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If you are in the market for a fast and furious pickup truck, it may be worth waiting until the release of the 2021 models. The future is near with Rivian, an American startup brand. The Rivian R1T is an all-electric pickup truck that showcased at the 2018 Auto Show in Los Angeles. With production slated to begin in 2020, here is what we know so far:

The fastest truck in the world: the 2021 Rivian R1T

The 2021 Rivian R1T is an all-new electric adventure vehicle with a driving range of 400 miles. Rivian has created a flexible skateboard-inspired chassis. The symmetrical layout and low center of gravity allow for never before seen speed and power.

Precise torque control is the result of a quad-motor all-wheel drive system. An independent air suspension system offers unsurpassed ground clearance. The vehicle can lower to 8″ off the ground for city driving and raise to 14″ for off-road excursions.

It will be able to haul 11,000 lbs, wade through three feet of water, and handle off-road trails with ease. The Rivian R1T is the first EV to use 150 kW for DC charging. It will reach 200 miles of range in less than 30 minutes.

Level 3 autonomous technology will be standard. Battery pack options of 105-kWh, 135-kWh, and 180-kWh are available with a range of 230-400 miles. Vehicles will be made in America at a production plant in Illinois. 

Who is Rivian?

In 2009, MIT grad RJ Scaringe launched Mainstream Motors, an electric vehicle automotive company. By 2011, he changed the name to Rivian and began operating in stealth mode out of a Michigan headquarters.

In 2018, he came out of hiding with more than 750 employees and four development locations. Founder and CEO, Scaringe, revealed details of the much-anticipated electric pickup truck and SUV. He also disclosed impressive financial information. Amazon had invested $700 million in the company. Ford Motors invested $500 million, and Cox Automotive invested $350 million.

How fast is the Rivian R1T?

The Rivian R1T offers an electrifying performance going from 0-60 mph in 3 seconds, with no emissions. It boasts an incredible 754 hp with a top speed of 125 mph. The R1T turns 820 lb-ft of torque and has a battery pack larger than the ones used by Tesla. The R1T will have more power and torque than any other pickup in its class.

The fastest trucks in the world

The 2004 Dodge SRT-10 holds the title of the world’s fastest production pickup truck. Its Viper powered V10 engine achieved 500 hp and 525 lb-ft torque. It was capable of hitting top speeds of 155mph, going from 0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds.

Car and Driver tested the 2019 Ford F-150 Limited declaring it the second-fastest pickup of all time. It is capable of going 0-60 mph in 5.1 seconds with a turbocharged V6 engine that produces 450 hp and 510 lb-ft torque.

How the Rivian R1T compares 

Line up the 2021 Rivian R1T with the SRT-10 and F-150 and the Rivian will win the race every time. The R1T’s acceleration speed will beat out the other two models by a full two seconds. The R1T’s horsepower surpasses the others by 250 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque. There really is no contest.

Availability of the Rivian R1T

The 2021 Rivian R1T should be available in late 2020, with a starting price of $69,000 for the 105-kWh version. This price is before a federal tax credit of $7,500. The first trucks produced will be the 180-kWh version, followed by the 135-kWh.

The 105-kWh won’t become available until late 2021. Rivian plans to make 50,000 vehicles in the first year. The trucks will be available through direct sales without the use of a dealer network. Preorder requests are available now.