HD EV: Rivian R1T Imagined as an Emissions-Free Dually Pickup
This fan rendering has us hoping Rivian green lights an R1T HD truck.
It's only a matter of time before electric pickup trucks hit the road. Ford is preparing an electric F-150, Tesla has previewed the Cybertruck, and Rivian is getting ready to roll out the sleek R1T. Just as we're getting used to the idea of an electric truck, one forum user has rendered something we're not yet prepared for: a dually EV pickup.
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The new rendering, posted toRivianOwnersForum.com, shows what a heavy-duty version of the R1T could look like. The imaginary truck shares styling cues with the original Rivian but gets two additional rear wheels. We like the rugged, lifted look, but there's no indication Rivian will actually make an HD truck.
If it did become a reality, the Rivian HD should offer more towing than the regular model. Rivian claims the R1T will tow 11,000 pounds, which is impressive, but towing at max capacity will slow the truck down and cut its range in half. We can only imagine how far a Rivian HD would be able to travel on a charge while hauling. Theoretically, HD customers would also enjoy greater payload than the standard model's 1,760 pounds.
The Rivian R1T features a body-on-frame design like most pickups. But it's unique in that it sits on a flexible skateboard architecture, with the battery, motors, transmissions, cooling system, and front and rear suspension setups incorporated into a complete module that allows for any type of body style to sit atop it. The R1T's driving range is said to exceed 400 miles when equipped with the beefiest battery pack available.
In addition to the R1T, Rivian plans to introduce the R1S SUV in the near future. As we previously reported, Rivian and Lincoln have canceled plans to co-develop a luxury SUV, although the companies will continue to work together in the future.
When I tell people I write about cars, the most common reply I receive is “Really?” I guess I never strike people as a car type as I drive down the freeway in the right lane going 60 mph in my old SUV. My gripes about driving in city traffic and fast drivers don’t help my case, either. For a time, the only cars I liked were old cars. Not old as in "classic" or "vintage," but as in well-worn. My first appreciation of cars came when I drove a very old Ford pickup. It wasn't perfect: I used a booster seat to reach the gas pedal, and the turn signal once fell off in my hand as I was learning to drive. But the thing I valued most was the memories. It took several years for me to truly become a "car person." Being a long-time writer and an avid reader has helped me develop a healthy curiosity and a desire to know how things work. This has made cars one of the most fascinating points of study for me because they are such intricate machines. I am interested in how cars can reach 200 mph, how they can run on hydrogen, and how they can drive and park on their own. I also enjoy learning how cars can solve problems whether it be in the form of reducing pollution, minimizing traffic, or helping people stay connected on the road. Yes, maybe I’m not a gearhead. Perhaps I’m a car nerd. Either way, I very much enjoy writing about cars and helping people stay in tune with the automotive industry. I wouldn't want to be writing about anything else. And don’t get me wrong: I know how to drool over a hot car. I am fascinated by the Tesla Model S, awed by the Lamborghini Veneno, and am hopelessly obsessed with the Audi R8.
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