Rivian R1T confirmed for Australia, but you can’t have one

News of the R1T’s mission Down Under broke earlier this year when it was confirmed that test drives were being offered to mining operators by MEVCO, an EV fleet company that already supplies electric-converted LandCruisers and HiLux utes to the industry – although it’s the Melbourne-based EXRO Technologies (formerly known as SEA Electric) that does the conversion work.

This week, MEVCO has made its deal with Rivian official, which so far has focused its commercial relationships on the vans it builds for Amazon.

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

The R1T will nonetheless need to be modified for the job, which will be handled by MEVCO here in Australia. The company will also handle charging infrastructure and maintenance needs for its customers.

“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,” he said.

“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. The Rivian R1T, in terms of safety and off-road capabilities, stands unparalleled.”

«Rivian has more than enough capacity to meet our vehicle forecast numbers globally. The first vehicles are in transit to Australia to deliver to existing orders,» he added – although he did not offer any numbers on just how many R1T utes are in that shipment.

MEVCO's deal with EXRO will also continue, Mr Cahir confirmed. «This changes nothing with EXRO Technologies. Both vehicles provide solutions for different, and in some cases, the same customers. MEVCO is supported in North America by the Rivian Service network. In Australia, MEVCO is busy building infrastructure to support these vehicles in large fleet numbers.»

Given the current HiLux is