Electric Cars

Rivian R1S Explores a Bold New Hue: The Purple Debut

An unexpected sighting of a purple Rivian R1S has ignited speculation within the electric vehicle community regarding the introduction of a new color option. This distinctive hue, observed on a vehicle bearing manufacturer plates, suggests that Rivian might be considering broadening its range of exterior choices. Despite the company's official silence on the matter, the appearance of this vibrant SUV has already captured widespread attention and sparked lively discussions across social media platforms, underscoring the public's eagerness for more diverse automotive aesthetics.

Unveiling the Enigmatic Hue: A Glimpse into Rivian's Potential Color Evolution

A Mysterious Appearance: The Purple R1S Quad Captured in Public

An avid enthusiast of electric vehicles recently shared a collection of images showcasing a unique purple R1S Quad motor model, operating on public roads with official manufacturer plates. This unexpected display has led to fervent discussions within online communities: Is this striking color a preview of an upcoming production option, or merely a specialized shade applied to a vehicle intended for internal testing? Regardless of its ultimate fate, the sight of a purple Rivian has already captivated a broad audience, prompting extensive commentary and debate across various digital platforms.

Unraveling the Enigma: Community Reactions and Early Sightings

The shared photographs quickly drew comparisons to popular culture icons and fictional characters known for their purple association. Initial online reactions overwhelmingly gravitated towards humorous and whimsical names for the color. Further investigation revealed that similar images of this very vehicle had previously surfaced approximately eight months prior, circulating within Rivian fan groups on platforms like Reddit. These earlier posts indicated that the vehicle, equipped with manufacturer plates, was not a custom modification by a private owner but rather an authentic model still under Rivian's direct ownership and operation.

Exclusive Color or Future Option? Rivian's Stance on Speculation

The consistent appearance of this particular purple R1S, always bearing the same manufacturer plates in multiple locations, suggests that it might currently be the sole vehicle of its kind in circulation. The question remains whether this unique shade is merely an experimental venture from the paint division for a one-off test unit, or if it could eventually become an available option within Rivian's customization configurator. Upon inquiring with a company representative for further details, the response was, as anticipated, a non-committal statement: "We have nothing to add. As you know, we don’t comment on any speculation." This reply, however, leaves the door open for future possibilities, implying that a purple option might not be entirely off the table.

Expanding the Palette: Public Demand for Diverse Rivian Colors

The current Rivian R1S and R1T configurators feature a relatively limited selection of exterior colors, with "Rivian Blue" being the most vibrant choice. There is a clear demand among consumers for a broader palette, including bold and unique options like the observed purple. Feedback from various online discussions, including numerous humorous and creative suggestions for the purple shade's name, highlights a desire for more expressive customization. Many hope that Rivian will eventually introduce such distinctive colors, allowing owners to personalize their vehicles more uniquely.

Community Engagement: Your Thoughts on the Purple Rivian

The appearance of this vibrant purple Rivian has undoubtedly stirred the imagination of the automotive community. From playful suggestions like "Gross Purple" and "Barney" to more evocative names such as "Thanos Purple" and "Amethyst Twilight," the public's creativity has been unleashed. There is a strong sentiment that Rivian should seriously consider adding this or similar unconventional colors to its official offerings. For those yet to experience a Rivian, a test drive is highly recommended to appreciate the brand's innovative approach and performance firsthand.

Rivian Reintroduces Enhanced Powered Tonneau Cover for R1T Trucks

Rivian has officially launched an improved version of its powered tonneau cover for the R1T, addressing past concerns about reliability and noise. This long-anticipated feature is now available as a retrofit option for eligible R1T owners, offering enhanced functionality and a quieter operation. The company aims to provide a seamless and secure cargo management solution for its truck owners.

Unlock Superior Cargo Protection: Rivian's Revamped Powered Tonneau Cover is Here!

The Evolution of Rivian's Powered Tonneau Cover: A Journey to Reliability

Rivian has a detailed history with its powered tonneau cover, a system designed to protect the cargo bed of its R1T truck. This cover features retractable panels that extend across the truck's bed, securing contents with a simple button press. Initially offered as an accessory for early R1T models, the cover encountered challenges. Many owners reported functional failures, leading Rivian to temporarily halt installations. The company subsequently provided repair and replacement services for affected customers, promising a more robust solution in the future. Initial models also received feedback regarding excessive operational noise, which the new design aims to eliminate.

