Rivian is the first to bring an e-pickup to market — but the truck wars are just beginning

Sorry, Elon… Earlier this week, Rivian produced the first electric truck that will actually end up in customers’ driveways — competitors like Tesla, Ford, and GM merely unveiled prototypes. The e-truck startup has raised $10.5B+ from investors including Amazon and Ford, and is seeking to go public at an $80B valuation. The deets on its R1T pickup:

• Fully charged: The R1T has a range of 314 miles per charge and starts at $68K — a longer range, but higher price tag than most upcoming e-trucks.
• Fully stocked: R1Ts come with off road-ready air compressors, built-in drink coolers, 11K pound towing capacity, and tailgates that can be lifted via app — bound to impress at any MIT tailgate.
• Ready to roll: R1Ts trucks are now certified for sale in all 50 states. Rivian expects deliveries to start this month.

A truckload of competition… Some analysts expect the e-truck industry will more than double between 2020 and 2026. Large automakers like Ford, GM, and Tesla have spent years developing smaller EVs. But by staying laser-focused on trucks, Rivian crossed the e-truck finish line first. Others are expected to follow:

• Tesla expects to start production of its $40K Cybertruck in 2022.
• Lordstown plans for limited production of its $55K Endurance this month.
• GM says production of its $113K Hummer EV will begin later this fall.
• Ford hopes to start producing its $40K all-electric F-150 Lightning in 2022. The non-electric version has been America’s top-selling vehicle for 39 years straight.