Some have questioned whether EV truck maker Rivian is the real deal. As it marches toward production and release dates it has set prices and also has filed a patent for its unique removable battery setup. Some of the apprehension may be over sort-of rival Nikola’s waffling and recent media spotlight. And maybe because the feds are investigating the EV truck startup. But Rivian is real, so let’s dive into the latest.

The price for a base Rivian R1T pickup with the Explore trim is $67,500

The price for a base Rivian R1T pickup with the Explore trim is $67,500. For the base R1S SUV, the price is $70,000. The next trim up from the Explore is the Adventure and above that the Launch Edition. Either one is $75,000 for the pickup and $77,500 for the SUV. The Launch Edition is an Adventure Package with a few extra perks as a celebration of the launch of the Rivian company. And don’t forget the range is advertised as more than 300 miles. 

Deliveries will start in the middle of 2021 for the Launch Edition while the base and standard Adventure models are set for the beginning of 2022. We know that Rivian is also dialing in its service network to better serve with issues once those pickups and SUVs start populating the highways and byways.

The new patent is for a removable battery pack packaged with thermal management

As for the new patent, it is a removable battery pack that is packaged with thermal management. This way the entire package can be removed and replaced as one unit. In China, there are service stations that store fully charged batteries for EVs with similar removable battery packs. This way drivers can pop into the service station, replace the battery within minutes, and continue on their way. 

A similar network could also be part of Rivian’s idea of making the removable battery pack a bonus for owners. Placed behind the cab it looks similar to those metal toolboxes you see in work truck beds. Charging stations would be unnecessary. The ability to go into the boondocks and not have to worry about charging would be a major plus. 

The Rivian R1S has most of the other luxury SUVs beat on many levels

By the end of 2022, there will be at least two battery pack options according to Electrek. The base version with 300 miles range and a larger version which Rivian isn’t revealing info about at this time. Towing capacity will be up to 7,700 lbs. And in the case of the Rivian R1S, it appears to have most of the other luxury SUVs beat on many levels. 

So, yes, the Rivian appears to be the real deal. If we can believe what manufacturers are telling us by the end of 2022 there should be quite a few options for the buyer interested in an electric pickup truck or SUV. Until then MotorBiscuit will keep you up to date on what is happening in this entirely new truck segment.