Who Owns Rivian?
Rivian Automotive was founded in 2009 by R.J. Scaringe. The company is headquartered in Irvine, California. Major stakeholders include Amazon (with around 18% ownership) and Ford, which invested heavily in Rivian’s early development. Amazon has already ordered 100,000 electric delivery vans from Rivian, helping to secure its commercial future.
Rivian Electric Cars: Models and Features
Rivian R1T – The Electric Adventure Truck
The Rivian truck, officially known as the R1T, is Rivian’s flagship model. It won the 2022 Wheels Electric Car of the Year Award from Forbes for its unique combination of off-road capability and luxury.
- 0-60 mph: ~3 seconds (quad-motor setup)
- Range: Up to 314 miles with the 135 kWh battery pack
- Towing capacity: 11,000 lbs
- Price: Starting around $69,000
The R1T has been praised for blending speed, utility, and ruggedness into a single electric pickup that rivals even traditional trucks.
Rivian R1S – The All-Electric SUV
The Rivian R1S SUV shares the same platform as the R1T but offers a spacious and luxurious family-oriented design.
- Seating: 5 or 7 passengers
- 0-60 mph: As fast as 3 seconds (depending on battery option)
- Range: Up to 328 miles
- Price: Starting at $72,500
With advanced off-road capabilities, panoramic glass roof, and high-tech features, the R1S stands as a strong competitor to the Tesla Model X and Land Rover SUVs.
Rivian R2 and R3 – The Future Lineup
Rivian has announced plans for six new EVs by 2025, including the Rivian R2 (a smaller, more affordable SUV) and the Rivian R3, which is expected to be a compact crossover. These models will expand Rivian’s market reach, aiming at customers who want adventure-ready EVs at lower prices.
Rivian Electric Cars: Everything You Must Know About Price
Pricing varies depending on configuration and battery options:
- R1T Pickup Truck: From ~$69,000
- R1S SUV: From ~$72,500
- Adventure/Launch Editions: $78,000–$90,000
- Future R2/R3 Models: Expected to be more affordable (~$40,000–$55,000 range)
Like Tesla, Rivian allows customers to reserve vehicles online with a $1,000 deposit, making it easier to secure a place in line.
Rivian Cars: Technology & Innovation
Rivian vehicles are built on a skateboard platform housing the battery pack, suspension, and quad-motor system. Key highlights:
- Quad-Motor Powertrain: One motor per wheel for precise torque vectoring.
- Adjustable Air Suspension: 6 inches of vertical adjustability for off-roading.
- OTA (Over-The-Air) Updates: Software upgrades that enhance performance and range.
- Amazon Partnership: Integration with delivery vans and smart vehicle tech.
Safety and Performance
Rivian places a strong emphasis on safety. The R1T pickup recently proved its durability in real-world accidents, showing excellent airbag deployment and cabin protection. Rivian also issued proactive recalls to address airbag sensor issues, underscoring its customer-first approach.
Performance is another highlight. With up to 750 horsepower and 829 lb-ft of torque, Rivian EVs can handle steep trails, water crossings, and long road trips while still sprinting from 0-60 mph in just 3 seconds.
Rivian’s Financial Journey
Rivian has seen ups and downs since its record-breaking 2021 IPO. While backed by Amazon and Ford, the company faced challenges in production due to supply chain issues. Still, Rivian continues to attract investment and attention, aiming to scale up production for both consumer and commercial markets.
FAQs About Rivian Electric Cars:
Rivian was founded by R.J. Scaringe. Amazon and Ford are major investors.
The R1T starts around $69,000 depending on trim and battery options
The R1S SUV starts at $72,500, with higher trims reaching $90,000
The Rivian R2 is an upcoming smaller SUV designed to be more affordable than the R1S.
The Rivian R3 is an expected compact crossover EV aimed at city and adventure drivers alike.
It can reach 0-60 mph in about 3 seconds with the quad-motor setup.
Conclusion
Rivian is not just another EV startup—it’s a brand shaping the future of electric adventure vehicles. With groundbreaking models like the R1T pickup and R1S SUV, along with future launches like the Rivian R2 and R3, the company promises to expand its reach while staying true to its adventurous DNA. If you are researching Rivian electric cars: everything you must know review, price, R1T, or SUV models, Rivian stands out as one of the most exciting EV makers in the world today.
