Latest news with #R1T
The Drive
8 hours ago
- Automotive
- The Drive
Rivian's Tonneau Cover Awning Idea Is Stellar Low-Tech Innovation
The latest car news, reviews, and features. Rivian has just patented a very cool and practical pickup truck accessory idea for the R1T. You know how tonneau covers are basically retractable awnings that pull out to cover a truck bed? Well, if such a cover had compatible mounting points on the roof as well as the bed, it could do double duty as a camp awning, covering your cargo while you're driving, and then make shade for people when the truck is parked. The patent Rivian filed with the U.S. Patent Office in May covers various specific details, but the meat of the product description is this: '…the multi-purpose cover may adaptably operate in the first configuration as a tonneau cover to extend and retract to protect the cargo area of the vehicle and the driver or owner's cargo from environmental elements … and, alternatively, operate in the second configuration as an awning to provide the driver or owner shade and shelter…' Rivian/USPTO I dropped Rivian's PR people a line asking for details. They probably will not comment on a future product, but we'll update the story if they share anything interesting. Images of Rivian's existing tonneau cover for the R1T pickup give us some hints about what this new accessory might look like, though. The current cover can fold into a neat little bag that then slides into the gear tunnel, that little extra cargo hold that's one of Rivian's most practical novel features. Rivian Roof-mounted retractable awnings have been around forever, and they got a popularity surge when everybody started going crazy for overland accessories circa 2020. When I was off-road guiding in Australia around 2012, we would just hang a tarp between a couple of vehicles during lunch breaks. But these days you can easily find quick-deploying high-end units that float over your campsite, like the Kammok Crosswing: Kammok If you haven't seen a truck awning, that image above should be all the context you need. According to the drawings and description in the patent, Rivian's awning/tonneau combo would have support poles while in awning mode. But, if the company's plans come true, it looks like they're working out how to make it extend and retract electronically while it's in tonneau bed-covering mode, which would be pretty trick. This seems like a great idea to me. Why lug around two accessories that are basically the same thing—an engineered tarp—when you wouldn't need them both at once? Well, except, I guess, if you wanted shelter during a lunch stop in the rain. Then you'd have to pick between a dry picnic area or a dry bed cover. Still, the only real downside of this idea that comes to my mind is that the Rivian R1T pickup truck's bed is not exceptionally large. A tonneau cover would be about 55 inches long and 51 inches wide. That'd be a viable shelter, but not the most luxurious one. In the patent drawing, it appears that the gear tunnel door allows for side access to the bed, but I suspect that's just a byproduct of the image being more conceptual than practical. Being able to grab this cover from the side would make it easier to remove and hoist up onto the roof, but if you look at this cutaway of the R1T's body, you can see that the gear tunnel is isolated from the bed and altering that would require significant changes to the truck's structure. Possible, but a lot more complex than a dual-purpose sun shade. Rivian Here's hoping Rivian goes through with plans to actually make this thing, because it'll be tough for the aftermarket to step up now that Rivian's planted its flag with the patent. Got a tip? Send us a note at tips@
Miami Herald
a day ago
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Rivian Launches Enticing 2025 R1S & R1T Lease Offer for June
Rivian has established itself as one of the more creative EV manufacturers in the segment, with their R1S and R1T models standing out from the pack as unique-looking adventure vehicles. If their design and capabilities have enticed you and you've been looking for a reason to get into one, Rivian's new lease incentives may be what you need to make that decision. If you lease a dual motor R1S or R1T with a Large battery pack and Performance Upgrade by June 30, 2025, Rivian will throw in $5,000 worth of down payment assistance as part of its "Summer Adventure Offer." Combined with the still-existing $7,500 EV lease credit, that equates to $12,500 in leasing assistance from the automaker that will