Rivian R1T Electric Trucks Will Be Delivered in September

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Rivian is an electric vehicle company that has the support of billionaires like Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. The electric vehicle company is expected to disrupt the automotive industry in a major way, similar to Tesla. One of the company’s most anticipated vehicles is the R1T electric truck. Rivian’s electric truck is hitting the streets a lot sooner than some of its major competitors.

The Rivian R1T is hitting the streets soon

The Rivian R1T | Michael Brochstein/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

The R1T is Rivian’s electric truck. Although it appears to be a luxury performance model, it has been marketed as an off-roading champion as well. The Rivian R1T is capable of rock climbing and tackling trails despite its pristine, glossy exterior.

The Rivian R1T Launch Edition has an estimated 300 miles of battery range on a single charge. It also comes with heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and many more luxurious features like natural-grained ash wood interior finishes.

Reservations for the base model Launch Edition are already full. The Launch Edition starts at $73,000. The Explore Package trim starts at $67,500 but deliveries for that package aren’t expected until January 2022. According to InsideEVs, customers can receive their Launch Edition pre-orders as soon as September (only a week away).

September is a huge month for the R1T

A silver Rivian R1t.
The Rivian R1T | Michael Brochstein/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

The fall is a defining moment for Rivian as the first wave of pre-orders begins to get delivered to patient customers. The Rivian R1T Launch Edition was delayed twice but the time has finally come for customers to get their hands on this unique electric truck. The R1T has a superior base model battery range to both the Ford F-150 Lightning and Tesla Cybertruck base models, although it is more expensive.

September is huge for Rivian because it is the first time consumers will experience fully electric trucks. Their experience and interactions with the R1T can set the tone for the future. The age of the electric truck is no longer far off. It is here.

The Rivian R1T can easily become one of the most popular new vehicles on the market because it is hitting the streets months before its major competitors. Tesla and Ford’s electric trucks aren’t expected until at least another business quarter. Consumers will get ample time to live with the R1T and explore all it has to offer. Will it be a tremendous success or flop?

Will Rivian have a charging network?

An electric vehicle charging station.
Electric vehicles charging station | Michal Fludra/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Rivian has raised billions of dollars through multiple funding rounds. It is extremely well-funded but it still has yet to make the impact that automakers like Tesla have. The company plans to make its mark on the automotive industry very soon and will establish its own vast network of electric vehicle chargers.

The company aims to have over 3,500 DC fast-charging stations by the end of 2023. The stage is set for Rivian to become a major player in the EV space. The Rivian R1T could be a historic win for the company in the weeks to come. It could also be a huge failure and set the company back. We’ll have to wait and see.

RELATED: Rivian’s Electric Trucks Plan to Do 1 Thing Better Than Every Other EV

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Is the Karma Revero a Good Car?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

What goes around comes around. That’s the basic idea behind karma. Additionally, it’s also perhaps an inspiration for the name change that car manufacturer Fisker recently underwent when it rebranded itself as Karma. Karma’s sports sedans are some of its more popular models, with the Revero receiving occasional accolades for its performance and speed. However, is the Karma Revero a good car? Let’s take a closer look. 

Karma wasn’t always called Karma

The Karma Revero GT | Karma Automotive

According to TopSpeed, Karma arose out of the ashes of Fisker, an automotive company founded in 2008. The only model that Fisker produced initially was the Karma, one of the first plug-in hybrid (PHEV) vehicles on the market. It debuted at the North American International Auto Show that year. 

Before long, though, Fisker began facing financial difficulties. As a result, it was purchased by the Chinese Wanxiang Group and rebranded as Karma, clearly in homage to its inaugural vehicle. Since that time, Karma has continued producing luxury electric vehicles for the high-end market. One of these is the Karma Revero, an electric sports sedan.

A closer look at the Karma Revero 

There are currently two main types of Karma Revero on the market: the higher-end GT and the relatively new GS-6, which is more of a base model. MotorTrend has taken a look at the GT and offered their thoughts on the advantages and disadvantages of Karma’s sport sedan.

