produces 197 horsepower per wheel or 788 horses complete with exact torque control to every wheel, enabling active torque vectoring made to enhance functionality from high-speed cornering to low-speed rock crawling. With 2,581 lb.-ft. Of grounded torque each wheel (10,324 foot pounds for the whole truck), the R1T can reach 60 mph in 3 seconds and 100 mph in under 7 seconds. The powertrain and chassis work together to enable the R1T’s trip rating of 11,000 pounds.

“The beauty and elegance of our quad-motor installation isn’t only about brute power; this design offers instantaneous torque with exceptionally accurate control at every wheel, that is totally game-changing in a dynamics standpoint, both on- and – off-road,” said Rivian’s executive manager of technology and apps Mark Vinnels.

This ’s exactly what seems like in practice. On a beach no less.

Moving zero to 60 in 3 seconds, because as they say, life is brief and the world is broad. 11.26.18. Countdown to the R1T show here: https://t.co/VeYGvVmPlv pic.twitter.com/C5XNoAqhRb

— Rivian (@Rivian) November 24, 2018

Battery system

A strip of LEDs on the front end of the RT1 light up green once the truck is fully charged.

Rivian maintains its energy-dense battery module and also pack feature underbody protection and an advanced cooling system. Adaptive control algorithms understand driver behavior, optimizing user-specific battery management for maximizing battery life, reliability and second-life reusability. Three battery dimensions are planned, using the 180 kWh and 135 kWh available at start and a 105 kWh being made available within six months.

The battery is intended for rapid charging with charging rates of around 160kW. This enables approximately 200 kilometers of variety to be added in 30 minutes of charging. Besides DC fast-charging, an 11kW onboard charger eases rapid charging in a Level 2 charger.

The R1T will start with a hardware suite with many modalities including camera, lidar, radar, ultrasonic and also a high precision GPS combined with high definition maps. This hardware allows Level 3 (hands-off back wheel and eyes off road) autonomy for highway operation. Past the highway Level 3, the automobile is going to have a selection of self-driving features focused on enabling active lifestyles.

Rivian reports that its security systems and body-structure layout will provide IIHS Top Safety Pick Plus and NHTSA 5-Star evaluations. Safety features include 8 airbags for both occupant protection and reinforcements of the skateboard platform to safeguard the battery. The R1T and R1S will also be provided with a complete complement of active security systems permitted by Rivian’s suite of self-driving sensors.

Pricing for the R1T starts at $61,500 after Federal Tax credit. Deliveries will start in late 2020. Fully-equipped vehicles with the maximum performance degree and largest battery pack will enter generation first. The 180 kWh pack (400+ mph array ) and 135 kWh pack will be available at start, with all the base version (250+ mph range) to trace in 12 weeks of the start of production.

Rivian, with a group of 600 workers, has development centers in Plymouth, Mich., San Jose, Calif., Irvine, Calif. and the United Kingdom. The business is going to produce vehicles in its 2.6 million square foot manufacturing plant in Normal, Ill..

Interior/exterior storage and design

A closer look in the RT1’s headlamp layout.

The principal bodyline of the R1T wraps up and around the cab and provides the car a distinctive shape, while highlighting the Gear Tunnel cutline and accentuating the back fender flares. The R1T includes short overhangs, higher ground clearance and competitive approach and departure angles. Rivian “stadium” a daylight running light extends the whole width of the vehicle.

Rivian reports that the R1T’s automobile architecture permits to get more weatherproof storage than any other pickup on the planet. The 330-liter front trunk is readily accessed for daily usage with the hood fully powered for opening and closing.

The R1T’s lockable Gear Tunnel sits beneath the cab, and extends across the width of the vehicle, providing more than 350 liters of space for hauling oversized equipment, like snowboards, golf bags or mats.

The Gear Tunnel doors also behave as steps for loading things to the bed or onto the roof, in addition to a seat and a convenience stage for this as picking up hiking boots. The R1T includes a watertight, incorporated tonneau cover and underneath the mattress floor is really a 200-liter sealed bin that may also be used to keep a full size spare tire. The mattress includes three 110-volt sockets and incorporated compressed air.

Included in a Gear Guard feature, the mattress also includes two integrated locking wires to secure bicycle frames and other equipment to the mattress. Any equipment stored in the mattress is tracked by a mattress camera and the machine alerts owners should the contents or bed be corrected with.

Rivian has developed a telescoping racking system with easy-to-use mounts that immediately connect to the roof in addition to the mattress rails and mattress floor. The racks integrate with a range of accessories including tents, travel containers and bike/ski racks. When not being used, the racks can be readily stored in the front back.

Rivian’s inner features wood accents among high tech displays, including a custom 15.6-inch center signature screen, 12.3-inch instrument cluster plus a 6.8-inch back touch screen. Rivian developed maps, navigation, music and other adventure-focused qualities to complete the electronic experience.

“Although the outside of the vehicle is what initially attracts youpersonally, the interior is where you invest the most of your time, so we focused on creating a transformational distance,” said Rivian’s & vice-president of automobile style Jeff Hammoud. “The biggest challenge was creating a interior layout that delivered a premium experience, while still being comfortable as a distance that is heavily used. To do this, we looked out the automotive industry and also took inspiration from contemporary furniture, in addition to hiking and outdoor equipment to drive the layout. ”