The electric cars market is growing at a fast pace because of consumer demand. Yes, a small sports car is all fun and games but where does the pickup truck fit in the EV world? There are some new faces to the electric vehicle world as we answer the all important question, does bigger mean better?
Rivian
Startup automaker Rivian is aiming to start production of their premium pickup truck in early 2020 with deliveries starting later that year. Everyone is rooting for them to succeed, including their investors Amazon and Ford. Rivian’s pickup truck will be called the R1T (T for truck), following the same naming system as the Rivian R1S (S for SUV).
Performance
The performance of this impressive 5 passenger EV is unbelievable with a “skateboard” platform, integrating 4 small but powerful electric motors, each motor has a power capacity of 147 kw per wheel. That’s seriously powerful, at almost triple the power of the Tesla S P100D.
This EV also comes with different choices of battery packs. These go into the gearbox and they supposedly have the highest capacity of any other passenger electric vehicle out there: 105 kWh, 135 kWh, and 180 kWh. Rivian states that this will translate to 230+ miles, 300+ miles and 400+ miles of range on a full charge, but obviously as we all know the actual range that you will experience will vary based on your particular use conditions.
With a top speed of around 125mph and a base 0-60mph rate of 4.9 seconds this is impressive for a larger EV. Speaking of 0-60mph rate this also depends on the power input to the gearbox with a starting rate of 4.9 seconds for 300kW, 3 seconds for 562kW and 3.2 seconds for 522kW.
A payload capacity of 800 kg and towing capacity of 5000 kg, the R1T is packed with impressive technology and utility features both inside and out. This EV offers you plenty of storage options in the form of a 200 litre rear bin, 330 litre frunk and 350 litre gear tunnel.
What is a gear tunnel you may ask? Well, it’s a storage tunnel which extends from one side of the vehicle to the other. Making it ideal for storing long items such as fishing rods, golf bags, prams or strollers. The gear tunnel doors also act as a step for loading items into the bed or on the roof. As well as a perch perfect for lacing up your hiking boots. This electric car would be the perfect companion for those who enjoy the countryside and functionality.
Tesla
The long awaited Tesla Cybertruck has been revealed! Claiming to offer better utility than a truck and more performance than a sports car. As standard each of Tesla’s electric cars have high expectations to live up to and the reveal of the Cybertruck was certainly no exception.
The big reveal of the Cybertruck was very shocking and unorthodox to any of Tesla’s current electric cars available. As we knew from earlier this year, Elon Musk had hinted at “a really futuristic-like cyberpunk, ‘Blade Runner’ pickup truck.” The rigid frame of the Cybertruck certainly matches up to this, it almost looks like it was built for a zombie apocalypse. Although we don’t think it wou;d be that good quite yet…as the reveal maybe didn’t go exactly to plan when the unbreakable armour glass windows shattered.
Despite this hiccup, the Tesla’s Cybertruck is built for longevity. The exterior shell is made to offer ultimate durability. Every component of the exoskeleton is designed for superior strength and endurance. Made from ultra-hard 30X cold-rolled stainless steel, this material helps eliminate dents, damage and long-term corrosion.
The truck also has a payload capacity of up to 3,500 pounds, as well as adjustable air suspension. Tesla states that the Cybertruck is the most powerful tool they have ever built. The vault like storage offers plenty of room to store your toolbox, tyre and everything else including the kitchen sink. Like the Rivian, the Cybertruck comes with hidden storage including the under-bed, frunk and sail pillars.
The simplistic and streamlined interior can seat six comfortably, also offering additional storage under the back seats. The truck comes equipped with an advanced 17” touchscreen with an all-new customized user interface.
Performance
Let’s talk performance. This monster of a truck comes in 3 motor options; single motor (rear wheel drive) RWD, dual motor (all wheel drive) AWD and tri motor AWD. Each individual offers different power specifications, fluctuating the range, 0-60 rate and towing capacity.
The top spec tri motor AWD offers a 0-60 rate of around 2.9 seconds which is only 0.5 seconds slower than the Tesla Model S P100D at 2.4 seconds. Although this is not the quickest of the electric cars, you need to take into consideration the size of the vehicle. The powerful drivetrain and low center of gravity provides great traction control and torque when driving.
The tri motor Cybertruck offers an EPA estimated range of 500+ miles and a towing capacity of 14,000+ pounds. Although the Cybertruck doesn’t fit perfectly in the electric car world, there is certainly a market for the pickup truck.
Tell us what you think
Whilst these are still new electric cars and aren’t officially available to drive yet. Here at EVision we have a wide range of electric cars available for long and short-term hire that will not disappoint.
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