This reminds me what is the status of Rivian? I remember everyone was hot under the collar about their release and there was all that investment. It seems like an age since they’ve made an announcement. Maybe I’m just getting too used to Tesla’s constant announcements. 

First Gear: As a long time truck owner I’m thoroughly convinced my next truck will be electric. If Ford can provide the build and ruggedness of an F-150 with the performance and forward thinking of an electric powertrain, oh I’m all in.

Soo... there are new leaks about the manual trans, lockers, 4wd system, suspension system, engine, swaybar, and interior for the Ford Bronco.

1st Gear: In spite of Tesla’s issues with starting Model Y production, the fact remains that Model Y production has started while we are still waiting for Ford to get the Mach E out the door.

Ford is not seeing the stock value because they can’t get the basics of car manufacturing right these days. Focus Transmissions, Explorer Launch, Mustang MT82 Transmissions, GT350 engines, etc. Even the marketing idea to soil a revered and iconic nameplate by putting it on what is otherwise a fine electric SUV does…

1st Gear: Most of Nikola’s jump in value is their recent IPO. They just went public a week ago. Its also really important to remember with Nikola that the Semis are priority number one. As for R1T vs F150e, considering the latter will be mostly Rivian anyways, I’d want the R1T on the merits that it is one of the…

I have a beef with the headline that “rival startups are raking in cash.” Increased stock value is not the same as raking in cash. The company would have to issue new stock or sell stock from their reserve in order to “rake in” any new capital. While that may very well be the case, it’s not a given when a company’s…

“On the other hand, it’s depressing how frequently these economic crashes are occurring.”

This isn’t a second wave. It is a surge caused by people who are unwilling to follow safety guidelines and a federal government that is too weak to establish and lead those guidelines. We are still counting cases and dead bodies from the initial wave including this surge. People touting a second wave are hanging onto…

“Slapping Mustang on a pig and praying it’s sexy enough to sell just isn’t enough to get the referees of capitalism to like you.”

I want the Rivian, but I have a feeling I’ll wind up in a VW ID4 or ID5 due to pricing.

1st Gear: What are they going to call the electric F-150? F-150E? E-150?  I’m partial to EF-150 because it’ll sound exactly the same and will be sure to confuse some people discussing the vehicle. 

Neutral: I really like the Rivian in the same way I like a lot of cool technology; its novel and stands out; but in reality I trust Ford a bit more. Granted, now that Ford has a massive stake in Rivian, it might be different sides of the same coin. With that said, I still have 3 years left on my Ram lease and I need…

“On the other hand, it’s depressing how frequently these economic crashes are occurring.”

GM isn’t exactly the EV queen of the big three either. They killed the Volt, and the Bolt isn’t exactly awesome.

Neutral : neither. For less money I’d LS my K1500.

Neutral: To be honest I have no interest in pickups. But I would imagine if you’re considering an EV pickup, you probably want it from a company that has, as you say, “made a lot of cars.” The reality is Rivian is promising 2020 but they might be rolling out against Ford.

So where’s the crazy valuation for Ford?

Neutral:

Neutral: I’ll take whichever one’s not bloated to the point that it sacrifices utility for a “tough” aesthetic. Jacked up trucks are fine if that’s your thing, but some of us want to reach into our tool boxes or grab something out of the bed without having to deploy and climb a cleverly hidden folding staircase.