R1T Water Testing Shows Rivian’s Dedication to Quality

With the race to bring the first all-electric pickup truck to market, it may not be who’s first, but who’s brings the most equipped vehicle. With several automakers getting closer to launch, its appears they are pulling out all the stops to try and sway consumers their way. California-based startup Rivian is no exception.

When Tesla presented its Cybertruck it stunned the world with its insane design, and of course no one can forget the window crack heard around the world. The tank of a truck seemed like it was going to be stiff competition for other automakers. However, the Cybertruck had mixed reviews as it was just too much for some.

This cleared the way for brands like GMC and its upcoming Hummer EV to show off some of the unique tricks that its truck is capable of, even if it doesn’t look like an apocalyptic war vehicle. One of the things GMC has teased is the trucks “Crab Mode.” Fitting its crustacean title, Crab Mode locks the front and rear differentials and positions all-four wheels to the same angle, causing the vehicle to strafe in a diagonal motion.

Rivian hasn’t been shy about teasers for its R1T either. The California-based start up has so far teased the all-electric pickups “tank turn” feature, a gear tunnel, and an optional pull-out kitchen. Now, the start up is showing the R1T’s ability to become a boat?

Okay not really, but it is showing Rivian testing the R1T in what appears to be pretty deep water. This test is of course not to see if the Rivian R1T can be a boat, but rather how it will handle flooding conditions.

The video, uploaded by YouTube channel Rivian Stories, shows the R1T electric pickup truck in very deep water and interestingly enough, moving in reverse. During Rivian Stories’ discussion they praise Rivian’s detailed testing efforts as the backwards water driving shows the automakers dedication to producing the best possibly vehicle for its customers.

Rivian Stories receives related performance notes directly from the electric automaker and shared the following: “Depending on your suspension settings and wheel size, the maximum water fording height of the R1T and the R1S is 42.7 inches. Rock crawl at a 100% grade. Traverse just about any terrain with 14 inches of ground clearance. With a 0-60 mph time in as quick as 3 seconds depending on your tire selection, it also delivers the on-road handling of a sports car.”

Rivian is slated to begin deliveries of its R1T as soon as June of this year. If this timeline is followed it will be the first all-electric pickup truck to market. Will the brand new startup produce a vehicles strong enough to take on the lies of Tesla and GMC? We’ll find out.

Leave a Reply