The electric vehicle startup Rivian has successfully completed the fourth round of funding this year, which would enable it to follow its production plans positively. The American automaker raised $1.3 billion in funding from Amazon, Ford, and BlackRock. Both Amazon and Ford also previously invested in the Michigan-based EV startup.
This last and fourth round of funding this year makes it easier for Rivian to start production of its mid-size pickup truck RIT and R1S SUV in the last quarter of next year at a plant in Normal, Illinois, which was used to manufacture Mitsubishi vehicles.
Talking about the upcoming EVs, both will use a “skateboard” platform created in-house by Rivian. The platform accommodates the batteries on the floor with electric motors at axels. The automaker plans to use batteries ranging from 105 kWh to 180 kWh, the latter would offer 644 km of range on each cycle. Depending on the battery, the power output will vary between 400 and 750 horsepower.
Rivian has plans to introduce six EVs in the next six years apart from the vehicles the company will produce for other firms. In this regard, the automaker will produce an EV for Ford, probably for its Lincoln brand, and a delivery van for Amazon’s operations. Amazon wants to add 100,000 electric vans from Rivian in its delivery fleet, the production of which will start alongside the brand’s mainstream vehicles.
Source: MotorAuthority