MEVCO, a system integrator specialising in light-duty EVs for the mining industry, will convert the Rivan R1T electric pickup for mining and support mines with maintenance and charging infrastructure. The exact conversion measures are not explained in the press release. A press photo only shows add-on parts, such as additional front protection and a stable bracket on the pickup’s loading area. The flag mounted there serves to ensure that the personnel of the large mining machines do not overlook the relatively small pickups.
As MEVCO CEO Matt Cahir emphasises, the converted vehicles will exceed the requirements of “the most demanding operators.”
“The Rivian R1T is widely acclaimed for its on and off-road capabilities, and its robust design and adaptability make it the ideal candidate to meet the many challenges mining presents,” says Cahir. “The shift to electric solutions extends beyond environmental and financial advantages. It is about fostering a safer, healthier environment for mine operators, particularly in subterranean settings where the elimination of tailpipe emissions is paramount. The Rivian R1T, in terms of safety and off-road capabilities, stands unparalleled.”
According to the CEO, there is already strong interest in the announced Rivian product and mining infrastructure. However, unit numbers or the financial scope of the cooperation are not mentioned.
With the Rivian R1T, which is already electric by design, MEVCO does not have to make any major modifications to the drive, but only add the mining-specific components. That is different to some of the previous projects: at the beginning of 2023, MEVCO signed a cooperation agreement to convert 8,500 Toyota off-road vehicles to electric drives.
“Our fleet offering is better known for our commercial vans, so it’s great to see our R1 vehicles being incorporated into MEVCO’s fleet,” says Dagan Mishoulam, Rivian’s VP of Strategy. “We’re delighted they are electrifying their fleet with us, and we’re excited to help them reduce tailpipe emissions.”
Although Rivian also builds electric delivery vans for Amazon, it has so far offered the two models R1T (pickup or truck) and R1S (SUV) under its own brand – and produced exactly 13,980 vehicles and delivered 13,588 of them in the first quarter of this year. At the beginning of March, the company also presented a smaller electric SUV, the R2, and gave a preview of an even more compact model, the R3. The R2 will be delivered from the first half of 2026 at prices starting at around 45,000 dollars.
