Long-Range Rivian R1T And R1S Will Start under $90,000

Rivian CEO R.J. Scaringe, in an interview with Green Tech Media, discusses strategy, technology and hints at R1T and R1S pricing.

Rivian has gained an enormous amount of steam thanks to a $700 million investment from Amazon in the last few weeks. With it and other funds raised over time, staffing at the electric truck company has reached 750 people and the Rivian R1T’s and R1S’ futures continue to look bright.

Scaringe elaborates on the “skateboard” common architecture which houses the quad motor setup, one motor per wheel, drive system. Many other components are touched upon including the smart BMS (battery management system) and the fact that we’ll soon find out who produces the Rivian trucks’ 105 kWh, 135 kWh and 180 kWh batteries.

What’s most interesting to us is we now have a clearer glimpse of the R1T and R1S’ pricing structure. The shorter-range trucks will start at $69,000 USD before incentives for the R1T and at $72,500 for the R1S. Clearly, these vehicles are aimed at pricier internal combustion engine options such as a GMC Sierra Denali or a Land Rover Discovery.

Scaringe divulged that the 400-mile (640km) 180 kWh equipped models in basic form will start just under $90,000 USD. At this price point, the R1S severely undercuts the Tesla Model X 100D at every level save perhaps for gullwing rear doors…

In the next installment, we’ll find out if GM decides to throw money Rivian’s way as well. If they do, further debates on GM’s recent decisions are sure to ignite.