Tech

Watch Rivian's electric SUV effortlessly conquer this 45-degree climb

The R1S doesn't even stutter while tackling this steep slope in the Moab desert.

Rivian is generating a lot of buzz with its upcoming line of electric vehicles, and it’s easy to see why. It’s got a deal with Amazon to make electric delivery trucks; it’s got this totally bonkers camping accessory which is basically a full-on kitchen; and, apparently, its R1S SUV can straight-up climb mountains?

No, really, this thing can climb

According to Rivian engineer Ranil Patel, who commented on the video posted to Twitter this week, this particular hillside in the Moab desert is a challenging 45-degrees, which, is pretty darn steep.

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For context, here’s a Crown Victoria attempting pretty much the same feat. Spoiler alert: it’s not quite as graceful. mxchamps on YouTube

Do you need your SUV to be able to crush a mountain-like incline? Probably not, but it’s still pretty cool to see this type of power in an SUV that doesn’t guzzle gas. It’s also helping make the case for Rivian’s R1S being a top competitor in a growing field of larger and more powerful electric vehicles.

Despite recent delays affecting the company’s R1T electric pickup truck, Rivian says the R1S will start shipping shortly after the truck’s postponed September launch.