be applied as a rebate at lease. Rivian didn't mention a specific lease term, but it should be noted that its configurator defaults to a 36-month term. The amount due at signing includes a $500 deposit, the first month's payment, a $895 acquisition fee, and a $0 security deposit. Fees like tax, title, license, registration, and lessor documentation fees are not included and vary by state. This offer is also not available in all US states. As always, you should check your specific fees and the offer's fine print on Rivian's official website. Available in both SUV form, as the R1S, and truck form, as the R1T, Rivian's sole vehicle (as of now, at least) is touted as being versatile and adventure-ready. In its dual-motor and Large battery configuration, the R1S has a 340-mile range and produces 533 hp and 610 lb-ft of torque. Total cargo volume is 104.7 cu ft when the second and third rows of seats are folded down and 11.1 cu ft in the frunk. Towing capacity is 7,700 lb. The R1T's capabilities vary slightly depending on the wheel size. Its dual motors output the same 533 hp and 610 lb-ft of torque, but its range varies from 307 miles with the 20" All-Terrain wheels to 341 miles with the 22" wheels and 352 miles with the 21" wheels. Its cargo bed measures 4.5 ft in length and 50 inches at its narrowest point with the same 11.1 cu ft frunk. Uniquely, the R1T sports a snazzy "Gear Tunnel" between the bed and the cabin which runs the width of the truck and measures 11.6 cu ft. The R1T has a higher towing capacity than the R1S at 11,000 lbs. Lease offers can vary based on location, vehicle configuration, and are subject to credit approval. Advertised monthly payments don't necessarily include taxes, title, registration, or other fees. To get the full details on this 2025 Rivian R1T & R1S lease offer, including any potential $0 down options, visit the official Rivian website. *Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. The information presented herein is based on manufacturer-provided lease offer information, which is subject to frequent change and may vary based on location, creditworthiness, and other factors. We are not a party to any lease agreements and assume no liability for the terms, conditions, availability, or accuracy of any lease offers mentioned. All terms, including but not limited to pricing, mileage allowances, and residual values, require direct verification with an authorized local OEM dealership. This article does not constitute financial advice or an endorsement of any particular lease or vehicle. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Will Rivian's Charging Update Help It Catch Up With Rivals?
Rivian Automotive, Inc. RIVN is rolling out a new over-the-air software update to add manual preconditioning for the high-voltage battery for DC fast charging to R1S and R1T. This update, available for both Gen 1 and Gen 2 models, enables users to precondition the battery pack in preparation for fast charging without relying on the vehicle's built-in navigation system. A banner will now notify drivers when the battery is warming or cooling and when the process is addition to battery preconditioning, the software version 2025.18 includes a redesigned Energy App with two distinct tabs. The Energy Monitor provides detailed insights into energy consumption by different systems, while the Charging Tab features a smart reminder that alerts users when to unplug during long trips. If a destination is set in the car's navigation, the system estimates when the battery has sufficient charge to reach the endpoint, which potentially reduces the need to charge up to 80% each time and saves time on the speeds have also been improved for some versions of the R1S and R1T. The DC fast charge time for the first-generation with the Max Pack battery has been reduced. Similar enhancements have been applied to second-generation models with Max and Standard Packs. Additionally, Gen 2 vehicles with the Large Pack can now reach a peak charging rate of 215 kW, with shorter charging times for 10-80% not revolutionary, as similar features have long been available in Tesla TSLA EVs, the latest updates reflect Rivian's commitment to refining its EV user experience. Rivian carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) at present. