Electric cars are nothing new, but electric trucks are still an emerging vehicle. Currently on the horizon are six electric trucks and SUVs, two of which are particularly promising—The Tesla Cybertruck and the Rivian R1T.
In this post, we’ll take you through the stats we know so far, and compare and contrast between the Tesla Cybertruck and the Rivian R1T.
Tesla Cybertruck vs. Rivian R1T
Rivian is a U.S. automaker focused on sustainability, founded in 2009. The R1T is their premier release of an “electric adventure vehicle.”
Contrastingly, Tesla, the clean energy and electric vehicle company founded in 2003, has produced four electric car models since their debut.
Here is how they stack up.
Price
The Cybertruck is priced as such:
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$39,900 for the single motor RW
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$49,900 for the dual motor AWD
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$69,900 for the tri motor AWD
The R1T pricing goes like this:
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$67,500 for the Explore Package (base model)
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$75,000 for the Adventure Package, as well as its limited release of the Launch Edition
Body
Tesla has termed the Cybertruck’s stainless steel exterior an “exoskeleton”. The build inspiration was reportedly inspired by Blade Runner and the Lotus Esprit from The Spy Who Loved Me (which doubled as a submarine).
The Cybertruck features:
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A 78-inch-long and 57-inch-wide cargo bed with 100 cubic feet of volume.
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A 3-mm-thick, ultra-hard, cold-rolled stainless-steel alloy developed initially for SpaceX’s Starship rocket.
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The alloy is “resistant” to 9mm ammunition (common rounds that can be fired from handguns or machine guns).
The R1T features a more compact design. The bed is reportedly just 54 inches long and 50 inches wide, but it boasts expansive cargo and storage space with:
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An 11-cubic-foot front trunk.
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A 12-cubic-foot storage tunnel between the bed and passenger compartment.
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The spare tire well also doubles as a 7.0-cubic-foot in-bed trunk.
Additionally, the R1T will have the option of accessory racks mounted on top of the bed cover, and an in-bed tent. You can view an R1T photo gallery on SlashGear.
Performance
The Cybertruck will come outfitted with one, two, or three electric motors, including rear-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations.
The entry-level pickup features one motor and a rear-wheel-drive system, while the two- and three-motor models will both have all-wheel drive.
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The one motor can reach 60 mph in 6.5 seconds and tow up to 7,500 pounds
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The two-motor variant reaches 60 in 4.5 seconds and tow 10,000 pounds.
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The three-motor model can hit 60 in 2.9 seconds and tow 14,000 pounds.
Each model’s bed can carry a payload of 3,500 pounds, and the range is expected to vary from 250-500 miles.
The 2021 Rivian R1T will have four electric motors, one mounted at each wheel.
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Three batteries will be offered: 105-, 135- or 180 kWh.
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Depending on which battery you opt for, the R1T can have up to 750 hp and 829 lb-ft of torque.
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When properly equipped, the 2021 Rivian R1T can tow up to 11,000 pounds, while the maximum payload is 1,760 pounds.
Rivian claims that on a single charge, the R1T can travel over 400 miles when equipped with the largest battery. The smaller battery options are expected to get around 230-300 miles on a single charge.
Tech & Other Features
What we know so far, all Cybertruck models will have an adaptive air suspension for self-leveling and ride-height adjustment up to 16 inches. The primary user interface will include a 17-inch central touchpad—a minimalist approach.
Every model of the R1T will be outfitted with hands-free driver-assistance technology, with the suite called, Driver+. All models will also be outfitted with:
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Standard automated emergency braking
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A lane-departure warning
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Adaptive cruise control
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A 15.3-inch digital gauge cluster replaces the traditional analog gauges
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A 12.3-inch touchscreen handles infotainment, climate controls, and navigation.
Finally, our favorite feature, the R1T is expected to offer a 360º field of vision, utilizing 11 cameras, five radars, and 12 ultrasonic sensors!
Which one to pick?
At the current stage of electric truck development, it’s hard to say which model to invest in first. A first generation vehicle is always tricky, but Tesla and other manufacturers have proven their ability to create functional vehicles. A newcomer like Rivian is relatively untested, though their offering is intriguing. Determine for yourself whether the investment is worth it, and what your plans for the vehicle will be in the near future.
In the meantime, you may consider giving your current vehicle an update. While you may not want to imitate the Rivian R1T and install 11 cameras on your current vehicle, installing a backup or side camera (or two) can dramatically reduce the odds of collision and injury when reversing a vehicle.
Camera Source not only offers high quality backup cameras for a range of vehicles, we have wireless cameras, dash cams, and front and side cameras to enhance your safety while operating your truck, RV, or tractor and install a backup camera or two. Check out our inventory today, or contact us for a custom order today!
Images from TopSpeed and Automobile.
