Rivian R1T and R1S 2022: new electric car and SUV competing with Tesla will be cheaper than expected!

Interested in the Rivian R1T electric motorcycle but worried that it will cost too much? We have good news for you.

The Rivian R1T ute and R1S SUV are reported to be cheaper than expected when they officially go on sale overseas later this year, with deliveries to Australia starting around 18 months later.

According to information ReutersThe New Electric Vehicles (EV) specialist's previously announced $69,000 (AU$102,128) R1T starting price will actually be a mid-range car with a glass roof that can go from blue to clear.

Similarly, the already confirmed R72,000S starting price of $106,568 (AU$1) will instead refer to the mid-range SUV class.

While Rivian founder and CEO R. J. Scaringe said Reuters reaction to the Tesla rival R1T and R1S was "really positive" after their disclosure, he declined to confirm how many buyers made a $1000 ($1480) refundable deposit for the ute and SUV.

“So we're excited about that. But now we have a problem with the fact that many customers who have pre-ordered are not going to receive the cars as quickly as they would like because of the long queue,” he said.

Maybe the Rivian R1S SUV fits the taste and needs better?

As reported, the mid-range R1T and R1S models will be equipped with a 562kW/1120Nm four-engine powertrain that delivers a 0-97km/h (0-60mph) acceleration time of three seconds. Their combined 135 kWh battery provides a range of 483 km and 499 km, respectively.

For reference, entry-level Rivian models and SUVs deliver 300kW/560Nm of power, 0-97km/h in 4.9s, have a 105kWh battery and can travel 370km (R1T) or 386km (RS1) on a single charge. Their flagship counterparts will up the ante to 522kW/1120Nm, 3.2s, 180kWh and 644km (R1T) or 660km (RXNUMXS) respectively.