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Front grille of a green Rivian R1S

With Rivian, Lordstown, and Karma Southern California Has Become the Next EV Hub

One of the most important aspects of an EV for most people is the driving range each one offers. Since range anxiety holds many consumers back from purchasing, it's no surprise that automakers, like Rivian, are working hard to produce batteries that can get you even further without worrying about charging up.

One of the most important aspects of an EV for most people is the driving range each one offers. Since range anxiety holds many consumers back from purchasing, it’s no surprise that automakers, like Rivian, are working hard to produce batteries that can get you even further without worrying about charging up. 

According to Green Car Journal, electric vehicles are picking up in sales, and soon consumers will be standing in line for an electric truck, which we haven’t seen on dealer lots yet. 

The rising popularity of electric vehicles like Rivian

Front grille of a green Rivian R1S
Rivian R1S

Electric vehicles have been making a dent in the automotive industry for quite some time. Tesla really made a name for EVs, but other automakers have gotten on board, and now we see more of them than ever before.

With the rising gasoline prices at stations across America, electric vehicles are beginning to look more and more appealing. Plus, environmental gurus are calling for the phasing out of gas-powered cars and trucks to eliminate emissions released into the atmosphere. Then there are those automakers that have made a goal only to produce electric vehicles by a certain timeframe. 

Since studies have shown that producing electric batteries is better for the environment than using a gas combustion engine, climate-conscious individuals turn to electric vehicles as their primary choice. 

Rivian R1T electric pickup

Originally, Rivian planned to launch its electric pickup by early 2021, but the pandemic pushed its debut later in the year. As of right now, we know that it’s set to come with three options of batteries. There are the 105, 135, and 180 kWh packs. 

Also, with these different power outputs, you get driving ranges of 230, 300, and 400 miles on one charge. All versions of this electric truck will come with an 11,000 lbs tow rating. Rivian does have a huge order already from Amazon to produce 100,000 electric delivery vans, which should be assembled in its Illinois plant. 

Lordstown Motors Endurance model

Lordstown Motors is working on its Endurance electric truck model, which they report will be coming with a 4WD hub motor system. It also should have a payload of 2,200 lbs and can tow up to 6,000 lbs. The Endurance boasts the ability to climb 30 percent grade fully loaded. 

This 109 kWh battery enables it to go 250 miles on one charge in the driving range. With its four-motor system, it can produce approximately 600 hp. The starting price for the Endurance is $52,500 for the base. 

Karma Automotive’s electric pickup

Karma Automotive already has a few electric cars under its belt, like the Revero GT. But, the company offered a teaser with the design concept of an upcoming electric truck, which isn’t out yet, but it was reportedly going to come out this year. 

Located in Southern California, this automaker went through a restructuring of the corporation, which altered its supply chain and rebuilt a new product production team.  Nearby are a few other companies that have an interest in the electric vehicle market. You’ll find Enevate, a battery production company, HaaH Automotive, which produces T-Go EVs, as well as Noodoe, the charging station manufacturer. 

According to Pantagraph, Lordstown Motors, Rivian, and Karma have more in common than just making electric vehicles. These companies are located in a hub, of sorts, near each other in Southern California.

While the automakers compete with one another, each brings its own twist to the electric vehicle industry. Right now, the race is on to find out who will get an electric pickup on the sales lot first. 

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