Rivian's R1T is a battery-electric pickup truck that, in Gen Z terms, just slaps. It does almost everything right. Power, storage, charging, comfort, sound system, bed outlets for tailgating, air compressor, you name it! This EV has nearly everything you may want or need. But it can get even better and more useful. Here's how.
An Australian company saw the Rivian R1T and thought it could serve as more than just a fancy zero-emission off-roader that can comfortably seat five and tow. It's not unexpected at all to see other businesses show an interest in this American-designed and -made EV. After all, many Europeans chose to import the pickup truck or the SUV even though they didn't have immediate access to a service center or mobile technician crews.
Rivian's quad- or dual-motor powertrains, the McLaren 720S-inspired suspension system, the exterior and interior design, the onboard tech, and the focus on sustainability prove that the saying "With time and patience, the mulberry leaf becomes a silk gown" can apply to startups led by an ambitious team.
However, expanding beyond North America is not on Rivian's agenda – yet. The R2- and R3-series EVs that are supposed to come out of the upcoming Georgia factory might help the automaker reach Europe and some Asian countries. But until then, other entities are taking care of brand-building for Rivian in other markets.
Australia's Mining Electric Vehicle Company (MEVCO) chose the R1T as the next ute that will be enhanced for entities that deal with extracting all sorts of materials and minerals from the surface of the Earth. The company started its activity down under but is also working on having a strong presence in the US, Canada, the UK, and Chile.
Considering that MEVCO is converting gas- or diesel-powered Toyotas into EVs for mining companies, it's not surprising that its story started in Australia. Mining represents around 14% of the country's gross domestic product (GDP). The world's sixth-largest nation by area, which also happens to occupy an entire continent named after itself, relies on this sector of the economy. The mining industry amounts to around 70% of Australia's exports.
Photo: MEVCO
MEVCO currently has one all-wheel-drive and two rear-wheel-drive Toyotas in its portfolio. The powertrain it uses for all of them puts out 80 to 145 hp and 516 to 735 lb-ft of torque. There are also three high-voltage NMC battery options: 60 kWh, 88 kWh, and 100 kWh. All energy storage units come with a one-year warranty. The estimated range is between 124 mi (200 km) and 186 mi (300 km). Both AC and DC charging are available.
A Rivian is quite a step up from conversion kits. MEVCO says that the R1T is part of an "electric light vehicle fleet that's fully customized for the mining environment." New electric vehicles are ideal for mining with their reduced emissions, lower operational costs, and enhanced safety features. Workers spend a lot of time in poorly ventilated areas. Using zero-emission, silent, and "torquey" vehicles will help improve the work environment.
MEVCO doesn't spill the beans regarding the upgrades, but we can see a bull bar, a two-drawer cabinet filled with Milwaukee tools in the gear tunnel, roll bars, and an impressive ground clearance. The latter might not be about any modification because the air suspension allows the R1T to enjoy a maximum ride height of 14.9 inches.
We aren't offered a look inside the EV, but MEVCO surely added something to help those working in the mining sector do a better job with less effort and fewer health risks.
What's certain is that it will have a higher price. When writing, the cheapest Rivian pickup truck costs $79,000 in dual-motor and a large-pack battery configuration.
Ultimately, we can't help but wonder: is Rivian expanding to Australia, or will this new MEVCO R1T be a US-exclusive offering? It remains to be seen.
Car shows on TV and his father's Fiat Tempra may have been Florin's early influences, but nowadays he favors different things, like the power of an F-150 Raptor. He'll never be able to ignore the shape of a Ferrari though, especially a yellow one. Full profile
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