Although the electric vehicle revolution isn't quite yet here (only about 2.3% of vehicles on the road today EVs), we're certainly excited to see Rivian deliver its R1S SUV and R1T pickup truck. Recent footage shows the R1T undergoing testing in a huge tank of water. As crazy as this sounds, an electric pickup truck only makes sense if you can actually use it the way a conventional pickup truck is used: hauling, towing, climbing, off-roading, fording water. Have a look for yourself.

The video was posted by none other than RJ Scaringe, the CEO of Rivian, so you know it's the real deal. Engineers are filming and driving the R1T through a long water trap, and the water level is just below the hoodline of the R1T, which is pretty high. Rivian claims the R1T can manage a full three feet (36 inches) of water fording depth. That's impressive considering the Jeep Wrangler can only manage 30 inches. The driver does a great job of keeping the water level steady without cresting over the top of the hood by maintaining a consistent speed.

r1t blue

The video proves that the R1T has been built to do more than just look pretty and go fast. Depending on which battery customers choose, the R1T can have up to 800 horsepower and 900 lb-ft of torque. The water fording means the R1T has excellent protection for its electrical system and battery. We can't see the interior during the water fording test, so we're curious how good the door seals are for the cabin. 

The R1T won't get delivered to customers until September of this year. The date was pushed out because of the microchip shortage we covered a little while ago. Rivian has originally planned on delivering vehicles this summer, but the delay comes as no surprise. If it means the company can hold true to their word on selling one of the most impressive EVs today, then the wait will have been worth it. The starting price of the R1T is $73,000 with 300+ miles of range.