Little-known electric vehicle manufacturer Rivian just debuted its all-new Rivian R1T electric pick-up truck. The California-based company is calling the R1T the world’s first adventure pick-up. The R1T is one of two new models the brand will display at AutoMobility LA taking place this week. The other vehicle is an SUV, called the R1S, though no info is yet available.

Click here to read about Mercedes-Benz first all-electric SUV.

Power and range

The Rivian R1T has an incredible 3 500 N.m of grounded torque per wheel, for a total of 14 000 N.m. With that output Rivian claims the R1T can sprint from zero to 96 km/h (60 mph) in 3 seconds and on to 160 km/h in less than 7 seconds. Almost as impressive is the Rivian R1T’s range of over 640 km, according to the press release.

A skateboard-type platform is used as the basis upon which both models are based. This platform efficiently packages the battery pack, drive units, suspension, braking and thermal system all below the height of the wheels. Despite the electricals mounted low-down, Rivian claims a wading depth of 1 000 mm. Suspension consists of unequal length double wishbones in the front and a multi-link arrangement in the rear. The suspension features dynamic roll control and adaptive dampers along with ride-height adjustment. The ride height can be adjusted for highway comfort, on-road performance or off-road capability.

Full-on off-roading capability is ensured by electronic control of the quad-motors, ie one per wheel. Each wheel can deliver 147 kW. Precise torque control to each wheel enables active torque vectoring and maximum performance in every situation, from high-speed cornering to low-speed rock crawling.

In his own words

“We’re launching Rivian with two vehicles that reimagine the pickup and SUV segments,” said Rivian Founder and CEO RJ Scaringe. “I started Rivian to deliver products that the world didn’t already have – to redefine expectations through the application of technology and innovation. Starting with a clean sheet, we have spent years developing the technology to deliver the ideal vehicle for active customers. This means having great driving dynamics on any surface on- or off-road, providing cargo solutions to easily store any type of gear, whether it’s a surfboard or a fishing rod and, very importantly, being capable of driving long distances on a single charge. From the inside out, Rivian has developed its vehicles with adventurers at the core of every design and engineering decision. The R1T and R1S are the result of all this work and we are excited to finally introduce these products to the world.”

The Rivian R1T goes on sale in the US in 2020.