Rivian’s most anticipated R1T truck and R1S SUV will be hitting the electric vehicle market sometime in Summer 2021 as confirmed by the Michigan-based startup automaker company.
The first Rivian’s electric vehicle to reach the market will be the R1T truck. The first batch of R1T will be delivered to the customers coming in June 2021. Following by R1S SUV scheduled to be delivered sometime in August 2021.
Furthermore, the startup electric automaker started pilot production at one of its factory plants located in Normal, Illinois. Rivian said that the pilot production brings their milestone a step closer to full production launch.
Tesla Cybertruck and GMC Hummer will compete directly with the deeply popular Rivian R1T and R1S. Both vehicles are marketed as off-roaders aimed to attract adventurous and outdoor consumers.
Top-end models for R1T and R1S will be equipped with motors mounted at each wheel and deliver up to 750 horsepower. In addition to that, they will have a battery that gives a maximum driving range of 400 miles per charge.
General Motors is reportedly to produce GMC Hummer with similar specifications which promised to feature a tri-motor model packed with 1,000 horsepower and up to 400 miles of driving range.
It might seem unfair considering that the Rivian R1T truck and R1S SUV will be the company’s first-ever vehicles to enter production. Though, they are backed by some of the most powerful investors such as Amazon, Cox Automotive and T. Rowe Price to help Rivian reach their goals faster.
Both Tesla Cybertruck and GMC Hummer aren’t expected to enter the electric vehicle market until late 2021, which gives Rivian a headstart to attract customers. Furthermore, the electric startup company announced that they will introduce their own supercharger-style charging network akin to Tesla.
Rivian has been accused of poaching Tesla employees and stealing trade secrets along with confidential information. Though, their spokesperson denied the wrongdoing. Tesla filed a lawsuit in California court and is currently pending. If Rivian is found to be breaking non-disclosure agreements, they could be in serious legal troubles.
