The Rivian R1T Just Got Delayed for Months
Oh no, the Rivian R1T was supposed to get out ahead of rivals as the first electric pickup truck to hit the streets. But now, the Rivian R1T is facing delays after deliveries were supposed to begin this month.
The Rivian R1T faces delays
We know that people who bought the Rivian R1T Launch Edition are pretty excited. Their brand new EV trucks were supposed to be delivered this month. But a letter was discovered that mentions the delay of R1T battery-electric pickups until September.
This isn’t the end of the world. For now, only two extra months of waiting have been added. Those waiting for the Ford Bronco may not get their SUV until 2023. But it’s still pretty disappointing.
Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe seems to understand. He shared that Rivian knows you can’t wait to get behind the wheel of your vehicle. Scaringe wanted to ensure that purchasers heard the news from himself directly.
He shared that despite announcing earlier in the summer that deliveries would begin in July, the timing for the first R1T models has shifted to September. The Rivian R1S will be delivered shortly after in the fall.
What caused the Rivian delay?
If you guessed that the 2021 Rivian R1T is facing delays due to the ongoing Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, then you’re correct. However, the continuing global chip shortage also plays a role.
Scaringe explained that the cascading impacts of the pandemic have had a more significant effect than anyone anticipated. Everything from facility construction, semiconductor chip supply, and equipment installation has been impacted.
Beyond these challenges, launching three new vehicles while preparing a multi-vehicle manufacturing plant has been complex. Minor issues that emerge during coordinated and interlinked activities can create delays.
The Rivian Plant in Normal, Illinois, is currently producing vehicles on two production lines. One is for the R1T and R1S utility vehicles, and the other is for Amazon electric delivery vans. The company is working to ensure these vehicles won’t have any quality issues.
How are the R1T and R1S different?
The 2021 Rivan R1T Launch Edition is a truck and starts at $75,000, while the Rivian R1S Launch Edition is an SUV and begins at about $77,500. Both vehicles include the large battery pack (135-KWh) with over 300 miles of EPA-estimated range.
In January 2022, a longer-range R1T with over 400 miles of range will be available. The R1S will also receive a longer-range model. It will offer between five to seven-passenger seats. This confirms that Rivian figured out how to package the battery without getting rid of the third row.
Both vehicles are close to full-size options. The R1T can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in three seconds and tow up to 11,000 lbs. The R1S can tow up to 7,700 lbs. Both options have a ground clearance of 14.4 inches and can ford water over three feet deep.
We hope that the chip shortage and Covid-19 outbreak don’t create further delays. We’re excited to see what these electric off-roaders can do once they’re released into the wild!
