Lifestyle

Haulin’ Volts

While Elon Musk gets all the media attention for his Tesla vehicles, rocket ships and son with an unpronounceable name, a handful of EV builders are right on his heels, creating very impressive vehicles.
Words by Bill Lindsey | October 27, 2020 | Lifestyle

Fans of actor Ewan McGregor and adventurer Charley Boorman were “shocked” to learn the duo would be making their Long Way Up motorcycle ride from Tierra Del Fuego to Los Angeles on electric bikes. Even more astounding was the news their chase trucks would also be electric. Harley Davidson provided two extensively modified LiveWire bikes, with lesser-known Rivan sending two electric pickup trucks. Since nobody had a 13,000-mile-long extension cord, Rivian also provided the charging stations needed along the way. The duo’s R1Ts are all-wheel drive pickup trucks, but the company will also offer an SUV version. The styling is reminiscent of an F-150, which may have something to do with Ford’s massive investment in the firm. The premium models will have a 745 hp motor and a range of 400 miles between charges, making them viable alternatives to a dinosaur-powered truck. A less practical but seriously cool feature is the R1T’s ability to drive the left and right wheels in opposite directions, so it can do the world’s coolest donuts; Rivian.com.