As pickup competitors loom, Rivian turns to family fun SUVs and lower costs
Although it isn’t obvious, Rivian is the midst of a big transformation right now. Until recently, almost all of its sales have been in its high end, 4-motor pickup trucks. However, the company announced in its latest earning’s call that it was switching its mix of output to favor its 7-seat R1S SUV which has much less competition currently and on the horizon. It is also spinning up 2-motor versions of its R1 vehicles which will cost significantly less with very little performance cost. Add to that a cheaper LFP battery pack due later this year and R2 models starting at $40,000 to be unveiled next year, and you’ve got an entirely different focus.
Coincidentally, ahead of getting my own R1S in 1-8 weeks, Rivian gave me a loaner to help my vacationing extended family get around town…
Rivian’s current high-end situation
Rivian has been turning out its 4-motor high end R1T pickups for two years and over the past year has been ramping up its R1S SUVs to folks who ordered early. These vehicles, I believe, are going to be an increasingly rare premium mix of Rivians going forward as the company pivots to cheaper enduro drivetrains that employ two motors to drive the 4WD systems at almost the same horsepower. Next year, Rivian will unveil its R2 platform which will cost anywhere from $40-60K according to CFO Claire McDonough.
Tricks like tank turns, which would have differentiated the 4-motor Rivians for the 2-motor landscape, have been scrapped because in Rivian’s words, they didn’t conform to Rivian’s mission of leaving the world a better place – by tearing up roads. I haven’t yet driven a 2-motor Rivian, but I don’t think there are a lot of tricks that a 4-motor vehicle can do that a 2-motor can’t. In fact, the 2-motor versions (R1S) seem to get significantly better range on what appears to be the same batteries:
The top end Enduro drivetrain will lose 100 horsepower and 208 ft lbs of torque, but it still be a monster. At 700 horsepower/lb ft torque, it still produces a blistering 3.5 second 0-60 time, putting it on top of the pickup world. As a bonus, those motors are more efficient, yielding a 20-70 mile range improvement. Rivian CFO Claire McDonough put the number at 352 miles for the enduro R1S:
I’ve been driving an R1S within Enduro the last handful of weeks and can say first-hand experience that it’s a phenomenal product, expanded range. We have now have 352 miles of range with our large pack and Enduro drive unit.
My point is that even if the Enduro system was at price parity with the 4-motor system, many people would opt for the improved range over the parlor tricks. I know I’m in that camp. I’m here for the space and the range together with winter driving and the occasional off-road camping trip. “Rally, Drift and Rock Crawl” aren’t part of my vernacular, just like 95% of potential Rivian customers. Oh – and I can probably handle a .5 second slower 3.5 second 0-60.
Luckily, according to Rivian, the Enduro motor vehicles will start shipping in the next week.
Demand for its premium R1T pickup trucks is waning
Rivian can now deliver a R1T pickup truck to a new customer within a fortnight. It even had a one-day show up at the factory and get a pickup truck event last week. While there’s no direct off road SUV competition for the R1S, R1T is going to see a lot of lower priced competition in the coming months. Ford’s F-150 Lightning is ramping up, and the soon-to-be-launched Silverado EV and Tesla Cybertruck will be here before we know it.
This quarter is the Rivian R1S quarter
McDonough said that the mix of orders for Rivian favored the R1S SUV over the R1T Pickup 75% to 25%, and the company was going to switch up its manufacturing accordingly. That makes a ton of sense since the R1T waiting period is days and the R1S waiting period pushes out into 2025 currently.
Anecdotally, my Oct-Dec 2023 R1S ordered in 2020 arrived in Brooklyn this weekend via Rivian Shop, and I will likely be picking it up Monday. Others that have late 2023 orders are being given access to the Rivian Shop where they can likely find vehicles similar to theirs awaiting adoption.
