Rivian R1T Shocks the World Again with New Record at Pikes Peak
In the realm of electric trucks, few events are as exhilarating as the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. This year's event served as a battlefield for electric behemoths vying for supremacy. Notably, Rivian made waves with its R1T, demonstrating that it's more than just a pretty face—it's a powerhouse performer.
The Rivian R1T, with its cutting-edge Quad-Motor configuration, wasn't content with merely participating. It decided to etch its name in the annals of Pikes Peak history. Driven by Rivian Senior Performance Test Engineer Gardner Nichols, the 2025 R1T set a blistering time of 10:53.883 in the Exhibition class. To put this into perspective, this feat shattered its own previous record of 11:23.983 which was established last year.
Gardner Nichols might have had his debut at Pikes Peak just last year, but he was far from a novice this time around. Alongside his experience, he had the advantage of piloting a more potent beast. Unlike last year's version which packed 835 hp, this year's R1T boasted a staggering 1,025 hp. Such superior power allowed the truck to rocket from 0 to 60 mph in less than 2.5 seconds, topping out at an electronically limited speed of 130 mph.
Stock but Still Shocking
What's remarkable is that the Rivian R1T was not a highly modified race machine. Unlike Ford's extensively tweaked F-150 Lightning SuperTruck, which also made headlines at the event, the Rivian R1T Nichols drove was practically stock. The only alterations were for safety compliance, notably featuring a roll cage. This speaks volumes about the vehicle's inherent performance capabilities.
Rivian touts its updated R1T as a second-generation marvel, and it's not just marketing hype. The changes are more than skin-deep. While the exterior and interior might appear virtually identical to last year's model, under the hood, it's a different story entirely. Rivian has undertaken an overhaul of the electronic and software systems, chopping off 1.6 miles of wiring and reducing the number of individual ECUs from 17 to seven. This renovation includes the introduction of the R1S-R1T-electric-beasts">Rivian Autonomy Platform, a suite of electronic driver-assist features that underscores the brand's forward-thinking vision.
Pricing and Availability
Rivian's 2025 lineup, featuring the R1T and its SUV sibling, the R1S, holds the line on pricing from last year. The R1T starts at $69,900 and the R1S at $75,900, maintaining their spots in a competitive market. However, if you're eyeing the top-tier Quad-Motor configuration with the premium Ascend trim, you'll have to wait a bit longer for the pricing details.
The Pikes Peak Hill Climb not only underscored the strides Rivian has made in electric vehicle technology but also set a new benchmark for what production electric trucks can achieve. With innovation at its core, Rivian is set to steer the electric truck market into uncharted territories.