Amazon and GM chasing buy-in to EV start-up, Rivian

Amazon, one of the world’s biggest brands, and GM, one of the world’s larger car companies, are reportedly in talks to agree a joint investment in a previously unknown electric-vehicle brand, Rivian.

At first, the idea of two global giants like General Motors and Amazon rushing to invest in a small EV start-up company like Rivian, which only made its debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show late last year, with little fanfare, seems strange.

And then you notice what Rivian is planning to make - the world’s first electric pick-up truck, with a range of more than 600km - and it suddenly makes senses that the company is now being valued at between $US1bn and $US2bn.

If the deal goes ahead, Amazon and GM would be minority shareholders and the people at Rivian would be very wealthy indeed.

GM has bold goals for its EV range and has also stated previously that its profitability depends on sales of SUVs and full-size pick-up trucks.

Despite those two facts, just last year the company said it would not make any “EV pickups”. Then Ford announced it was planning an electric version of the huge-selling F-150, and GM did a quick U-turn.

Rivian, which unveiled its electric R1T truck in LA, could be the answer GM has been looking for, although it hasn’t officially confirmed rumours of its investment, reported by both Bloomberg and Reuters.

“We admire Rivian’s contribution to a future of zero emissions and an all-electric future,” was the official GM statement.

Amazon’s interest in Rivian is less clear, but owner Jeff Bezos certainly seems to know a good investment when he sees one, which is why he’s the world’s richest man.

There is some speculation that Amazon may even go it alone and attempt to cut GM out of the deal. Could Amazon-branded EVs soon be delivering your packages? It’s possible.

For its part, Rivian has previously discussed the idea of sharing its skateboard-like EV platform with other carmakers, but for now it’s focused on bring its R1T to market by 2020.

The pick-up truck of the near future - to be built at an old Mitsubishi plant in Illinois - will have no fewer than four electric motors, one for each wheel, thus four-wheel drive, and will carry a lot of lithium-ion battery packs in its floor (which frees up a lot of storage space, like 330 litres, under the bonnet).

Various variants will provide more power, and range, with the top 180kWh “mega pack” promising 640km of range, and a 0-100km/h time of less than seven seconds.

The Rivian also has the bonus of looking fabulously futuristic and has already been given a maximum five-star crash-test rating in the US.

Prices will start at around $US70,000, and there are plans for right-hand drive production in 2022.

By that time, of course, it might well be wearing a GM, or an Amazon, badge.

Do you like the look of the Rivian range? Tell us what you think in the comments below.