High-Tech Startups Are Upgrading the Electric Car Market

In September Gavin Newsom signed the most ambitious automotive legislation in the nation, mandating that by 2035 every vehicle sold in the Golden State would have to be electric. Sure, that deadline seems a long way into the future, but we don’t have to wait 15 years to get our zero emission roll on — a slew of ion-munching vehicles are hitting showrooms as we speak. Tesla, of course, still rules the roost with a mighty electric talon, while venerable manufacturers like Audi, Mercedes, Jaguar, Nissan, Volkswagen and more are bringing a range of all-electric offerings to market. Beyond the badges we all grew up with, however, are several all-electric startups shaking up the automotive landscape. From Bollinger and Rivian’s earth-tumbling trucks to Lucid’s sleek city fare, here are a trio of potential disrupters to keep your eyes on.

Rivian

With announced investment of more than $3 billion — including industry titans Ford and Amazon, the latter of whom they’re building delivery trucks for — Rivian is as much of a sure thing as exists these days. The Launch Edition of their R1T truck has the stats (754 horsepower; up to 10,360 pound-feet of total ground torque), range (300-plus miles), and off-road capability (14.4 inches of ground clearance; 11,000-pound towing). Plus, its innovative and highly adaptable “skateboard platform” packages the entire EV powertrain under the wheel line, providing a low center of gravity and tons of storage (big frunk, central gear tunnel and copious compartments under the seats and truck bed). While not Cybertruck futuristic, the smooth skin, unique headlights and grille-less facade lend it an exterior that is matched within by sustainable vegan leather, natural-grained ash wood trim and 360-degree Rivian Elevation sound system. Launch Edition arrives this summer and prices start at $75,000.