Electric-car startup Rivian is making a big splash at the 2018 LA Auto Show, starting with the R1T and now, the R1S all-electric SUV. Buyers will be able to choose from three battery-pack sizes: 180 kilowatt hours, 135 kWh, and 105 kWh. The largest of which offers 400 miles of range, while the 135 kWh and 105 kWh packs are powerful enough for 310 miles and 240 miles, respectively. The 180 kWh model boasts 700 horsepower and 826 pound-feet of torque, thanks to four electric motors located in each wheel, enabling it to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 3.0 seconds (3.2 seconds and 4.9 seconds for the 180 kWh and 105 kWh models), with all models electronically limited to a top speed of 125 mph. Read more for another video, additional pictures and information.
Since all of its mechanical components are contained within the “skateboard chassis” itself, the R1S has the same off-road capability as the R1T, which means it can drive through up to 3.2 feet of water, as well sporting a sizable front trunk. Both the R1T and R1s are going to have “Level 3” autonomous-driving capability that allows the vehicle to steer, accelerate, and brake autonomously in certain situations during highway driving.
Inside, the R1S sports a 15.6-inch main touchscreen display, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, 6.8-inch rear touchscreen. How much will all of this cost? Let’s just say that the base model will definitely give the Tesla Model X a run for its money, with prices starting at $72,500, or $65,000 after the $7,500 federal tax credit for electric vehicles. Deliveries will begin in 2020 for the 180-kWh / 135-kWh models, and the base 105-kWh arrives “within 12 months” of the start of production.