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Tesla's Supercharger network has become a critical component of the company's ecosystem. Last year, Tesla added more than 10,000 new Supercharger stalls, expanding into three new countries and growing the global network by 19% year over year to more than 65,000 stalls. In total, the network delivered more than 5.2 terawatt-hours of energy — enough to offset 5.5 billion kilograms of CO2 and replace 2.4 billion liters of Group VWAGY is also rapidly expanding its electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Through subsidiaries like Electrify America and partnerships such as Ionity in Europe, Volkswagen is fast solidifying its presence in the space. Earlier this year, Volkswagen joined forces with XPeng to build super-fast charging networks for zero-emission vehicles in China. Rivian has outperformed the Zacks Automotive-Domestic industry year-to-date. RIVN shares have gained 8% compared against the industry's decline of 14.8%. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research From a valuation perspective, Rivian appears undervalued. Going by its price/sales ratio, the company is trading at a forward sales multiple of 2.58, lower than its industry's 2.75. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 and 2026 EPS has moved up 42 cents and 15 cents, respectively, in the past 30 days. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Tesla, Inc. (TSLA) : Free Stock Analysis Report Volkswagen AG Unsponsored ADR (VWAGY) : Free Stock Analysis Report Rivian Automotive, Inc. (RIVN) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research ( Zacks Investment Research Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Miami Herald
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
EVs Lose Value Nearly 30% Faster Than Gas Cars, Study Finds
EVs lose value almost 30 % faster than gas cars. A March 2025 iSeeCars analysis found that electric vehicles depreciate 58.8 % of their value over five years, compared to 45.6 % for all vehicles (including gas, hybrid, and diesel) over the same period. In other words, EVs shed value roughly 28.9 % faster than the average gas car over five years. Tesla owners often boast about over-the-air updates, but fewer talk about trade-in quotes. Some of the most extreme examples: Cybertruck: One owner paid $100,000 and saw roughly 37 % of its value vanish in about one year-traded in around $63,100 after ~19,600 miles and ~12 R1T: While not a top resale performer overall, the R1T lost just 29 % of its value in two years (retention 71 %). Over five years, it loses 52.8 % (retention 47.2 %). Mass-market EVs face steeper markdowns: Nissan Leaf: Loses 64.1 % in five years, versus ~45 % for a typical gas Kona Electric: Loses 58 % in five years, well above the gas Niro EV: Sheds 56.5 % in five years, again above a gas-only car's average loss. Rapid Tech Turnover: A next-generation battery or major software update can make last year's "cutting edge" feel outdated Tax Incentives: The $7,500 federal EV tax credit is available only to the original purchaser of a new EV and cannot be transferred to the next owner. This effectively reduces the used-car sale price by up to $7,500 relative to a gas of Off-Lease EVs: As more leases expire, used-EV supply increases, driving down second hand prices. Examples that sting: Jaguar I-Pace: Luxury badge, budget-store value, 72.2 % gone in five Model Y: Bestselling EV but still drops 53.4 % in five Model S: Among the worst, losing 65.2 % in five R1T: Two-year loss of 29 %, but over five years that grows to 52.8 %. Roughly half of all EV models lose ~59 % by year five; about a quarter lose more than ~63 %. Models like the Jaguar I-Pace (72.2 %) and Tesla Model S (65.2 %) suffer the steepest drops, while the Hyundai Kona Electric (~58 %) and Volkswagen e-Golf (~53 %) hold more of their sticker price. Hold Longer: If you keep an EV for at least five years, you spread that 45-73% drop over more ownership years, making the annualized hit Many EV leases guarantee a 40–50 % residual value after three years (e.g., Tesla's 36-month residuals often fall around 50 %). That shields you from the steepest Tax Credit: Remember that the next owner can't claim the $7,500 credit, effectively lowering resale by that or Gas Alternative: Hybrids lose only ~40.7 % over five years; gas vehicles average 45.6 % loss. A well-chosen petrol or hybrid car can be a safer bet if you're concerned about resale value. Don't be fooled by shiny EV ads: they generally lose value faster than traditional cars. If you plan to keep an EV long-term, the depreciation hit is unavoidable, but it can be softened by holding the vehicle, leasing, or choosing a hybrid/gas model instead. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Does the Future Look Bright for Rivian Stock?
