2021 Rivian R1T and R1S: New cheaper prices for Toyota HiLux EVs revealed, but there's a catch...

Prices announced for Rivian electric truck and SUV.

Rivian has slashed the price of its R1T with its all-electric giant truck to start at $67,500 for the new entry-level model, but there's one catch.

While rival Tesla's Cybertruck's more expensive Launch Edition will start arriving in the US from June next year for $75,000, the cheaper Explore model won't arrive until January 2022.

However, the new $67,500 (AU$93,378) price tag is cheaper than expected as the brand previously advertised a $69,000 starting price.

The Explore will still get Rivian's four-motor drivetrain (with an electric motor at each wheel), and the brand promises a range of more than 300 miles or 482 km. You'll also get black trim with heated (vegan) leather seats.

As for grumbling, we expect the cheaper model to put out 300kW and 560Nm - enough to propel a monster truck to 97km/h in just 4.9 seconds - less than the more powerful 522kW/1120Nm of the more expensive models. .

The line then moves into the Adventure model, which adds an off-road package that includes underbody protection, tow hooks and an onboard air compressor, as well as an upgraded stereo system, nicer wood grain interiors and seat ventilation. . The Adventure is priced at $75,000 or $106,760 in AU dollars. Deliveries are expected to begin in January 2022.

Finally, the Launch Edition costs the same price as the Adventure and has the same equipment, but adds an interior Launch Edition badge, a unique green paint option, and a choice of 20-inch All-Terrain wheels or 22-inch sports alloy wheels. It is expected to arrive in June 2021.

The R1S SUV line is similar to the truck line but costs more, with the Explore your $70,000 ($96,808) and the Adventure and Launch Edition $77,500 ($107,181).

The timeline pushes back the brand's launch date in Australia to at least December 2022, but most likely to 2023. Cars Guide the launch of Down Under will come about 18 months after the cars' debut in the US.

“Yes, we will have a launch in Australia. And I can't wait to get back to Australia and show it to all these wonderful people," said Brian Geis, Chief Brand Engineer. Cars Guide.

However, Rivian makes some bold promises about its R1T, promising that it "can do everything another car can and more."

“We really focused on the off-road capabilities of these vehicles. We have 14" dynamic ground clearance, we have a structural bottom, we have permanent four-wheel drive so we can climb 45 degrees and we can go from zero to 60 mph (96 km/h) in 3.0 seconds,” Gaze said.

“I can tow 10,000 4.5 pounds (400 tons). I have a tent that I can throw on the back of a truck, I have a range of 643 miles (XNUMX km), I have permanent four-wheel drive so I can do everything that another car can, and then something ".