Amazon’s electric startup Rivian is expected to release the R1T electric truck in 2021, falling within the same time frame as Tesla’s Cybertruck. Each company will need to employ efficient strategies to successfully navigate the rapidly expanding realm of electric vehicles. While both batteries are integrated into a “skateboard” chassis, true efficiency will be determined by how much energy and range they each provide.

When it comes to pickup trucks, there is a balance between practical features, comfort, and performance. The Rivian R1T and Tesla Cybertruck each have their pros and cons geared towards certain market segments and the individual user. Rivian’s emergence into the market is aided by new features, while Tesla continuously prescribes innovations in electric technology.

Let’s look into what we know about how their truck strategy differs and how they will power upcoming EVs.

Comparison Of EV Strategies

Electric Vehicle Tech Rivian R1T Amazon Tesla Cybertruck Battery Comparison
via motor1.com

It’s clear to see that Tesla is unapologetically marketing the Cybertruck towards a specific market segment.  Its futuristic, edgy design is a dream to some while others may consider its lines to mimic advanced papercraft.  Looking at the two vehicles side-by-side, it can be difficult to maintain objectivity due to their radically different aesthetics.  Rivian sports a more traditional and generic design, targeting the typical EV consumer or fledgling off-road enthusiast.

Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe explained, “The segment is going after the people who are spending $70,000 or $80,000 on a GMC Denali or a Chevy Suburban or a Land Rover Discovery or a fully loaded Ford F150”.  Those are some lofty goals considering the Suburban has been in production for 85 years and is one of the most popular, reliable gas vehicles in its segment.

Powertrain And Mechanics

Electric Vehicle Tech Rivian R1T Amazon Tesla Cybertruck Battery Comparison
via teslarati.com

Both Rivian and Tesla implement the "skateboard" chassis, which incorporates most of the drive components and battery into a single unit and a body-on-frame design.  While Rivian is a quad-motor drive with 200hp delivered to each wheel, Tesla offers up to three with the tri-motor AWD package.

A key difference between the two battery technologies is the method of cooling the cells. Tesla uses a mixture of water and glycol running through a pipe that snakes through the cell stacks. Rivian has integrated a new method of cooling; They use the traditional water-glycol mixture in "cold packs" that are placed between the cell. "The flow has been optimized to make sure the maximum temperature difference between the hottest and coldest cell of the pack is less than 3 degrees", said Scaringe.

Both companies use the common cylindrical cell type in their packs. Rivian may benefit from a larger volumetric energy density, meaning that their power is more efficiently packed into a smaller space.  It has been suggested that the Rivian pack can store 25% more energy per unit volume than the Tesla Model X.

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Design And Durability

Electric Vehicle Tech Rivian R1T Amazon Tesla Cybertruck Battery Comparison
via teslarati.com

Since one of the main intentions of the R1T is off-roading, Rivian has incorporated a ballistic-strength battery protection shield and waterproofing in case you need to ford a river.  The vehicle may have certain qualities that are suited for mild off-roading, but running out of charge in the middle of nowhere could pose an important concern.

Although the Cybertruck is not purpose-built for off-roading, it has its own high strength materials including Ultra Hard 30X Cold Rolled Stainless Steel and the highly publicized Armor Glass. According to Tesla, this helps the Cybertruck "eliminate dents, damage and long-term corrosion with a smooth monochrome exoskeleton" with superb protection for the users inside.

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Key Technologies

Electric Vehicle Tech Rivian R1T Amazon Tesla Cybertruck Battery Comparison
via electrive.com

One of Tesla’s integral features is the optional self-driving package that highlights their autonomous technology.  The company has been developing their self-driving capability for years.  Tesla offers features such as Summon, which can bring the vehicle to you autonomously.

Rivian filed a patent application for a self-driving technology in 2018, called “Systems and Methods for Operating an Autonomous Vehicle In A Guardian Mode”.  This system proposes the ability to drive autonomously for those users who are “not fully competent” to drive the vehicle.

The company states this could assist a child, for example, who needs a ride. Actions through the system can also be routed to a parent for approval.  Motions that the system detects as accidental or unintended (e.g. bumping the steering wheel) would essentially be ignored.  It does bring to mind the safety concerns that could arise from the system incorrectly detecting an "unintended" action.

Rivian incorporates numerous cameras and sensors such as LIDAR, ultrasonic, and radar sensors, and GPS to enhance safety and collision detection.  Its “intelligent” Battery Management System can learn the dynamics of your charging preferences and adapt to a variety of conditions to extend battery life.

Will customers have faith in Rivian’s battery technology, considering they have not released a production car to date?  According to Motor Illustrated, the R1T has about 55,000 preorders with the Cybertruck surpassing 600,000 as of August 7, 2020.  Although the disparity could be due to the deposit price (Rivian $1,000; Tesla $100), customers may just need to see Rivian’s technology in action to have confidence in the startup.

Sources:  Tesla, Rivian, Teslarati, Inside EVs

NEXT: A Sneak Peek Inside Rivian, The Company That's Challenging Tesla