Rivian electric utes in WA for mining trials

ELECTRIC vehicle supplier to the resources sector MEVCO is testing the Rivian R1T ute in Western Australia with adaptations to make the US-built vehicle suitable for local mining industry use.

The company is offering Rivian R1T test drives to mining fleet operators in Perth this month, alongside its existing range of Toyota HiLux based mine-focused models. The company has also announced a LandCruiser 70 Series conversion.

In addition to outlining testing details in a LinkedIn post, MEVCO chief executive Matt Cahir shared photos of the R1T in striking lime green MEVCO livery with custom additions including bullbar and headboard/loadguard.

GoAuto understands that MEVCO’s modifications to the Rivian ute are extensive; Mr Cahir has also divulged that the vehicle’s trademark full-width ‘gear tunnel’ has been adapted to “double as a mobile workshop”.

The R1T’s tunnel, reminiscent of the under-bed load area in classic Volkswagen Kombi utes, has been adapted by MEVCO to include a pair of drawers on each side that Mr Cahir said are “fully powered (and) fully lit”.

Mr Cahir confirmed on LinkedIn that the Rivian R1T being trialled in Australia has an integrated “air compressor and power plant”.

He also listed a “fully featured lightrack” and “steel plate protected undercarriage” among the modifications MEVCO has made.

Images Mr Cahir posted online confirm the Rivian R1T in use is a left-hand-drive model, describing the utes as “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.

Images have also been shared showing the Rivian Commercial Van in the lime green MEVCO livery, a model built on the same platform as the Amazon Electric Delivery Van, hinting at its possible introduction although Mr Cahir confirmed this photo was taken in the United States.

Asked about further rollout plans, MEVCO told GoAuto it cannot outline the specifics of its Rivian programme just yet.

Speaking with GoAuto recently, 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.”

The Rivian R1T boasts impressive specifications, eclipsing existing dual-cab ute options available in Australia with 378mm ground clearance, 914mm wading depth, 4989kg towing capacity and the ability to rock crawl a 100 per cent grade in standard form.

Rivian claims a driving range of at least 434km, while Large and Max battery pack options increase range to 566km and 659km respectively. It is likely the added weight of mine-spec equipment will reduce this long-distance potential. 

It is also blisteringly quick for a three-plus-tonne ute, with a claimed three-second 0-100km/h sprint time that leaves existing performance utes like the Ford Ranger Raptor in its dust. 

Whether these features and ratings will apply in Australia is uncertain, although MEVCO seems to be convinced of the R1T’s capability and potential in controlled off-highway applications like mining. 

The harsh demands of Australian mining conditions will be the ultimate test for the Rivian, but based on MEVCOs enthusiasm, it is likely the R1T has performed well in its initial trial.