
The Rivian R1S electric SUV is aimed at outdoor enthusiasts, a point CEO RJ Scaringe tried to drive home with a recent tweet.
Scaringe posted a short video showing the flat-folding seats of the three-row SUV. With the seats folded, it makes for an “awesome car-camping setup,” Scaringe said. He’s 6’2″, and said he can lie down in the back comfortably.
Packaging fold-flat second and third rows has long proven an engineering challenge for automakers, but in theory the flat floor of a dedicated EV platform makes that easier. Even the fairly compact Tesla Model Y
Ready for camping! pic.twitter.com/qeyJGAbfax
— RJ Scaringe (@RJScaringe) March 10, 2021
Rivian’s double-layer battery pack allows more energy capacity in less volume than other automakers would use for 180 kwh, through some clever packaging of its cooling system especially.
Rivian confirmed l ast year that largest battery pack
The company lists up to 7,700 pounds of towing capacity in the R1S, versus up to 11,000 pounds for the R1T pickup truck, which is based on the same platform—although that should be plenty for pulling jet-skis or a mid-size travel trailer. Deliveries of both vehicles are scheduled to start this summer, beginning with the R1T in June, and continuing with the R1S in August.