Not Tesla, Rivian Launches First Electric Pickup For Consumers In The US

The R1T pickup from Rivian officially launched to consumers. (photo: twitter)

JAKARTA – The first electric pickup truck is ready to be launched to consumers. But this model is not from Tesla. Rivian founder and CEO, Robert "RJ" Scaringe, reported Tuesday, September 14, via Twitter that the company has completed manufacturing an electric pickup.

“After months of building pre-production cars, this morning our first customer vehicle rolled off our production line in Normal [Illinois]! The collective efforts of our team have made this moment possible. I can't wait to put it in the hands of our customers! Scaringe tweeted.

After months of building pre-production vehicles, this morning our first customer vehicle drove off our production line in Normal! Our team's collective efforts have made this moment possible. Can't wait to get these into the hands of our customers! pic.twitter.com/8ZidwTaXRI

— RJ Scaringe (@RJScaringe) September 14, 2021

This fact places the startup company as the first automotive company to produce and sell electric cargo cars. This is the R1T model from the brand, which has a price range from $67,500 to $73,000, depending on the specifications.

Other companies claiming to also make electric pickup trucks include General Motors (GM), Lordstown Motors, Ford, and Tesla.

According to TechCrunch, Rivian cars have received roadworthiness certification from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the California Air Resources Council, which allows the company to sell and ship its trucks in all 50 states of the United States.

While it's not clear how many vehicles will be produced or who will be the first customers to drive the truck, CNBC has confirmed that all the cars the company produces are worth selling.

On its official website, Rivian reports that deliveries will start in January 2022. However, some media outlets have reported that the company plans to start shipping the launch edition of the R1T model this month.