Overcoming Past Obstacles: Addressing Design and Performance Issues

The original powered tonneau cover experienced significant reliability problems, causing inconvenience for early adopters. These issues prompted Rivian to discontinue its availability for a period, focusing on redesign and improvement. The company committed to reintroducing the feature once these concerns were thoroughly addressed. Customers had been eagerly awaiting its return, with previous announcements suggesting an early 2024 comeback, which was ultimately delayed until late 2025. While manual third-party tonneau covers existed, they lacked the automatic convenience that Rivian's powered version offered.

The Grand Re-release: An Advanced, Near-Silent Solution

After a considerable wait, Rivian has finally integrated the enhanced powered tonneau cover into its Gear Shop. Priced at $3,300, this retrofit option includes both the component and professional installation for select R1T models. A key highlight of this new iteration is its "virtually noise-free" operation, a significant improvement over its predecessor. This advancement is a direct response to prior customer feedback, demonstrating Rivian's commitment to product refinement.

Eligibility and Installation: What R1T Owners Need to Know

The availability of the new powered tonneau cover is not universal across all R1T vehicles. Rivian specifies that compatibility depends on the truck's wiring harness, meaning some R1T models built without a tonneau cover or with a manual one might not be eligible for the upgrade. Owners are encouraged to contact Rivian to verify their vehicle's eligibility. Discussions among R1T owners on online forums indicate that eligibility may be tied to the vehicle's VIN and manufacturing date, with certain VIN ranges appearing to be incompatible. The installation process is estimated to take around three hours, and the $3,300 cost covers both parts and labor at a Rivian service center. For new R1T Dual configurations, the powered tonneau cover is an option for $2,000, while it comes standard on R1T Tri and Quad models.

Acquisition and Payment: How to Get Your New Tonneau Cover

Interested R1T owners can explore the new powered tonneau cover by visiting Rivian's Gear Shop or contacting their customer service line. This allows them to confirm vehicle eligibility and schedule an installation appointment. Rivian also provides the flexibility to use Rivian Rewards for payment, an incentive earned through their referral program. This makes upgrading to the new, reliable, and quiet powered tonneau cover more accessible for many R1T enthusiasts.

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Illinois Allocates $18.4M in Restored Federal Funds for EV Charging Expansion

Illinois has made significant strides in expanding its electric vehicle (EV) charging network, allocating $18.4 million in federal grants. These funds, part of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program, were successfully restored after being unlawfully withheld. This development marks a pivotal moment for the state's ambitious target of having one million EVs on its roads by 2030.

Illinois Bolsters EV Infrastructure with $18.4 Million in Federal Grants

On a recent Wednesday, Governor JB Pritzker, alongside Attorney General Kwame Raoul and the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), announced the allocation of $18.4 million in federal grants. These funds, originating from the second round of the NEVI program, are designated for the construction of 25 new fast-charging stations strategically located along Illinois's interstate corridors. Each station is designed to feature at least four DC fast-charging ports, capable of fully charging an EV in under 30 minutes, collectively adding 167 new charging ports to the state's network.

This recent disbursement follows an initial round of $25.3 million awarded last year, which supported 37 charging station projects. To date, IDOT has allocated a total of $43.8 million across 62 projects, resulting in 349 new charging ports. Illinois is poised to receive a total of $148 million in NEVI funds under the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Governor Pritzker lauded the recovery of these funds, which were previously withheld, attributing the success to the swift intervention of the Attorney General. He emphasized the importance of these resources in advancing the state's EV infrastructure and stimulating local economies.

The restoration of these funds came after Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul, in collaboration with 16 other attorneys general, initiated legal action against the Federal Highway Administration in May for unlawfully withholding appropriated funds. A judicial order in June mandated the release of these funds to Illinois and 13 other states. Attorney General Raoul expressed his satisfaction with the outcome, noting that the coalition's efforts have directly benefited Illinois's economy. Illinois EPA Director James Jennings further highlighted that these NEVI-funded stations will augment the existing network of over 450 state-supported charging stations, ensuring comprehensive and accessible charging options for EV drivers throughout Illinois. The 25 selected projects were chosen through a rigorous competitive process held last autumn, with the next call for NEVI funding applications anticipated in late 2025.

This initiative underscores Illinois's unwavering commitment to fostering a sustainable transportation future. The successful acquisition and strategic deployment of these funds not only accelerate the expansion of critical EV charging infrastructure but also set a precedent for states to advocate for their rightful share of federal resources. This move is expected to significantly reduce range anxiety for EV owners, encourage broader EV adoption, and contribute to a greener, more economically vibrant Illinois.

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