The 2021 Rivian R1T Is Powered by Samsung
The 2021 Rivian R1T is the electric pickup truck that’s coming to challenge rivals such as the Tesla Cybertruck and the upcoming 2022 Ford F-150 EV. Now the Rivian R1T has a shocking trick up its sleeve because it will be powered by Samsung.
The 2021 Rivian R1T is teaming up with Samsung
According to Electrek, the Rivian announced that Samsun SDI will supply battery cells for the upcoming 2021 Rivian R1T and its other electric vehicles. Securing a reliable battery supply is a crucial step toward achieving vehicle volume production of electric vehicles as automakers battle for a limited supply.
Rivina CEO RJ Scaringe shared that Samsung and Rivian have been working together during the development process to ensure robust cell testing and characterization. He also mentioned that they’re excited about the performance and reliability of Samsung SDI battery cells combined with the Rivian energy-dense module pack and design.
Samsung SDI focuses on innovation and responsible sourcing of battery materials that align well with the Rivian vision. The vehicles are designed for adventuring and off-roading over more challenging terrain. So, while the battery pack and modules are designed to be touch, the battery cells need to be tough too.
Is the Rivian R1T ready for production?
Deliveries of the 2021 Rivian R1T are expected to begin within the next three months. Extensive battery testing across a wide range of operations enables the battery management system algorithms to optimize the performance and life of the battery pack. So, the trucks will be delivered with confidence in their ability to hold a solid charge.
The production may ramp up slowly as Rivian vehicles such as the R1T are large and require big battery packs. Hundreds of thousands of electric vehicles will be produced at the factory in Normal, Illinois.
This will require several GWh of annual battery cell capacity. Rivian plans to get into its own battery cell production in the future but is currently waiting for the next-generation solid-state batteries.
What do we know about the Rivian R1T?
According to Car and Driver, the 2021 Rivian R1T won’t come cheap. It has a starting price of about $75,000. But this price is for the Launch Edition, and a lower-priced model should come out afterward.
It should have between 250 to 400 miles of driving range with rapid acceleration. The R1T is 215.6-inches long, so it’s between the size of the mid-size Ford Ranger and full-size Ford F-150.
All-wheel drive comes standard, and each axle is powered by its own electric motor. The 135.0-kWh model will be the fastest of the three options with 754 hp. It should accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 3 seconds.
An adjustable air suspension that comes standard on the launch edition will adjust the clearance height from 8 to 14-inches. Also, the electric motors can rotate the left wheels in the opposite direction of the trite ones to do a ‘tank turn.’ The Rivian R1T should tow over 11,000 lbs and carry a payload of up to 1,760 lbs.
Expect a swanky leather interior that includes large displays and a digital cluster system. There is a trunk in the front where an engine usually goes and a massive storage compartment behind the cab. It will also feature a lockable in-bed compartment. There are three 110-volt outlets and an air compressor too.
