Rivian says it
intends on launching both the R1T electric pickup and the R1S SUV in Australia.
Like in the United States, pickup trucks and SUVs are extremely popular in
Australia and while recently speaking with Stuff, Rivian chief engineer Brian
Gase said that the company’s two models will be launched Down Under.
According to Gase,
it is difficult for the company to put an exact date on an Australian launch as
the car manufacturer will need to carefully select the right markets to first
venture into. Both the Rivian R1T and R1S are based on a ‘skateboard’ platform
where the batteries are located beneath the floor and individual electric
motors power each wheel. Rivian intends on selling the two vehicles with a
series of different battery packs, including a massive one with 180 kWh.
Rivian will build
its vehicles at a former Mitsubishi production facility in Normal, Illinois and
plans on starting deliveries in about 18 months. Rivian chief executive R.J.
Scaringe has previously said that he wants to introduce six vehicles by 2025.
