It’s been an exciting day for car lovers, particularly those who were eager to see how Tesla’s first electric pickup would look, feel, and perform. For us, the unveiling of the Cybertruck means we finally have the opportunity to pit it against the only other electric pickup announced thus far, the Rivian R1T.
It’s important to know that despite both being shown, specced and priced, none are actually on the road, and it will take some time before they get there. Even more reason to weigh in on the advantages of both.
First, looks. A quick glance at the two and we clearly can see which remains true to the segment it is meant for, and the definition of a pickup as we know it. The R1T, with its classic design, manages to look evolved, powerful and reliable. It’s not revolutionary in design, and that is soothing.
The Cybertruck, on the other hand, is the embodiment of two extremes: it looks either like something a kid would draw in the dark, or a machine engineered for alien world exploration. Either way, it looks temporary, unfinished, and that is unsettling.
Then, capabilities. Both trucks are offered with three battery options. It the case of the Rivian, that means ranges from 230 to 400 miles, while Tesla provides between 250 and 500 miles.
And finally, price. Elon Musk valued the Cybertruck at $39,000 for the entry level and $69,900 for the top of the range. That is significantly lower than the around $70,000 announced by Rivian for the shorter range R1T, and $90,000 for the range topper.
Sure, there are other things to consider when trying to find out which one is better. The Cybertruck may look as exciting as a sheet of paper, but it comes with Autopilot, and probably even an ATV.
Rivian throws in the Gear Tunnel, a hole that traverses the car from left to right ahead of the rear wheels, and tons of interior space, among other things.
Judging solely by the numbers, Tesla kicks Rivian back to the drawing board. But can one really find the strength to get over the unspeakably-ugly desing?
First, looks. A quick glance at the two and we clearly can see which remains true to the segment it is meant for, and the definition of a pickup as we know it. The R1T, with its classic design, manages to look evolved, powerful and reliable. It’s not revolutionary in design, and that is soothing.
The Cybertruck, on the other hand, is the embodiment of two extremes: it looks either like something a kid would draw in the dark, or a machine engineered for alien world exploration. Either way, it looks temporary, unfinished, and that is unsettling.
Then, capabilities. Both trucks are offered with three battery options. It the case of the Rivian, that means ranges from 230 to 400 miles, while Tesla provides between 250 and 500 miles.
And finally, price. Elon Musk valued the Cybertruck at $39,000 for the entry level and $69,900 for the top of the range. That is significantly lower than the around $70,000 announced by Rivian for the shorter range R1T, and $90,000 for the range topper.
Sure, there are other things to consider when trying to find out which one is better. The Cybertruck may look as exciting as a sheet of paper, but it comes with Autopilot, and probably even an ATV.
Rivian throws in the Gear Tunnel, a hole that traverses the car from left to right ahead of the rear wheels, and tons of interior space, among other things.
Judging solely by the numbers, Tesla kicks Rivian back to the drawing board. But can one really find the strength to get over the unspeakably-ugly desing?