Blog Report: Rivian to Announce Lower Price for Electric Pickup

Rivian will price its electric pickup and SUV for less than previously announced, Reuters reported.

“Rivian founder and chief executive R.J. Scaringe told Reuters the mid-range R1T pickup truck with a glass sky panel that can change from blue to clear was about $69,000,” the report said.

Rivian previously said the R1T would start at $69,000. So, if the truck with the $69,000 price tag is the “mid-range,” then you would think that a base model would be offered for less.

The R1T will include four electric motors and three battery packs options – a 180 kWh battery that is expected to offer more than 400 miles of range per charge, a 135 kWh option that gives more than 300 miles of range per charge, and a 105 kWh pack, which will give about 230 miles of range per charge.

You have to wonder if Tesla’s pickup pricing pressured Rivian to lower prices, which need a reasonable drop to come in line with Tesla’s Cybertruck. By comparison the Cybertruck is expected to be offered with a $39,000 base model and a $69,000 top trim with tri-motor power, all-wheel drive, 500 miles of range, a 2.9-second 0-60 time, a top speed of 130 mph, and a 14,000-pound tow rating.

 

[VinnyS]

I like the size and the looks of Rivian's truck a lot more than Tesla's Cyber truck. A cheaper price would definitely add more appeal. But there is the issue of Tesla's Supercharger network compared the EA network. I travel a lot with my M3 and have used a lot of Superchargers, while some weren't as fast as I would have liked they always worked. The last time I tried the EA network with my Energica Eva 107 I couldn't charge at all despite trying three chargers and one long phone call to customer service. I ended up charging on L2 so I could reach an EVgo DCFC charger which did work. I am on the east coast so there isn't much of an alternative to the EA network for anyone traveling in a non-Tesla EV. Lack of a reliable charging network is going to hurt Rivian sales.