Rivian Just Made Its Dream Bakkie R150k More Expensive – Is It Still Worth It?

Forget load shedding ruining your weekend – Rivian just dropped a price bomb on its electric bakkie and SUV, and it’s a hefty US$7,000 (around R150,000 at today's rates). Eish. That’s a whole lot of biltong, bru. For those of us following the electric vehicle scene, and especially those dreaming of a proper off-road capable electric double-cab, this is a bit of a jol. Rivian has quietly pulled the plug on its entry-level models, instantly making its already pricey vehicles even more inaccessible. It’s a lekker mess, and we need to unpack it. ## So, What Exactly Did Rivian Do? Okay, let’s get down to brass tacks. Rivian has removed the R1S SUV and R1T pickup truck combo that featured the Dual Motor with the ‘Standard Pack’ battery. Gone. Poof. This means the ‘Large Pack’ is now the new “standard” battery option. What does that mean for your wallet? Well, it means an automatic US$7,000 increase. Suddenly, the entry point to Rivian ownership is a lot steeper. Before, you could get into a R1T for less; now, it's a different story. They’ve essentially streamlined the options, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it’s definitely a move that impacts affordability. It’s a bit like Nando’s removing the ¼ chicken – suddenly, you’re forced to upgrade. ## US$7,000 More? Is That a LOT of Money? Jislaaik, is US$7,000 a lot of money? Let’s put it into perspective for the South African boet. That’s roughly R150,000 right now. You could buy a *decent* used Hilux or Ranger for that kind of money. You could spend a long weekend at Kruger National Park – flights, accommodation, the whole shebang – and still have change. You could buy enough biltong to feed a rugby team for a year. Is it 'kak' money? Well, it depends on your perspective. If you're swimming in cash like a Sandton executive, maybe not. But for the average South African, that’s a significant chunk of change. It’s a 15% increase on the previous base price, and that stings. ## Range Anxiety: Does the Extra Distance Actually Matter? So, what do you get for that extra US$7,000? More range, naturally. The ‘Standard Pack’ offered a maximum EPA-estimated driving range of 270 miles. Bump up to the ‘Large Pack’, and you’re looking at up to 329 miles. That’s more than US$118 per range-mile, which is… hefty. But here's the thing: how much extra range do you *really* need? Most South Africans aren’t doing cross-country road trips every weekend. A lot of driving is done in and around cities like Cape Town CBD or the Durban beachfront. For daily commutes and weekend braais, that extra range might be overkill. Plus, let’s be real, load shedding is a factor. If you can’t charge the thing reliably, extra range is kinda pointless, isn’t it? ## Rivian R2 vs. R1: What's the Play Here? This move feels strategic, bru. Rivian is positioning itself. They’re about to launch the R2, a more compact and *affordable* SUV, with the most expensive version coming in at US$59,485. Removing the cheaper R1 options creates breathing room between the two lineups. It's a clear signal that the R1 is now firmly in the premium segment. Are they paving the way for even more expensive R2 models down the line? Possibly. It’s all about profit margins, isn’t it? They’re betting that people willing to spend this kind of money want the top-spec stuff. It’s a gamble, but a calculated one. ## Can You Still Snag a 'Standard' Rivian? There’s a glimmer of hope, boet. According to reports, you *might* be able to find a remaining Dual Standard model in Rivian’s current inventory. It’s a long shot, but if you’re a bargain hunter, it’s worth checking. Don’t hold your breath though; these are going to be snapped up quickly. ## The Big Picture: Electric Bakkies in South Africa – A Realistic Outlook? Let’s be honest, electric bakkies are still a long way off being mainstream in South Africa. Our infrastructure just isn’t ready. Load shedding is a constant headache, and charging networks are sparse, especially outside major cities. Even if you could afford a Rivian (which, after this price hike, is even less likely), where would you charge it on a road trip to the Karoo? And let’s not even talk about the cost of importing one, plus the duties and taxes. It’s a complicated picture. The Rivian is a fantastic piece of kit, no doubt. But in the current South African context, it’s a luxury for the few, not a practical option for the many. **Verdict:** This price increase makes the Rivian R1T and R1S significantly less appealing, especially for the South African market. While the extra range is nice, it doesn’t justify the US$7,000 premium for most buyers. Rivian is clearly focusing on the premium end of the market, and that’s their prerogative. But it leaves a gap for more affordable electric bakkies to emerge. Now, we've talked about Rivian, but what about the Tesla Cybertruck? Is it all hype, or could it actually disrupt the bakkie market? Click here to find out if the Cybertruck is the befok electric bakkie we've all been waiting for.