Rivian’s all-electric R1T pickup, known for its robust off-road capabilities, is taking on a new role in Australia’s mining industry. Australian electric vehicle mining company MEVCO has added the neon green Rivian R1T to its fleet, aiming to assess its suitability for mining operations.
MEVCO, specializing in electric vehicles tailored for mining environments, teased the addition of the Rivian R1T to its fleet on social media, showcasing the vehicle’s distinctive neon green paint, roll bars, a modified gear tunnel with slide-out drawers, and other customizations.
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Last year, MEVCO entered a partnership with SEA Electric, intending to introduce 8,500 electric models to the mining industry. These electric conversions of Toyota Hilux and Land Cruisers feature SEA Electric’s electric power system, offering battery options with ranges of up to 186 miles and 124 miles.
While specific details of the Rivian R1T purchase were not disclosed, MEVCO emphasized that it was delivering a cutting-edge solution to the mining sector. The CEO of MEVCO, Matt Cahir, mentioned that the R1T was previewed in challenging terrain in Perth, providing an opportunity for mining industry professionals to test drive the electric vehicle.
In addition to the R1T, MEVCO hinted at the inclusion of Rivian’s commercial electric van in its offerings, showcasing the vehicle in MEVCO’s signature green color. The move aligns with MEVCO’s commitment to delivering advanced solutions for mining operations, contributing to broader net-zero targets.
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Rivian, having concluded its exclusivity agreement with Amazon in November, has been expanding its presence in various sectors. AT&T announced plans to incorporate Rivian’s R1 models, including the R1T pickup, R1S SUV, and the electric commercial van, into its fleet.
Rivian claims impressive range figures for the R1T, with the Max Pack battery version offering up to 410 miles of EPA range, presenting a significant upgrade compared to MEVCO’s existing electric vehicle offerings. The partnership between Rivian and MEVCO signifies an exploration of electric mobility solutions in unconventional and demanding industrial settings.
