Headlight Spotlight: 2021 Rivian R1S SUV
There are a lot of things to admire about the new Rivian R1S. That’s exactly why Ford invested half a billion dollars in the electric vehicle company in 2019 (even with Ford’s $45 billion market cap, that’s a lot of dough).
In my humble opinion, one of the coolest perks of the novel R1S SUV is its headlights.
Rivian R1S headlights are called “signature stadiums”
The Rivian R1S has signature stadium headlights, which have an outlined oval shape that really can’t be compared to any other options on the market today. Despite the style’s uniqueness, I think this EV has a way of making it look sleek.
Reportedly, the shape of the headlights was inspired by a carabiner (you know, that little hook that comes in handy for backpacking, rock climbing and countless other activities that require a little utility).
The Rivian R1S was definitely designed with utility in mind, so it’s a type of stylistic metaphor. Reportedly, the vehicle’s designers initially wanted to put a real carabiner on the front, but that idea ended up on the chopping block. Nonetheless, the headlights’ shape remained.
The pickup truck counterpart to the R1S, called the R1T, also has these signature stadium lights. For some reason, I think the aesthetic fits better on the sports utility variant.
Read between the headlights of the Rivian R1S
It’s not just the headlights itself that are dope, but the LED bar running between each lamp. In the picture above, you see the light bar in the same color as the headlights themselves. However, this bar can actually change colors, and it reflects the status of your vehicle’s charge.
When charging the vehicle at home or at a charging port, you’ll see the bar change colors to reflect the level of charge you have. A green bar means you’re fully charged, which is a good reminder for anyone who’s ready to get up and go.
This color-changing feature is really cool, but it’s not perfect. Some drivers might think it’s a bit gaudy, or attention-drawing in times when you don’t necessarily want to draw attention to yourself or the car. It’d be cooler if you could turn it off, but it doesn’t seem like that’s an option on the 2021 RIvian R1S. Maybe future iterations will be more adept at laying low. (But then again, maybe Rivian R1S buyers are the type who like to show off their awesome EV.)
The light bar also serves as an integrated daytime running light.
There’s also a built-in flashlight, which is as utilitarian as it gets
Some features are just for show, but a built-in flashlight is undeniably useful. Outdoor lovers, families, and workers alike can find a use for a flashlight. It’s built into its own charging nook within the driver’s side door and uses the same type of battery as the car itself (a 2170 battery cell), which is quite meta if you ask me.
The Rivian R1S is recognizable by its headlights alone
Not all vehicles have distinct headlights, but the R1S is no average SUV. It’s an electric vehicle that’s powered by innovative battery technology, but it’s also an outdoorsy ride that’s ready for adventure (within the 400-mile range, that is).
Of course, the price tag for the R1S isn’t for everyone. It starts at $70,000, though that doesn’t include the federal tax credit that could get you as much as $7,500 off the invoice price (for being environmentally friendly). But if you are into the EV realm and can swing the monthly payments, you’ll get some darn cool headlights as a reward.
What is your reaction?
I’m excited to see interesting designs for the rivian electric truck.
I think the headlights are the ugliest thing I’ve seen since frog eye cars if u turned them around and put them under the single light or made them driving lights would be awesome and similar to Range Rover get rid of them please rest of the truck is awesome