Rivian Production Commences

Rivian production is finally underway.

The first customer-ready Rivian R1T pickup truck rolled off the production line in Normal, Illinois this past Tuesday. The unit was painted in “Rivian Blue”.

After several delays caused by COVID-19 and the following microchip shortage, it looks like Rivian has finally managed to get everything running. This is significant because it effectively makes the Rivian R1T the first fully electric pickup truck to go on sale, beating the Ford F-150 Lightning, GMC Hummer EV and Tesla Cybertruck. Even though this is Rivian’s first production vehicle, the EV startup already seems to be ahead of a few established automakers (although its important to note Ford themselves are heavily invested in Rivian).

Rivian’s next vehicle, the R1S SUV, is set to begin production soon. InsideEVs estimates there are about 30,000 pre-orders for the R1T and R1S combined. It looks like Rivian’s Normal, Illinois plant will be very busy these coming months.

What are your thoughts on the Rivian R1T? Would you get one over the upcoming Ford F-150 Lightning, Tesla Cybertruck or GMC Hummer EV? Feel free to share your thoughts with us in the replies section below.

Image via Rivian