Tesla Cybertruck is a joke compared to Rivian R1T

The all electric pickup truck battle is heating up after the announcement of the Tesla Cybertruck. The new comer joins the already announced Rivian R1T pickup truck. Even tough both trucks look radically different from each other, the R1T and Cybertruck will eventually have the same job, which is towing, hauling and making the lives of their owners as convenient as possible. Let’s check out both electric trucks and compare the similarities and differences of the two.

Part of the utility is the overall size and Tesla Cybertruck is notably bigger than the Rivian R1T. Tesla is more than a foot longer overall and most of which is the wheelbase. The cybertruck is 230.9 inches long and sports a 149.9 inch wheelbase with a 6.5 foot long 57 inch wide bed in the back. The Rivian R1T is 217.1 inches long overall and has a 135.8 inch wheelbase with a 4.5 foot long bed behind it. The towing specification for both trucks has yet to be finalized but Tesla says the Cybertruck should be able to tow a maximum of 14000 pounds and Rivian estimates the R1T will have a max tow capacity of 11000 pounds. Max payload capacity for the Rivian and Tesla are claimed to be 1760 pounds and 3350 pounds, respectively.

The range is going to be a consideration regardless of how capable your truck or how well equipped is your battery. Rivian estimates that the top of the line R1T with its 180 kWh battery onboard will get upto 400+ miles of range. The smallest 105 kWh battery car will get a clean 230 miles of range. Tesla Cybertruck buyers will get to pick from a number of battery and powertrain options. The Cybertruck will end up getting a Tesla estimated range between 250 to 500 miles. Neither Tesla nor Rivian have had their claimed ranges verified by the EPA yet. Rivian will use a combined charge system charge point and can support upto 160 kW charger. Rivian says even the 180 kWh truck will be able to charge from 5% to 80% in about 50 minutes. No word on the charge time for the Tesla. The Tesla V3 superchargers with 250 kW peak output are mighty fast, which charged a comparable model 3 with 5% to 90% charge in 37 minutes. While charge times will vary based on size of the truck’s battery, its still a promising number and likely a major determining factor when buying a truck like this.

Tesla is using the raven powertrain for the Cybertruck and that is bascially the biggest motor you get in a Model 3 front axle and Model S performance motor on the rear axle. Its estimated that Cybertruck will make 690 HP and 824 ft-lb of torque but Tesla said that Cybertruck will be ready for Tesla’s eventual plaid powertrain, which is the same setup in Model S that is running around Nürburgring to push the Porsche Taycan’s record. Rivian estimates that the Top of the line R1T will have up-to 750 HP and 829 ft-lb of torque. Each of the Rivian’s four motors are controlled independently at each wheel. Rivian calls it the Quad-motor electric AWD system, which provides the traction necessary to catapult the heavy truck from 0-60 mph very quickly with less than 3 seconds. Elon musk claimed that Cybertrck will achieve 0-60 mph in 2.9 seconds, which was backed up by showcasing a video of Cybertruck beating a Porsche 911 in a drag race.

The pricing of a car makes a big difference, as the $35000 TESLA MODEL 3 has taken a spot in Top 10 Best Selling Cars in America. The Rivian R1T is going to start around $69000 and Tesla undercuts that massively as Cybertruck will start at around $39,900 for single motor RWD system. The Cybertruck with Dual motor AWD will cost $49,900 and Tri motor AWD will cost $69,900. Regardless of price, we can’t wait to see some real numbers with real test of these new electric pickup trucks.

Technical Specifications

Specifications	Rivian R1T	Cybertruck (Tri Motor)
Range	Up to 400+ miles	500+ miles
Acceleration (0-60 mph)	<3 seconds	<2.9 seconds
Total Power	Up to 750 hp	Up to 690 hp
Torque	829 ft-lb	824 ft-lb
Max Ground Clearance	14.1 in	16 in
Towing Capacity	11,000 lbs	14,000+ LBS
Wheelbase	135.8 in	149.9 in
Rear Bed length	4.5 ft	6.5 ft
Approach/Departure Angle	34° / 30°	35° / 28°
Battery	105 / 135 / 180 kWh	Unknown
Charge Point	Up to 160 kW	Up to 250 kW
Price	$70000-$80000	$69,900

Finally, most car buyers do focus on the styling and design of the car when making their purchase decision. The Tesla Cybertruck features an extremely polarizing design that has been called plain ugly by many critics. The Cybertruck has been mocked, as having childish looking design, by a plethora of memes on the internet. Tesla is aware of the pickup truck market outlook and they have purposely introduced a product that looks completely insane. We think that Tesla is fully aware of the design statement, which is why they have priced the Cybertruck very low compared to Rivian R1T. In our opinion, we just can’t see many truck buyers going for the cybertruck based on the design. We think that many will prefer the R1T as it looks more like a consumer ready product compared to the premature Tesla Cybertruck.