Rivian

Numerous electric vehicle startups have announced grandiose plans for all-new models. How soon those plans become reality is often a question mark. Yet one automaker that is set on delivering on its promise is Rivian.

Rivian is a U.S.-based startup that is the brainchild of R.J. Scaringe, an MIT graduate with a Ph.D. in automotive engineering.

The company is well-funded to the extent that it has been toiling more or less quietly with its head down for more than two years developing and testing what are now running prototypes. But it's not selling the fruits of its labor just yet. In the interest of ironing out all the bugs and delivering a quality product to buyers, Rivian isn't planning to deliver customer units until mid-2021.

With something viable to show, Rivian made its public debut at the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show. Here it shared details and displayed running prototypes of its initial two-vehicle product lineup: a midsize crew cab pickup truck and a three-row SUV. These prototypes are examples of what it aims to be: a maker of premium all-electric vehicles that offer tasteful design, clever packaging and impressive performance for those with an active lifestyle.

But Rivian intends for both of its initial products to be more than stylish people-haulers. These fully functional family vehicles will also offer considerable off-road and towing capability. To that end, the platform they share is based on a unique Rivian-engineered powertrain layout that features one electric motor for each wheel. Three battery sizes are under development, with the largest of the trio targeting more than 400 miles of range on a single charge.

In examining its prototypes and talking with its engineers, it is clear to us that Rivian is not just another EV startup that's trying to generate a lot of initial support and stimulate needed investment with a splashy entrance. Instead, its funding is secured, and that allowed it to work quietly behind the scenes until it was good and ready. It has made a lot of progress assembling a team and conceiving prototypes worthy of further refinement and eventual production. Now it's time for Rivian to start building its brand.