A heavily modified 2022 Rivian R1T with a 310 kWh battery pack achieved over 500 miles at highway speeds during a record attempt to beat the Cannonball Run, demonstrating the challenges and engineering solutions involved in creating ultra-long-range electric trucks, including custom battery packs and cooling systems.
Apple is about to launch support for car keys in the Wallet app for Rivian's second-generation R1S and R1T vehicles, allowing users to access their cars via iPhone or Apple Watch, with the feature activated on Apple's side but not yet available to Rivian users, expected to go live soon.
Scientists at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln conducted a crash test using a 7,000-pound Rivian R1T electric truck to demonstrate the hazards of overweight electric vehicles, showing that American guardrails are not strong enough to stop such heavy EVs. The test, sponsored by the US Army Engineer Research and Development Center, aimed to assess the readiness of protection measures against the growing number of EVs on the road. With EVs weighing 20-50% more than traditional vehicles, there is an urgent need to re-examine the designs of roadside barriers to accommodate for the changing composition of the vehicle fleet.
A recent crash test conducted by the University of Nebraska and Army Corps of Engineers involved a 7,100-pound Rivian R1T colliding with a 30-year-old guardrail design at 60 mph, resulting in the truck obliterating the guardrail and vaulting over the concrete median. The test highlighted the inadequacy of current guardrail designs to handle the increasing weight of electric vehicles and heavy-duty pickups, posing potential safety risks for occupants and other vehicles in the event of a crash. Researchers emphasized the need for updated guardrail designs to accommodate the growing prevalence of heavier vehicles on the road.
Actor Alan Ruck is being sued after his Rivian R1T electric pickup crashed into multiple vehicles and a pizza shop, resulting in brain injuries to the driver of a Hyundai Elantra. Ruck claims he doesn't know what caused the truck to accelerate, while Rivian insists the vehicle was functioning properly. Ruck's insurer, State Farm, refuses to accept responsibility for the crash, prompting a lawsuit to determine liability. The injured driver suffered a subdural hematoma brain bleed and is experiencing memory issues and dizziness.
Electric vehicle owners are discovering that repairing their EVs after a collision can be costly, as there are limited repair shops equipped to handle this type of work. A case in point is when a neighbor backed into a Rivian R1T pickup truck, leaving a significant dent that required repair.
Tesla has released a full video of the Cybertruck competing in a tractor pull test against the Ford F-150 Lightning, Rivian R1T, and Ford F-350. The Cybertruck outperformed its rivals, traveling the farthest distance of 318 feet before stopping, while the F-150 Lightning reached 207 feet, the Rivian R1T reached 257 feet, and the F-350 reached 263 feet. The test showcased the power and strength of the all-electric Cybertruck.
Owners of the Rivian R1T electric pickup truck are expressing frustration with the model's overly complicated air vents, which require using the center touchscreen to adjust the airflow direction. The climate control system has been reported to behave unexpectedly, with limited air output and a required combination of controls to enable certain functions. Despite this issue, the R1T is praised for its off-road capabilities, towing capacity, cargo storage, and security features.
Tesla engineers have taken two release candidate Cybertrucks on a 1280-mile off-road test across the Baja Peninsula in Mexico, demonstrating the vehicle's off-roading capabilities. The Cybertruck is said to have the highest ground clearance of any vehicle and comes with a new air suspension with 14 inches of travel. In a comparison video, the Rivian R1T is seen completing an off-road challenge with slightly more ease than the Cybertruck, but factors such as tire pressure, suspension settings, and driver experience may have influenced the outcome. It is still too early to determine a clear winner between the two electric off-roaders.
New photos posted on the Cybertruck Owners Club forum show a Tesla Cybertruck parked next to a Rivian R1T, giving an idea of the Cybertruck's size. The Cybertruck appears to be wider and longer than the R1T. A Cybertruck reservation holder measured the width of a pre-production truck at 78 inches, while Elon Musk stated that the Cybertruck will be under 19 feet long with a bed longer than six feet. The delayed delivery event will likely reveal more details about the Cybertruck's dimensions.
The Ford F-150 Lightning is in high demand, with customers willing to pay above sticker price for the all-electric pickup truck. The success of the Lightning has prompted other automakers, such as Rivian, GMC, and Ram, to enter the electric truck market. Electric trucks are removing barriers to entry for EVs and are posting performance numbers not found in standard gas-powered pickups. The rapidly expanding list of electric trucks could help President Joe Biden meet his latest climate goals that call for two-thirds of new cars and trucks sold in the U.S. to be all-electric by 2032.