It’s time for the new Rivian R1T electric pickup truck to put its money where its mouth is. It’s finally being put to the off-roading test so we can see how it will perform. Then we will see how the 2021 Rivian R1T compares to off-roading rivals such as the Ford Raptor, Tesla Cybertruck, and more. 

The Rivian R1T enters the Rebelle Rally 

The Rivian R1T is combining forces with woman power by competing in the Rebelle Rally, an all-female navigation rally held over 10 days and 1,2343 miles of rocky, sandy, challenging terrain in California and Nevada. 

Pilot Emme Hall and navigator Rebecca Donaghe will be the team that gets to put the Rivian R1T to the off-roading test. They won the 2019 Rebelle Rally in the Rolls-Royce Cullinan, which has a $389.995 price tag. 

With the Riivan R1T expected to begin around $69,000, it’s safe to say that this truck will provide different conditions for these race-winning ladies. It will also be the first time in the five-year history of the Rebel Rally to have a pure electric vehicle compete. The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is the only other electrified entrant this year. 

Is the 2021 Rivian R1T Electric truck made for off-roading? 

According to the Rivian Creative Director, the Rebelle Rally is the perfect example of the type of adventuring that the Rivian R1T is built for. The Rebelle Rally isn’t a timed race, so the point isn’t to beat up the truck during marathon stints. 

Instead, the Rebelle Rally requires more planning and strategy as competitors try to acquire points by hitting certain checkpoints. This is where the Rivian R1T will become very useful as it has the ability to climb over whatever obstacles are in the way. 

The Rivian R1T has a height-adjustable suspension of 14-inches and can pull off a 360-degree tank to get around challenges. Each wheel is paired with an independent electric motor to optimize handling and balance. 

It’s unclear which build the Rebelle Rally team will use, but the base model Rivian R1t has 402-hp and 413 lb-ft of torque. The range-topping Rivian has 700-hp and 826 lb-ft of torque. It also has an 18-kWh battery with a 400-mile range. 

But wait? How will the team charge the Rivian R1T? It doesn’t offer solar charging panels, like the Tesla Cybertruck. A battery-powered mobile charging station will be provided along the route. 

When will we learn more about the 2021 Rivian R1T? 

The Rebelle Rally will begin soon, on October 8th, and the Rivian R1T is expected to debut late in 2020. We can gather that based on its performance, we will learn how well the Rivian R1T can go off-roading before you know it. 

However, the 2021 Rivian R1T already has over 10,000 preorders and should be available by the end of the year. More information should come out in a month or two. Also, with General Motors backing Rivian by buying an 11% stake in the business, this truck will most likely stay on schedule.