PODCAST: RIVIAN R1T ELECTRIC PICKUP FIRST DRIVE, LUCID AIR PRODUCTION, TESLA FSD BETA, AND MORE

EV Channels Review

The Electrek Podcast hosts provide an in-depth first drive of the Rivian R1T electric pickup. The reviewer was highly impressed, calling it "easily the best truck I’ve ever driven, both off road and on." Key highlights include its exceptional off-road capability, quiet and smooth ride, impressive acceleration (0-60 in three seconds), and numerous thoughtful "Easter eggs" like the portable Bluetooth speaker/light and built-in flashlight. The reviewer also praised its balanced design, which is both rugged and luxurious, and its manageable size compared to other large trucks. Minor criticisms included a slightly slow center display and a small issue with a window rolling up. Charging speeds were noted as good, though the large battery means longer charge times. The discussion also touched on the Lucid Air's production start and Ford's significant investment in new EV and battery factories, alongside updates on Tesla's FSD Beta rollout and associated controversies.