Rivian R1T – The First Electric Pickup Truck
The all-new Rivian R1T is the first pickup truck ever to go electric. This American start-up is challenging established makers like Ford and GM by promising to deliver a comfortable, quiet, and efficient vehicle.
Instead of dreaming up a radical new design a la the doorstop-shaped Tesla Cybertruck, Ford decided to stick with what works. And the Lightning drives just like an F-150 should.
Full-Frame Construction
Last year Americans bought nearly 3 million electric pickup truck pickup trucks, only a handful of them using battery-powered motors. But electric vehicle maker Rivian is taking aim at that market with its all-new R1T, and others are rushing to join the party.
The Rivian’s frame is made from a mix of aluminum and steel. Its front and rear wheels are powered by separate electric motors, so the truck can shift torque between them as needed to tackle tough terrain. And it uses four-motor BEV architecture rather than the common hub motors, which add unsprung weight and aren’t suited to off-road use.
GMC is also making an all-electric Sierra pickup, and it’s aiming for similar performance to the F-150 Lightning and Silverado EV. Its version will be based on GM’s Ultium platform, and it’ll have two electric motors capable of 744bhp and 785lb-ft of torque. The Sierra will also offer vehicle-to-vehicle, home and grid charging. Like the Hummer EV and Chevy’s upcoming Silverado EV, the Sierra EV will use a body-on-frame construction. The frame is made from a combination of aluminum and high-strength steel, with a thicker center section for maximum stiffness.
Less Carbon Emissions
The most obvious reason to switch to an electric pickup is that it’s a lot less polluting than its traditional gas-powered counterpart. Depending on the power source used to charge the vehicle, it can emit 63 percent fewer carbon emissions from cradle-to-grave than a gasoline truck.
If the vehicle is charged with 100 percent renewable electricity, the savings reach 86 percent and break-even occurs after just three to four fill-ups. In fact, EVs have lower lifecycle emissions than the average internal combustion engine vehicle in all regions of the United States, according to the Union of Concerned Scientists.
But for every battery-powered pickup that looks like it’ll go into production, another appears to vanish before reaching the road. This includes Tesla’s Cybertruck, which was originally supposed to launch last year but now seems to be stuck in a perpetual state of delay. Thankfully, Toyota just announced an electric pickup concept that looks like it might actually make it to market. It’s a bit smaller than offerings from Ford and Rivian, but it has a decent range and impressive towing capacity.
Increased Torsional Flexibility
One of the most significant advantages that electric pickup trucks have over their gas-powered counterparts is their instant torque and power delivery. You can get full power instantly when you hit the accelerator, and you won’t have to wait for your engine to reach a certain number of RPMs before you can haul or tow payload.
EVs also have fewer moving parts, which reduces maintenance costs and downtime. With a few exceptions (like a driveshaft or a heavy combustion engine), most EVs require far less frequent oil changes and filters, and they wear out their brakes much slower thanks to regenerative braking.
While some electric vehicles are still in the early stages of development, manufacturers like Rivian and Tesla have already started producing models with impressive capabilities. This includes the ability to use auxiliary power outlets to charge tools or equipment, as well as features designed to help you get more out of your truck off-road and in the backcountry. This makes them a viable option for anyone who loves the ruggedness of off-road driving and wants to make the world a more adventurous place in an eco-friendly way.
Increased Storage Capacity
One big advantage of an electric pickup truck is that it has no need for a gas engine. This frees up space that can be used for storage purposes or even as an additional workspace. In addition, EVs operate more quietly than traditional trucks. This can be a huge benefit in areas where noise pollution is a concern.
EVs also have better hauling and towing capabilities than their gasoline-powered counterparts. However, it is important to remember that if you are carrying Electric Classic Car a heavy load, this can significantly reduce battery range. This means that you will need to plan your trips accordingly and ensure that you have access to charging depots along the way.
Fortunately, many companies are already working to solve this problem. Rivian, for example, has come up with an innovative solution that uses a gear tunnel to keep cargo out of sight and improve overall functionality. They have even added a safe step and extra tool storage to help make the space more usable for fleet owners. This is just one of the many innovations that are helping to make EVs more viable as work vehicles.
Vehicle-to-Everything
With the 2022 Ford Lightning and Rivian R1T hitting the road, pickup trucks are becoming the latest vehicle segment to go electric. But the benefits of these zero-emissions vehicles extend far beyond a quieter ride and the ability to tow more weight.
Cellular Vehicle-to-Everything (C-V2X) communication allows for low-latency, vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V), vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I), and even car-to-pedestrian (V2P) communications that enable safer driving and improved mobility in crowded urban areas. It also helps reduce traffic congestion and inefficiencies by enabling all traffic participants to better perceive and anticipate each other’s actions.
Vehicle-to-load (V2L) enables an EV to supply power via its charging port to external devices like power tools and appliances. This feature makes a lot of sense in pickup trucks, which are often used as workhorses and frequently carry heavy equipment. Plus, it can help fleet managers meet sustainability and cost-saving goals by eliminating the need to purchase expensive, inefficient, and polluting diesel or ICE engines for long-distance hauling needs.