Rivian Automotive is aiming to bring cheaper models to market in the next few years. It should benefit from increased demand for EVs, but it also faces a lot of competition. Shares of the stock may be cheap, but the company's large cash burn makes it highly risky. 10 stocks we like better than Rivian Automotive › It has been tough sledding for Rivian Automotive (NASDAQ: RIVN) since going public in 2021. The stock is down 90% from all-time highs as the company struggles to generate a profit and grow deliveries for its line of electric vehicles (EVs). It is a testament to the bubble in EV stocks that occurred a few years back. Now, Rivian's valuation is back closer to reality. A 90% cheaper stock price may make some contrarian investors perk up. If the company can turn around and ride the EV wave to bigger scale, the stock may have a bright future ahead of it. Let's run the numbers and see whether Rivian stock can reverse its fortunes in the years ahead. Rivian has begun its life at as a manufacturer of EVs by focusing on larger and more expensive vehicles. These are the R1T truck, R1S SUV, and the Rivian commercial van sold to delivery providers such as Amazon. These products can be profitable, but with large price tags they have a limited addressable market. In the future, Rivian is pinning its hopes on more affordable midsize SUVs. First up will be the R2 vehicle, which is coming hopefully in 2026 and will cost $45,000 at the base level. Further on in this decade will be the R3, a much more affordable small SUV expected to cost $37,000. These price points will make Rivian vehicles much more affordable for the average American looking for a car compared to its current vehicles, which can run up close to $100,000 with add-on features. This is needed quickly, because Rivian's deliveries to customers have stalled out and actually declined in recent quarters. Customers love the product, but with a high price point there is only so much demand you will get. These cheaper models can hopefully boost deliveries for the rest of the decade and help Rivian achieve even more scale. Scale is vital in the automotive business due to the high fixed costs of manufacturing cars. This is why Rivian's gross margin is barely positive and free cash flow was negative $1.86 billion over the last 12 months. Demand for EVs is set to grow over the next 10 to 20 years. Analysts estimate that around 20% of car purchases in the United States currently come from battery electric vehicles or hybrid cars. Eventually, close to 100% of new car purchases should be from EVs -- and of these purchases, more and more should come from full battery-electric cars like those Rivian sells. This should be a multi-decade tailwind that companies like Rivian can ride. The company has a lot of liquidity to access on its balance sheet, including $7.2 billion in cash, $3.5 billion in commitments from Volkswagen as a part of a joint venture, and a $6.6 billion loan from the federal government. This is a war chest that can help Rivian scale up its fixed manufacturing base for the R2 and R3 vehicle lines. Burning less than $2 billion in cash a year, it has many years ahead before it will run into cash burn concerns. All sounds well and good, but Rivian is dealing with a hypercompetitive environment with EVs right now. It is a bit better in the United States compared to other markets because of the lack of Chinese brands driving down prices, but it is a tough road even for the leaders such as Tesla. With more and more models coming to market, it looks like the supply of EVs outpaced the growth in demand, and the market is now processing this overcapacity. This flooding of supply will make it difficult for a smaller player like Rivian to compete and try to win customers. Rivian stock is a tough one to value. On the one hand, the company has some of the best products in the EV industry, an industry set to grow for the foreseeable future. On the other hand, there are a ton of competitors in the mix, some with much larger balance sheets and manufacturing capacity than Rivian. It remains to be seen whether Rivian's upcoming cheaper models will lead to more demand from customers, and if that can be done while generating a profit. Putting it all together, it remains unclear whether Rivian's future is bright. The stock trades at what looks like a potentially cheap market cap of $16.6 billion if the company can get any semblance of scale with the R2 and R3 models. I don't know how confident investors should be in this occurring, though. Perhaps now is a good time to take a small position in Rivian stock if you like the brand, but don't bet the entire farm on this highly risky situation. Before you buy stock in Rivian Automotive, consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the for investors to buy now… and Rivian Automotive wasn't one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you'd have $657,385!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you'd have $842,015!* Now, it's worth noting Stock Advisor's total average return is 987% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 171% for the S&P 500. Don't miss out on the latest top 10 list, available when you join . See the 10 stocks » *Stock Advisor returns as of June 2, 2025 John Mackey, former CEO of Whole Foods Market, an Amazon subsidiary, is a member of The Motley Fool's board of directors. Brett Schafer has positions in Amazon. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Amazon and Tesla. The Motley Fool recommends Volkswagen Ag. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Does the Future Look Bright for Rivian Stock? was originally published by The Motley Fool
