Rivian R1T History

Rivian first showed the R1T at the November 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show (an earlier teaser used the 'A1T' name). It rode on Rivian's 'skateboard' platform — a flat structure packing the battery and motors between the axles — and was pitched as an electric 'adventure' truck rather than a work truck, with quirks like a lockable 'gear tunnel' running across the body behind the cab.

Deliveries began in late September 2021, making the R1T the first all-electric pickup to reach customers, narrowly ahead of rivals from larger automakers. It launched in a Launch Edition before settling into Adventure and Explore trims, with dual-, and later quad- and tri-motor powertrains and battery packs offered in standard, large, and Max sizes; top configurations were EPA-rated around 400 miles of range.

Built at Rivian's plant in Normal, Illinois, the R1T won Motor Trend's 2022 Truck of the Year. A heavily re-engineered 'second-generation' R1 update arrived for the 2025 model year with new in-house motors, simplified wiring, and a tri-motor performance option, keeping the R1T as the brand's flagship pickup.