It’s tough for automakers to preserve their prototypes under wraps, as you may commonly pretty easily tell what vehicle is hiding under the camouflage because it tests on public roads. But seemingly, Plymouth, Michigan–based Rivian doesn’t have to fear too much approximately prying eyes. That’s because the automaker has been trying out its vehicle hardware the use of antique F-150 bodies.
Speculation approximately such mules have swirled, Rivian founder and CEO R.J. Scaringe has confirmed they’re trying out frequently in the Detroit area. Why conceal them as F-150s, although? Apparently, the wheelbase of the F-150 traces up properly with Rivian’s skateboard architecture, which includes the battery, transmissions, vehicles, cooling gadget, and the front and rear suspension into a complete module that can accommodate any frame sitting on top.
“We need something to preserve the climate out whilst we put a lot of miles on our skateboard so that they’re using around in Detroit right now, too,” Scaringe informed the Detroit Free Press. “They’re all around the region. However, nobody knows. We’re very quiet approximately that.”
The Rivian R1T pickup is expected to reach overdue 2020. Specs released up to now suggest every wheel gets an electric motor rated at 197 horsepower for a total device output of 788 horsepower; torque figures depend on the battery p.C. Selected. Rivian estimates a zero-to-60 time of just 3 seconds with the medium-sized battery. Range ought to max out at more than 400 miles depending on the model. The automaker additionally has an SUV referred to as the R1S in the works.
Design and engineering operations take vicinity in Michigan. However, Rivian is developing its era and batteries in San Jose and Irvine, California. It will construct cars at the former Mitsubishi plant it owns in Normal, Illinois.
Scaringe says there’s no corporate connection between Rivian and Ford. But Amazon has just confirmed it’s the main member of a $seven-hundred million spherical of funding inside the enterprise. In other Rivian information, the automaker implemented a patent on an auxiliary battery module intended to reinforce variety. This extra removable battery could sit down in the shipment area.
