Diddy123
Well-Known Member
Nailed it.Gotta be the EPA ratings hit. In fact, I'm betting (since it will never be revealed truthfully or not) that Rivian was pretty much set to start R1T L.E. deliveries at least before the end of June but recently learned of their official EPA range rating given to the Launch Edition configuration(s). Probably a big enough hit to fall below that magic 300-mark.
So the big-wigs jet out to Normal and pow-wow alternatives. Here come's a very late announcement that the 'Off-Road' package is now optional on LE's. Think about it... what other headline making Launch Edition vehicle did not come with all the bells & whistles? Look at the damn first edition Hummer EVs.
They decided at the last minute to remove the weight (maybe minor drag) of the Plates, etc. and submit for retesting EPA rating. That's my speculative reason for the push from June to July, so they can provide a new L.E. representative vehicle - or vehicles with various tire/wheel combos - and get the EPA number(s) retested. Again, think about it.... Rivian proved today they are willing to push a certain month commitment to the very edge (Guide contacts starting in May), so why not push a few R1T LE's out the door on June 30th and call it June still?
My guess, they needed more time to ensure the EPA test results came back for the change to LE. They're probably burning incense at the alter of EV gods for the new number(s) to start with a 3xx
The only exception being that they knew about this earlier in my opinion. Even that Insta model/engineer guy posted a week or two back that they wouldn't start deliveries for 2 months. So he knew what was going on, which I'm assuming means that info would have funneled down to CS as well, yet they decided to keep lying to us about meeting June deliveries until today. How convenient they waited to let everyone know of the delay until after the opportunity to be an early Lightning reservation holder has passed.
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