After pandemic-related delays, well-funded electric startup Rivian will start getting its super-capable and potentially game-changing R1S SUV and R1T pickup truck to customers this year. But they could be revolutionary for reasons beyond their electric powertrains, as well. Last month, the company tweeted a photo of the R1T doing some test driving at Yosemite; as noted by Inside EVs, the photos reveal what could be an interesting upcoming customization option for Rivian vehicles.
The R1T seen here has a pattern instead of a paint job. It looks like a version of the camouflage that manufacturers typically use to mask prototypes of upcoming vehicles during testing with a cursory glance.
However, Rivian confirmed in a follow-up tweet that the pattern is a factory vinyl wrap designed to pay tribute to the famed El Capitan rock formation. Rivian says the option is not available yet for buyers...but that people should keep an eye out.
We don't know when Rivian would make a cool vinyl wrap available. We also don't know how the process would work. Presumably, Rivian would have a few factory options available, rather than allowing customers to customize them completely; the latter would seem far too complex to implement as a factory option. (Not to mention the havoc that could be wrought by customers in a turbulent political climate, or with a conspicuous lack of taste.)
But a vinyl wrap could be a potential compelling option to buyers. Rivian's configurators for the R1S and the R1T are live. One of the first things prospective customers will note is that paint options aren't cheap; if you want a color that isn't LA Silver or Glacier White, the paint will cost at least $1,500. A vinyl wrap could be more affordable...but we'll have to wait and see.
