With the increasing number of EV companies, the market has become more competitive. Nevertheless, Rivian brilliantly and strategically created a path and name for itself in this industry. It has continuously made headlines and has posed significant competition against well-known and established EV companies like Tesla and Ford.
Rivian or Rivian Automotive, Inc. is an American electric vehicle automaker and automotive technology company founded in 2009. Rivian has made an electric sport utility vehicle or SUV and pickup truck on a “skateboard” platform that can support future vehicles or be adopted by other companies.
Most people describe Rivian as an American electric vehicle automaker and automotive technology company. How correct do you think that description is?
Rivian is the first electric vehicle automaker and automotive technology company to produce an all-electric pickup truck and SUV with quad-motor systems to make the transition to sustainable transportation an adventurous and exciting one.
Rivian is an EV production company with a difference. This article will help you understand what Rivian means by enlightening you on its origin, ownership, location, logo, accomplishments, plans, and the cost and availability of its cars. Rivian is indeed an electric vehicle automaker and automotive technology company. However, what makes it Rivian and not Tesla, Ford, or any other EV production company? Read on to find out.
Who founded Rivian?
Engineer Robert RJ Scaringe, the current CEO, founded Rivian in 2009. It started as Mainstream Motors, then briefly as Avera Automotive (based in Scaringe’s home state of Florida), before it was renamed Rivian Automotive in 2011 (a wordplay on the Indian River in Florida, where Scaringe grew up). Rivian remained private for many years and only went public in November 2021. It went public under the stock ticker “RIVN” at the offering price of $ 78 per share.
What cars has Rivian manufactured?
Since Rivian began working exclusively on autonomous electric vehicles, it has produced three EVs, including R1T, R1S, and Amazon electric delivery vans.
Rivian’s R1T
It is Rivian’s first production vehicle. It was introduced in 2018 as an all-wheel-drive all-electric pickup truck equipped with a quad-motor system that pumped up the horsepower and torque.
In September 2021, R1T was rolled off the production line for delivery.
So far, R1T’s power-trained design has made it a powerful off-road tool. Its 0-60 mph, which is a staggering 3 seconds, is similar to that of sports cars like the Porsche 911 GT3 RS and the monster 9,000lb GMC Hummer Ev. Given that it is a heavy off-road car, it is remarkable that it can compare with such desirable sports cars in this aspect.
It has several models that vary in range. From Reports, the “Large Pack” with a range of 314 miles runs on a 135 kWh battery.
The initial price for the base model was $ 67,500. However, the current inflation has resulted in a 17% increase in price due to the increased cost of manufacturing components.
So far, R1T has been very promising.
n December 2021, it was named the Motor Trend of the year. Its future development includes a “Max Pack” model that is expected to have a 400-mile range and a 180 kWh battery. The price of R1T will vary with the model. The adventure and max pack models with longer ranges and better upgrades will be more costly than the base model.
Rivian’s R1S
The Rivian R1S was introduced alongside R1T as an all-wheel-drive SUV equipped with a quad-motor system that pumped up the horsepower and torque.
It is a follow-up to the R1T that offers a sportier experience. It is said to have 91% shared components with the R1T as Rivian’s relatively flat, low center of gravity chassis is an EV skateboard that enables straightforward modification of different body parts.
It has a 0-60 mph time of 3 seconds and a 135 kWh battery that can run 316 miles. It has a wading depth of over three feet, 14.9 inches of ground clearance, and can tow up to 7,700lbs. It comes with three tire choices, including sport, road, and all-terrain. Additionally, it can be tow-charged when the need arises.
Its quad-motor drivetrain makes it possible to control and adjust the power delivered to each wheel. Additionally, it improves the torque vectoring used to dial out understeer and oversteer, thus keeping the vehicle in control on- and off-road.
All in all, R1S will be an adventurous off-road sporty car with impressive off-roading capabilities. Expectedly, delivery of the preorders will commence in mid-2022.
Rivian’s Amazon electric delivery vans
In 2019, Rivian collaborated with Amazon to produce 100,000 Amazon electric delivery vans exclusively for Amazon. The vans will come in three sizes carrying 500 cu ft, 700 cu ft, and 900 cu ft of packages. A 150-mile (240 km) prototype of the van began testing before April 2021. Expectedly, 10,000 electric delivery vans will be on the road by the latter half of 2022.
What is Rivian’s logo?
Rivian’s logo features a yellow compass with four arrows.
This logo symbolizes its values, including innovation, adventure, making the world a better place, and inspiring and inviting for all.
With Rivian being an adventure-minded company that targets outdoor enthusiasts as the primary buyers of R1T and R1S, this logo is indeed suitable.
Additionally, the logo is consistent with its official mission statement, which states, “Rivian is on a mission to keep the world adventurous forever”
Rivian’s facilities
Where are Rivian cars manufactured?
Its sole production factory is in Normal, Illinois. The factory (2.6-million-square-foot) manufactures vehicle components such as battery packs. Currently, this plant can make about 150,000 vehicles yearly.
Rivian intends to open a second manufacturing plant in Georgia by 2024. This plant will be capable of making 400,000 vehicles yearly.
Where is Rivian’s Headquarters?
Its headquarters is in Irvine, California. This location focuses on vehicle engineering and design, propulsion and battery system development, and commercial functions.
Rivian has other facilities and offices that handle various aspects of the incorporation.
Its office in Woking, England, focuses on advanced engineering.
Its office in Carson, California, focuses on electric power conversion.
Its facility in Palo Alto, California, focuses on software development and engineering, including self-driving features.
Its facility in Plymouth, Michigan, focuses on vehicle engineering, prototyping, supply chain, and accounting.
Conclusion
Rivian is an EV production company that has made a perfect first impression by being the first to release an all-electric four-wheel pickup truck with a quad-motor system into the market. So far, R1T is making the transition to sustainable transportation an adventurous and exciting one. While waiting on future developments, check out my next article and obtain detailed information on the affordability, availability, accessibility, and delivery of Rivian cars.
