Rivian EV police interceptors exposed
US electric car specialist Rivian is developing custom cop car features for its new EV ute and SUVPolice forces are already dabbling with EV patrol cars and Rivian is hoping to get the jump on its zero-emission rivals by creating vehicles tailor-made for first-responders.
The Rivan R1T pick-up truck and R1S SUV have been confirmed for Australia, and will likely arrive in 2022 after launching first in the USA later this year, then China and Europe in 2021.
And now the Rivian electric vehicles have been given a once-over with police livery and equipment in these new renders from the Rivian Owners Forum, inspired by new info gleaned from a patent filing by the American EV brand.
The patents reveal a new seat design specifically catering for police forces and first-responders such as ambos, who often have equipment-laden belts and other items worn on the body.
As the renders show, the Toyota LandCruiser-sized Rivian R1S EV has suitably authoritative visuals with its black paintwork, roof and bumper lights, along with several spotlights and robust 'Americanised' wheels.
Packing the range-topping quad-motor system, it generates crazy pulling power, with up to 147kW/3500Nm – at each wheel! Very few crooks will outrun this EV scorcher.
Rivian reckons its EVs will go from 0-100km/h in around 3.0 seconds flat.
The US brand offers a range of battery packs with its vehicles, and police forces concerned about range limitations can opt for the massive 180kWh lithium-ion battery pack, providing a 645km (400 mile) range.
The second image shows a Rivian R1T dual-cab ute with Dubai Police Force livery. Dubai is one of the richest and most extravagant police forces in the world, known for its Lamborghini and Bugatti interceptor vehicles.
The Rivian vehicles are understood to be offered with special seats that, according to the US patent application, will improve access for police and ambulance officers.
"The present inventors have observed that such conventional seating may be unduly constraining for first responders, such as law enforcement personnel, given the variety of gear that may be worn on the body of such a first responder, and the variety of gear that may occupy the front seat region of a first responder vehicle," reads part of the patent.
It's understood that cars such as the high-performance Subaru Impreza WRX that were used by police forces in Australia were eventually canned because the sports seats constrained movement and entry-exit, making it challenging for officers do their job effectively.
Rivian is not a fly-by-night operation.
The company started in 2009 and since then Ford has invested $700 million in Rivian and Amazon has ordered 100,000 EV vans from Rivian already.
The brand wants to be an alternative to the likes of Tesla while offering unconventional features to rival upcoming EV trucks and SUVs from Ford and General Motors.
It remains to be seen if Australian police forces will consider the Rivian EVs when they arrive locally.
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
