The Rivian R1T – the first electric pickup to enter production globally – will soon be available in Australia, but you’ll be hard-pressed to find one on local roads.
Australian company MEVCO (Mining Electric Vehicle Company) today announced it has secured an unspecified number of Rivian R1Ts to supply local mines.
It follows the company Post about a car review was ridden near Perth earlier this year, with that particular R1T one of the few examples seen locally after the American brand tested its prototype in Australia three years ago.
MEVCO will modify the Rivian R1T for both above and below ground use at local mines, and will assist miners in adding electric pickups to their fleets with the necessary charging infrastructure to support battery-powered vehicles.
“The Rivian R1T is highly regarded for its on- and off-road capabilities, while its aggressive design and adaptability make it a contender,” MEVCO CEO Matt Cahir said in a media statement. ideal pellet to meet the many challenges in mining.”
“The integration of Rivian’s technology with MEVCO’s proven track record in mining-specific electric vehicles is poised to deliver a fleet that exceeds the requirements of the most demanding operators .
“Switching to electric solutions brings more than just environmental and financial benefits. It is about promoting a safer, healthier environment for mine operators, especially in underground facilities where eliminating tailpipe emissions is paramount.”
It was previously believed that the Rivian R1T would face obstacles when used in local mines because it does not have a five-star ANCAP safety rating – required by the majority of mining companies – as it is not for sale. in Australia.
However, in its media statement, MEVCO noted that the Rivian R1T is the only pickup truck sold in the US to earn a Top Safety Pick+ award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
Like ANCAP scores, IIHS ratings only provide an authoritative assessment of a vehicle’s safety in certain tested situations and are not government-endorsed awards.
While many see the mining sector as a major contributor to rising emissions, electric vehicles (EVs) like the Rivian R1T are seen as an important part of reducing underground CO2 emissions, providing cleaner workspace for those working underground.
The Rivian R1T is not the only electric vehicle in MEVCO’s fleet that will be supplied to Australian mines, with the company signing on last year Memorandum of understanding with Australia-based international electric truck manufacturer SEA Electric to convert 8,500 Toyota HiLux and LandCruiser vehicles to battery power by 2028.
Depending on specification, the Rivian R1T is sold in the US with a choice of dual- and quad-motor layouts, producing power from397kW and 827Nm to 623kW and 1231Nm, and offers a range of driving range from 410km to 660km.
THAN: Everything Rivian
