Rivian has already begun delivery of its R1T electric pickups, and its R1S electric SUVs are scheduled to begin deliveries in early 2022. But those customers who have ordered their truck with the Max pack battery that offers 400 miles (643 km) of range, or those who opted for the Explore package for either vehicle, will have to wait at least another year, according to a message Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe sent to customers.
“As of December 15, we had approximately 71,000 preorders for the R1T and R1S in the US and Canada, with the large majority having configured an Adventure Package with a Large pack battery (our Max pack represents approximately 20 per cent of our preorders),” said Scaringe in the email. “In order to serve the largest number of preorder holders, we will be prioritizing building the Adventure Package with Large pack battery during the next year.”
Rivian R1S
The idea here is that Rivian wants to get as many vehicles out the door as soon as possible, so its factory in Normal, Illinois, can be set up accordingly. The 180-kWh Max pack – a US$10,000 option – is only offered on the R1T, but both the pickup and the R1S are offered with the 135-kWh Large pack that still gives 316 miles (508 km) of range.
Obviously, there will be some disappointed customers, especially those who ordered way back in 2018 or 2019. To help quell the dismay, Scaringe’s email also offers an olive branch, saying the company will approach those customers to see if they want to change their order to a Large battery and/or an Adventure package for delivery in 2022.
