Rivian customers learned more Wednesday about the color and customization options and hands-free driving capability of their new vehicles, which are expected to start hitting the road in about eight months.
The electric automaker announced its soon-to-launch configurator tool, which customers will use to choose their color, interior, battery range, wheels and tires. Rivian will make all its vehicles in Normal, starting with the R1T pickup and R1S sport utility vehicle. The plant already employs over 550 people, with plans to hire hundreds more.
Rivian also revealed new details about its hands-free driving assistance platform, named Driver+, which will be included in every vehicle at no extra cost. Driver+ will be able to manage low levels of autonomous driving at launch, such as steering and changing lanes and speed on “select highways.” The vehicle will still require a driver’s full attention, according to Rivian.
Our configurator goes live 11/16 for preorder holders. General access on 11/23. Learn about colors, new features, updated pricing and Launch Edition — a special launch configuration with US deliveries for R1T starting in June 2021 and R1S in August 2021. https://t.co/cQZEPzo85f
— Rivian (@Rivian) November 11, 2020
Also released Wednesday was new information about the three packages available for each vehicle, starting with the “Launch Edition.” That’s what will be delivered to customers first, starting with the R1T in June 2021 and the R1S in August 2021.
Other models will be available later, including lower-priced versions of the R1T and R1S that will have less range than the earlier models. The Launch Editions cost $75,000 for the R1T, and $77,500 for the R1S.
Rivian’s configurator tool becomes available for preorder customers Nov. 16, and then the general public Nov. 23.
Rivian is finally moving into production after a yearslong development process. It bought the former Mitsubishi Motors plant in Normal in 2017. The R1S and R1T vehicles were announced two years ago at the LA Auto Show.
