All systems go for MEVCO and Rivian

MEVCO has announced a new global partnership with Rivian Automotive, customising and supplying left-hand drive R1T models to the Australian mining industry.

It was first revealed in February, 2024 that MEVCO was testing a Rivian R1T in Perth, Western Australia, validating the vehicle for mining industry use.

MEVCO chief executive Matt Cahir shared information in a LinkedIn post at the time outlining the company’s testing of a Rivian R1T calling them “incredible vehicles”.

“We had a fantastic couple of days at the offroad track in Perth, previewing the MEVCO Rivian R1T in some really tough terrain,” he said in the LinkedIn post.

While GoAuto was unofficially informed of more extensive modifications made to the Rivian R1T being used by MEVCO, we were unable to divulge details at the time – however, we can now confirm that the Australian firm is customising the models with mining equipment like roll-over protection system (ROPS), isolator and more.

According to MEVCO, it will support mining customers with charging infrastructure, maintenance, and workflows for the Rivian vehicles.

“The Rivian R1T is widely acclaimed for its on and off-road capabilities, and its robust design and adaptability make it the ideal candidate to meet the many challenges mining presents,” he said.

“The integration of Rivian's technology with MEVCO's proven track record in mining-specific electric vehicles is poised to yield a fleet that exceeds the requirements of the most demanding operators.”

Mr Cahir points out that the benefits of the MEVCO mining vehicles extend beyond sustainability, also offering improved safety and the ability to work underground.

“The shift to electric solutions extends beyond environmental and financial advantages. It is about fostering a safer, healthier environment for mine operators, particularly in subterranean settings where the elimination of tailpipe emissions is paramount,” he added.

“We have already seen strong support for the Rivian product, as well as the infrastructure MEVCO is building to support the rollout.”

Vice president of strategy at Rivian Dagan Mishoulam says the company’s commercial fleet focus has been on its van range with Amazon committing to putting 100,000 of the electric vans on the road by 2030.

“Our fleet offering is better known for our commercial vans, so it’s great to see our R1 vehicles being incorporated into MEVCO’s fleet,” said Mr Mishoulam.

“We’re delighted they are electrifying their fleet with us, and we’re excited to help them reduce tailpipe emissions.”

The R1T offers standard specifications that put popular dual-cab utes to shame, with 378mm ground clearance, 914mm wading depth, 4989kg towing capacity and the ability to rock crawl a 100 per cent grade.

The R1T also offers a driving range of 434km, while Large and Max battery pack options increase range to 566km and 659km respectively. The added weight of mine-spec equipment will undoubtedly reduce driving range, though.

A 3.0-second 0-100km/h sprint time, more than a second faster than the Ford F-150 Lightning, means the Rivian is likely to be the fastest vehicle to set foot on an Australian mine site.

Speaking with GoAuto in February, Mr Cahir explained that the mining industry is a leader in the adoption of electric vehicle technology, with its strong carbon-reduction focus.

“Mining companies in a lot of respects are leading the world, in terms of going after carbon,” he said.

“I think this new era of electrification of fleets is really coming at speed.”