Rivian R1S Review
Honestly, I don’t have much to add since my original review about a year ago, in which I called it the best SUV ever made. I stand by that even as competitors loom on the horizon from Kia and VW’s Scout. Also since I bought in early, I’m eligible for the $7500 Fed Tax credit and lower price, so my before Tesla trade-in price, about $66K. The easy sell:
- 0-60 time of 3.0 seconds. That’s supercar speed, and the fastest vehicle of any kind you can get for under $100K (Tesla Model 3 Performance is a close second at 3.1 sec). Update, my bad: $70K Corvette with Z51 package will do it in 2.9 secs.
- One of the best off-road production vehicles, if not the best, out there at any price
- 7 seats, all comfortable and not claustrophobic, cupholders and USB-C ports everywhere
- Handles like a sports car, 4 motors and independent suspension
- Tons of storage in frunk and back, yet will fit in most garages
- Over 300 miles of range and fast ~250kW charging for trips
- 1.5kW of 110V AC home backup power or power to a worksite or camp
- Intangibles like built-in flashlight, Bluetooth speaker, air compressor, etc.
- A pretty good-looking vehicle, even if those oval headlamps haven’t yet grown on you
- Rivian is a great company that seems to care about the planet, or at least it doesn’t feel gross giving them my money.
It was incredibly easy to haul seven people and luggage around Westchester, New York. We were able to go an hour north to a water slide park in the morning, then come back and drive a few hours to the south to Newark Airport (with luggage) in the afternoon, then back home without a charging stop. Every seat including the two in the back were comfortable and not claustrophobic.
The only slight downside is that Rivian’s maps don’t deal/measure congestion quite as well as Google Maps yet. Things have definitely improved over the past year including its autopilot called Driver+. Rivian recently announced they were removing the internal cameras, so it will likely rely on hands torque-ing the steering wheel which I’m not a fan of. I would like to get a clearer *road map* of Driver+.
The only other complaint I can muster up is the venting being an on-screen menu item rather than just manual vent pointing things.
There’s just an amazing feeling driving around in one of the quickest cars on the road that is also one of the best off roading vehicles that also seats 7 comfortably and also handles well and looks great. It feels like being a man among boys on the road.
Rivian with ABRP and open charging stations can be the anti-Tesla EV
Now just isn’t a time where Rivian can ramp its production, it is also reaching to become a leader in the overall EV space. Its Adventure Charging Network will add important off the beaten path locations to the Tesla NACS network and EA/EVgo/etc options.
With ABRP, Rivian will offer all EV customers a great route planning guide and an easy onramp to adopting a Rivian EV.
Rivian Spaces are awesome and will spur demand
I recently got to attend the opening of the Rivian Space in Manhattan. And although Manhattan is about the least car-friendly place you could imagine in the US, lots of people from around the US and around the world visit every day. Rivian describes the spaces as a place to:
- Get hands on experience with Rivian vehicles
- Chat with experts about all things Rivian
- See our our colors, materials and finishes in person
- Learn about Rivian’s charging network and products
- Shop a curated selection from the Gear Shop
- Come to events and workshops
- Take a demo drive (sign up ahead of time)
While I biked to the High Line and 14th st. location, Rivian was giving test drives toward the West Side Highway, but as you can imagine, any off roading locations are too far away for a test drive.
The store reminded me of a Burton or Patagonia store with lots of lifestyle pieces. I could see a number of like-minded adventure brands being featured here. Tents, adventure gear, and anything else that would add to the Rivian experience would be welcome.
Along with its original Venice Space, Rivian plans to put these in a number of big cities including flagships in Austin and another in Brooklyn, in addition to the first Canada Space in Vancouver.
Electrek’s Take
Rivian is in transformation. Almost all of the Rivians you see on the road today are 4-motor pickups. That’s about to change. Q3 is going to be about delivering R1Ses and starting the lower priced, higher range 2-motor vehicles.
In a year, the 4-motor variants will be a small piece of Rivian’s sales with the the biggest seller being the 2-motor R1S.
At the same time, with the open Adventure charger network, ownership and stewardship of ABRP, new Rivian Spaces and hopefully doubling sales, Rivian will be an answer to the current Tesla-dominated all EV space.
Midway through writing this story, Rivian contacted me to let me know my R1S is going to be ready in Brooklyn on Monday. I can’t wait.