In their review, MotorTrend gives the Revero GT particular props for its design, which it inherited from its predecessor, the Fisker Karma. Features that get singled out include the car’s large wheels, extravagant dash-to-axle spacing, and wide, low stance. These qualities combine to make MotorTrend deem the Revero “one of the better-looking cars on the road.”

The Revero does have several challenges working against it, however. First, it lacks the powerful engine that some of its competitors possess. As we’ve noted elsewhere, this plug-in hybrid model can go from 0 to 60 in 4.5 seconds (or 3.9 seconds with launch control.) That sounds pretty good, but competitors such as the BMW i8 get there in 3.8 seconds, and the Porsche Panamera 4S E-Hybrid blows them both away at 3.5 seconds. 

MotorTrend also gives the Karma Revero low marks for cargo space and interior room. While most luxury sedans seat five passengers, the Revero only has room for four due to a central console that runs the length of the cabin. Additionally, at just 6.4 cubic feet, space in the trunk also leaves something to be desired. 

Finally, the original Revero’s electric range as a PHEV is pretty limited. The newer Karma Revero GT has a range of 61 miles on electricity and 330 miles of total range, which is somewhat of an improvement. 

What changes were introduced with the GT?

The Karma Revero GT first appeared on the scene in 2020 and was designed to iron out some wrinkles associated with the original Revero. As Car and Driver reports, the 2020 Revero GT featured restyled front and rear fascias, as well as improved aerodynamics. Additionally, new rear-axle motors had a combined 536 horsepower, which was 134 more than before.

Those weren’t the only changes underlying the Revero GT. Karma also introduced a BMW-based 1.5-liter, three-cylinder engine as a range extender. This change, combined with a more energy-dense lithium-ion battery pack and a much lighter body, significantly increased the car’s acceleration capability and range. 

Of course, none of these Karma vehicles come cheap. According to Car and Driver, the highest-end Reverso GT Sport has a starting MSRP of $154,600, while the GS-6 comes in at a much more affordable (though still not inexpensive) $85,700. If these cars sound like your dream vehicles, it’s time to start saving your pennies. 

RELATED: Is the Fisker Karma Co Just One Big Fake?

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Buyer’s Guide: First-Generation (1995-2004) Toyota Tacoma

by Gabrielle DeSantis

If you’re looking for a basic, compact pickup truck, then the first-generation Toyota Tacoma could be what you need. Toyota’s famous cargo-hauling, modification-loving truck started out small, but it still packed a huge punch when it came to capability and value. For anyone that happens to be in the market for one, here is a short buyer’s guide to help you out.

First-generation Toyota Tacomas hold their value really well

Toyota Tacoma Pre-Runner | Toyota

If you take a gander at your local classifieds or do a nationwide search for a first-generation Tacoma (1995-2004), you will most likely notice that their prices are sky-high. That’s because Tacomas hold their value really well and due to their superb reliability, Tacoma sellers can charge a premium for them.

After a quick search on CarGurus, we saw some base-model Toyota Tacomas with over 100,000 miles on the clock selling for around $15,000. That’s a pretty penny to pay for a small truck, but if it’s worth it to you, then go for it. However, if you’re unsure, then keep holding out and you’ll find the one that you’re looking for at the right price.

MotorTrend recommends finding a first-gen Tacoma with fewer than 150,000 miles on it, if possible. There is also the option of buying a truck with a salvaged title, however, you may want to be wary of those ones considering you’re talking about a 20-year-old truck.

The 95-04 Tacoma was offered in a few different configurations

When shopping for a 95-04 Tacoma, you’ll have a few different configurations to choose from. Autotrader notes that this vintage of the Tacoma came as a standard, extended Xtracab, and a shortened crew cab also known as the “double cab.” There is also a two-wheel-drive PreRunner model that had a lifted ride height.

As far as engine choices, you’ll have a few to choose from. The list of engines included a 142-hp 2.4-liter four-cylinder, a 150-hp 2.7-liter four-cylinder, and a 190-hp 3.4-liter V6 engine. There’s even a TRD supercharger available for the V6 engine, which gave it around 50 more horsepower. However, that V6 engine is the one to get, if you can find one. If not, then the 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine will do you just fine.

