Ford Rivian R1T And R1S Have Been Given EPA Ranges

For now, the company is waiting for several government authorities to finish their work before it begins Rivian deliveries later this month, according to CEO R.J. Scaringe of the company. In response to Rivian's R1T pickup and R1S SUV, one of these government agencies, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), released a range estimate.

According to the figures, Rivian R1T and R1S have a 135-kWh large battery pack and 21-inch wheels. With a range of 314 miles and consumption of 48kWh per 100 miles, the R1T was able to achieve an MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent) rating of 70 blended.

In comparison, the R1S managed 316 miles of range on 49 kWh of energy per 100 miles for a combined fuel economy of 73 mpg city, 65 highway, and a 69 combo. Variation in range and effectiveness could be due to randomness in the individual packs that day. Since EPA tests are conducted on a dyno, aerodynamics are not a factor.

Regarding wheel size, Rivian has stated that the 21" wheels with all-season tires were designed for the best range of performance and handling characteristics. To deliver the greatest on-road handling, the optional 22-inch wheels were designed at the cost of a 5- to 10-percent loss in range.

In theory, smaller 20-inch wheels should be able to drive further, but the Rivian's will be forged off-road wheels with heavier, chunkier tires that could result in a 10 to 15 % mileage disadvantage.

Rivian R1T and R1S will be accessible in January of next year with two alternative battery packs, a small one that's expected to go around 230 miles per charge, and a "Max" pack that's said to go more than 400 miles.

Ford hasn't specified the size of the battery packs for the F-150 Lightning, but we do know that the lengthened pack is expected to have a range of 300 miles, while a lesser pack is expected to have a range of roughly 230 miles. Using a 200-kilowatt battery pack, the GMC Hummer electric vehicle aims to go 350 miles. Now that Rivian has put its off-road-capable trucks on the market, we'll see what the competitors have to say about it.