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Environment
Tesla Cybertruck sank when launching a jetski after Musk said you could use the truck as a boat
A Tesla Cybertruck sank in Ventura harbor in California when trying to launch a jetski despite Tesla CEO Elon Musk saying that you could use the truck as a boat.
Elon Musk has often made claims before about how Tesla vehicles could float and briefly serve as a boat.
They have never been taken too seriously because Tesla’s warranty says something different about taking the vehicle into the water.
However, the CEO doubled down on the claim with Cybertruck.
Ahead of launching the production version of the Cybertruck, Musk claimed the vehicle would be “waterproof enough” to serve as a boat and cross rivers:
Cybertruck will be waterproof enough to serve briefly as a boat, so it can cross rivers, lakes and even seas that aren’t too choppy.
The CEO added that the goal is for a Cybertruck to be able to cross the water between SpaceX’s Starbase and South Padre Island in Texas, which is about 360 meters (1,100 feet).
We have been taking the Cybertruck more seriously with water because we learned that Tesla built a ‘wade mode’ for the truck to be able to go into the water. Tesla says the mode increases the ride height to the max and “pressurizes the battery pack.”
The problem is that it is activated through the off-roading mode, which is not covered under Tesla’s warranty – so we are taking everything with a grain of salt.
Tesla Cybertruck Sank in Ventura
A Tesla owner in California learned the hard way that Cybertruck is not a boat.
The incident happened in Ventura harbor in California on Monday. The Cybertruck owner was launching a jet ski on the boat ramp when he couldn’t get the truck out of the water (via Safety for Citizens)
Beginning shortly before 11:00am, a man had to scramble out of his Cybertruck Monday morning, March 10 of 2025, after the truck fell into the harbor. The man was attempting to launch a jet ski at the time of the accident.
The owner managed to get out, but the truck sank into the water:
The Cybertruck sunk and became completely submerged off the boat launch ramp. A diver from the Coast Guard assisted a tow driver in attaching cables and ropes to the vehicle.
The rescue effort involved the Ventura City Fire Department, Vessel Assist, Tow Boat US, Harbor Patrol, additional Harbor resources, and the Coast Guard.
They shared a few pictures of the rescue effort:
Electrek’s Take
To be fair, it could also be a user error, but either way, I wouldn’t take the Cybertruck into any body of water.
Meanwhile, BYD is just trolling Tesla by actually doing what Elon claimed the Cybertruck would be capable of doing:
It really feels like Tesla is being surpassed based on every metric possible.
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Toyota wants everyone to have access to affordable, convenient EV charging. Through its partnership with EVgo, Toyota opened its first EV fast charger on Monday. The new co-branded stations, with 350kW fast chargers, can serve up to eight EVs.
Toyota, EVgo open first 350kW EV fast charger
The new DC fast charging station opened in Baldwin Park and Sacramento, California, as part of Toyota’s “Empact” vision.
Toyota announced the initiative almost two years ago, aimed at expanding charging access in underserved communities.
“Together with EVgo, we are supporting broader access to charging infrastructure for all battery EV drivers, including those driving Toyota and Lexus BEVs,” Toyota North America General Manager of EV charging solutions, James George, said at the event.
The new stations are near “amenity-rich” areas with nearby grocery stores, restaurants, shopping malls, and other businesses.
Scott Levitan, EVgo’s executive vice president, explained that charging availability is “essential” as more drivers choose electric. The new charging stations are strategically located to provide affordable, convenient access to the surrounding communities.
State Assemblywoman Blanca Rubio, D-Baldwin Park, said the new stations will “support the city’s residents and visitors,” adding, “Fast charging stations provide critical infrastructure that will amplify the use of clean energy transportation across Senate District 8.”
Toyota and EVgo’s initiative is “a win for our environment and for the future of sustainable mobility in Sacramento.”
As one of the nation’s largest public fast-charging operators, EVgo has already deployed over 1,100 stations across 40 US states. As more drivers choose an EV, EVgo will continue partnering with automakers like Toyota to expand fast-charging access.