Look out for excessive rust

Now that you’re familiar with the different kinds of first-gen Tacomas on the market, it’s time to address the bad things about it. Autotrader recommends checking for excessive rust in the undercarriage and leaf springs. This generation of the Tacoma was so well-known for having rust that Toyota extended the rust warranty to 15 years and unlimited miles. There was also a recall for the rusted frames and Toyota replaced them in many cases.

That being said, be sure to crawl under the Tacoma that you’re interested in and check for any glaring rust spots or issues. If it’s really bad, then be prepared to find another Tacoma.

Get a pre-purchase inspection done

1995 Toyota Tacoma
1998 Toyota Tacoma | Toyota

If you’re planning to buy a first-generation Toyota Tacoma, then be ready to do a lot of digging for the right one. The prices for them can sometimes be outrageous, even for the rusted ones, so it’s important to take your time. Also, if you find one that you like, but aren’t sure if it’s a good buy, then have a pre-purchase inspection done by a third-party mechanic.

It might cost you around $100 to $200, but it could save you thousands of dollars in the long run. The first-gen Tacoma is quickly becoming a classic and still proves to be the right-sized truck for many buyers. If you can find a good one to buy, then you’ll have a truck that will last you for many years and miles and will hold its value while doing so.

RELATED: How Reliable Is the 2021 Toyota Tacoma?

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Chip Shortage Worsens as Bosch Says Current Supply Chain Is Inept

by Gabrielle DeSantis

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. Walk into a Bosch plant and you’d be able to slap together a whole car using nothing but the dumpster out back. Put another way, the German parts manufacturer makes just about everything cars. I routinely find parts on my project car that are made by Bosch, and that car is old enough to vote. However, even the mighty Bosch has been felled by the chip shortage. Now, the brand says that production methods and supply chains are inadequate for the modern world.

Automaking has changed drastically

Culprits of the chip shortage | Jens Schlueter via Getty Images

According to a CNBC report, Bosch says that the supply chains failures causing the chip shortage mean that those supply chains are no longer useful to us. Harald Kroeger, Bosch board manager, says automakers need to find ways to improve the supply chain. However, many automakers are simply trying to keep up with demand. Frankly, it’s hard out there right now.

Ford alone has had to delay and cut back production of the Bronco, as well as other models, in the face of the great chip shortage of 2021. Additionally, Kroeger went on to say that automakers have quietly managed supply issues for some time, but it’s now time for an overhaul. In light of that, Bosch, as well as other semiconductor producers have stepped up.

When will the chip shortage stop?

German president Frank-Walter Steinmeier at a Bosch plant in August, 2021
When the Germans are worried about cars, you should be too | Robert Michael via Getty Images

So, that immediately brings two questions to mind. First, how is Bosch going to help end the chip shortage, and second, when will the chip shortage stop? Thankfully, Bosch already has answers before even asking the question. The German company already went out and build a massive $1 billion Euro semiconductor assembly plant in Dresden, Germany. Moreover, semiconductor giants like Intel and TSMC are also building new plants to meet demand.

Unfortunately, that second question is harder to answer. Rather, the answer may be harder to hear. Time will stop the chip shortage. Frankly, it’s our greatest ally here. We have to wait not only for these supply chains to catch up, but for these new factories to get off the ground. If you want specific dates, Bosch says the chip shortage could extend into 2022.

EVs may change the way we build cars

The car-and-charger symbol for EV charging painted onto pavement
EVs will force new production methods on the industry | Michal Fludra via Getty Images

Frankly, for all the good EVs do for our environment, they’re not helping the chip shortage. They use way more complex computers than traditional ICE cars. On average, we’re talking double the number of semiconductors, if not more. The way we build cars is changing as a result of electric vehicles and the gradual electrification of our supply chains. Thankfully, Bosch saw things coming and is doing all they can to end the chip shortage.

RELATED: Automakers Are Finding New Ways to Fight the Chip Shortage- And We’re Paying for It

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