Rivian R1T spotted in Melbourne on Australian roads

A Rivian R1T was recently observed in Melbourne, with an image posted to the CarsAustralia Reddit page. 

The vehicle was fitted with Victorian registration and displayed a “Left Hand Drive Engineering Evaluation Vehicle” sticker across its tailgate, indicating it is part of Rivian’s local testing program.

The R1T is an all-electric, mid-size pickup developed for both on-road and off-road use. It is available in quad-motor all-wheel-drive and dual-motor configurations. The quad-motor version provides independent power to each wheel, offering torque vectoring for improved traction and control on uneven terrain. 

Rivian claims the vehicle can accelerate from 0–60mph (0–97km/h) in around three seconds. The dual-motor variant is optimised for efficiency while still maintaining strong performance. The R1T features an adjustable air suspension, which can raise the vehicle to 381mm (15 inches) of ground clearance for challenging terrain.

Battery options include 105kWh, 135kWh and 149kWh packs, delivering EPA-estimated ranges of approximately 372km (231 miles), 505km (314 miles), and 645km (401 miles), respectively. Charging can be accomplished via standard AC or DC fast chargers, the latter allowing rapid top-ups during longer journeys.

The cabin is minimalist but functional, featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 15.6-inch central touchscreen. Drive modes allow the driver to adjust suspension, throttle and steering characteristics for conditions such as towing, off-road driving, sport or energy conservation. Utility features include the “Gear Tunnel” for extra storage, reinforced underbody protection, and optional accessories such as a collapsible camp kitchen or rooftop tent. Safety systems include lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control, with hands-free driving expected in future software updates.

In Australia, the R1T is currently limited to mining operations. Western Australia-based MEVCO imports the vehicles and retrofits them for mining fleets, including modifications for both surface and underground use. 

As these vehicles are left-hand drive, they are not yet available for general public sale, but their appearance on local roads indicates Rivian is evaluating the market and infrastructure for a potential wider launch.