EVgo and Toyota also expanded their partnership to offer one year of free public charging to those who buy or lease a new 2025 bZ4X.
The 2025 Toyota bZ4X starts at $37,070, or $6,000 less than the 2024 model. It also gained a stealthy new “Nightshade” edition, Toyota’s first EV to receive the new trim.
| 2025 Toyota bZ4X trim | Starting Price (excluding $1,395 DPH fee) |
Price reduction (vs 2024MY) |
Range (mi) |
| XLE FWD | $37,070 | -$6,000 | 252 |
| XLE AWD | $39,150 | -$6,000 | 228 |
| Limited FWD | $41,800 | -$5,380 | 236 |
| Limited AWD | $43,880 | -$5,380 | 222 |
| Nightshade | $40,420 | N/A | 222 |
At 184.6″ long, Toyota’s electric SUV is slightly longer (3.7″) than the RAV4. However, the rear feels more roomy with a longer wheelbase and flat floor design.
On the inside, the 2025 model remains about the same. It includes a standard 12.3″ touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support.
If you’re ready to test out Toyota’s electric SUV for yourself, we can help you get started. With leases starting at just $259 per month, the 2025 bZ4X is a steal this month. You can use our link to find Toyota bZ4X models at a dealer near you and take it for a spin.
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Brooklyn-based e-bike conversion kit maker CLIP has launched BOLT, a front-mounted electric motor designed to transform standard bicycles into e-bikes. The company is marketing the device as the world’s most affordable quick-install e-bike upgrade, with a focus on making electrified transportation accessible in low-to-moderate income communities and emerging markets.
Unlike traditional e-bikes, which often start at around US $1,000 and go up quickly from there, BOLT is positioned as a low-cost alternative. The device features a 450W motor and a swappable battery system, providing pedal assistance up to 15 mph (25 km/h).
The kit installs on the front fork of most adult bicycles, making it an option for riders who want an e-bike experience without purchasing a dedicated electric bicycle.
While CLIP has previously targeted the business-to-consumer (B2C) market with its easily mountable e-bike conversion kits, BOLT will be distributed primarily through business-to-business (B2B) channels. The company seems to have its sights set on bike sharing and other commercial operators of bike fleets.
In the US and Europe, CLIP is selling the system to businesses for $250, including two 144 Wh battery packs. In emerging markets, BOLT will be offered at a $100 price point, excluding the battery, with users paying a $5 per month subscription fee to access rechargeable battery swaps through local partners.
“BOLT is designed to make e-bike commuting truly accessible and equitable for people everywhere, from New York to New Delhi,” said Som Ray, Founder and CEO of CLIP. “BOLT removes the price barriers of traditional e-bikes while maximizing environmental impact to scale sustainable transportation worldwide.”
CLIP is framing BOLT as both an environmental and social mobility tool, citing the high cost of traditional e-bikes as a barrier to widespread adoption. The company states that over 60% of its riders come from low-to-moderate-income communities, and it plans to partner with local organizations to expand access.
The product is being marketed as a low-impact alternative to full e-bike production, with CLIP claiming that BOLT requires 50 times fewer resources to manufacture and has a 30 times smaller logistics footprint compared to conventional e-bikes. The system is manufactured in Kolkata, India, with localized assembly in North America, Europe, and India.
CLIP has positioned BOLT as a disruptive force in e-bike affordability, which tracks with the device’s rather rare design. Instead of a traditional hub motor or mid-drive motor, CLIP uses a friction drive that presses against the front tire of the bike, forcing it to roll forward. The device’s front-mounted motor configuration is notably different from mid-drive or rear-hub e-bike motors. Additionally, its business-to-business sales model means that individual riders will not be able to purchase the system directly, relying instead on third-party distribution networks.
The company has yet to announce specific partnerships or large-scale deployments, though it has set ambitious climate goals. It claims that widespread adoption of BOLT could eliminate up to 3.7 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually.
As BOLT appears set to enter the market, its impact on the growing e-bike sector remains to be seen. With its low price point and modular design, the system could appeal to budget-conscious riders if it proves to be a viable and reliable alternative to traditional e-bikes.
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