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The Rivian R1T is an all-electric pickup truck.

Should the $67,500 Rivian R1T Be Your First Electric Pickup Truck?

2020 has been quite rough for the Rivian R1T. In April, we learned that the COVID-19 global pandemic had caused the EV startup to delay the production of its all-electric pickup truck. As a result, the first customer deliveries were delayed from late 2020 to the summer of 2021. However, Rivian aims to end the …

2020 has been quite rough for the Rivian R1T. In April, we learned that the COVID-19 global pandemic had caused the EV startup to delay the production of its all-electric pickup truck. As a result, the first customer deliveries were delayed from late 2020 to the summer of 2021. However, Rivian aims to end the year on a positive note by publishing official pricing data and its online configurator for the R1T. According to Rivian, the cheapest R1T starts at $67,500, but it won’t arrive until 2022. If you want the first batch, you’ll have to pay $75,000 for the Launch Edition Trim.

The most expensive Rivian R1T starts at $75,000

The Rivian R1T is an all-electric pickup truck.
Rivian R1T | Rivian

When the Rivian R1T was first announced in 2018, it was set to cost around $69,000. Today the company announced that the base Explore trim level starts at $67,500. Unfortunately, the cheapest alternative won’t be available until January 2022 at the earliest. The base trim level includes 300+ miles of electrical range, a quad-motor all-wheel-drive system, and a 0-60 mph time of under 3 seconds. While these stats are certainly impressive, it shows a significant decrease from the 400+ miles of range the company stated in 2018.

If you want the Rivian R1T as soon as possible, you’ll have to opt for the $75,000 Launch Edition Trim. For the extra premium, you get additional extras such as the Off-Road Upgrade, which includes an underbody shield, tow hooks, and an air compressor. The interior gets a major upgrade with an upgraded audio system, wood interior trim, and heated or ventilated seats. However, the major upgrade is the priority delivery, which guarantees you’ll get your truck by summer 2021.

The last available trim is the Adventure for $75,000. The price is identical to that of the Launch Edition because they are near-identical trucks. The main differences are that the Adventure trim arrives in January 2022 and doesn’t get the Launch Green, and doesn’t include the 22-inch Sport wheel upgrade.

Should I order a Rivian R1T?

A white Rivian R1T climbs a South American sand dune
Rivian R1T climbing dunes | Rivian

The Rivian R1T has many great things going for it, especially in terms of its performance. Rivian claims its pickup truck can tow up to 11,000 pounds, or about the same as a diesel-powered Ford F-250. Additionally, the quad-motor torque vectoring system allows it to stabilize itself under various driving conditions. The included air suspension system allows for up to 14.4 inches of ground clearance. In short, the Rivian, on paper at least, should be a great truck.

However, the Rivian R1T is a brand-new product from a brand-new company, so you’re not alone if you’re skeptical. Thankfully, massive investments from both Ford and Amazon should help steer the company in the right direction. Additionally, the extra capital should help it meet its new deadlines.

The company announced today that it would open up the configurator for buyers that have placed deposits. Speaking of which, you can preorder a Rivian R1T online right now. It’ll cost you $1,000 regardless of trim. Since the company is no stranger to delays, it will be interesting to see if they can meet these new delivery deadlines. However, if you are set to buy your first electric-pickup truck, the Rivian R1T seems like a great choice.

What other electric pickup trucks can I buy?

The Rivian Automotive Inc. R1T electric pickup truck on display
The Rivian Automotive Inc. R1T electric pickup truck | Patrick T. Fallon/Bloomberg via Getty Images

If the Rivian R1T has failed to steal your heart, there are other options. Unfortunately, the Rivian R1T is one of the quickest expected to hit the market. According to Autoweek, only the Lordstown Endurance is set to arrive before the Rivian, starting sales in early 2021. However, the Lordstown is currently not available for the public to purchase. It’s only available to businesses that typically employ large fleets. According to InsideEV‘s, the Bollinger B2 is set to arrive sometime in 2021, although no date has been specified. The final option, if you want an electric truck in 2021, is already sold out. The GMC Hummer EV is set to arrive in the fall of 2021, although the $112,595 is already sold out.

Tesla’s Cybertruck has yet to undergo a necessary re-design, which will make it compliant with government regulations. The factory it’s supposed to be built in isn’t even completed yet. As a result, deliveries should begin sometime in 2022. So if the Rivian R1T isn’t for you, be prepared to wait a while.

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