Roughly 20% of consumers lease their vehicle, but that’s not even an option at Rivian. However, that’s about to change as the company has announced the “newest way to get an R1T.”
Details are limited, but the automaker sent out an e-mail saying “leasing is coming next week for available R1T configurations in select states.” The company went on to say would-be buyers can “get all the adventure of owning a Rivian with the flexibility of leasing.”
Clicking the link and browsing “available R1T configurations” showed quad-motor pickups with prices ranging from $92,600 to $94,250. That being said, the e-mail noted this was a “preview” and “vehicles [are] subject to change.”
More: Refreshed Rivian R1 Reportedly Arriving In 2024 With New 1,000 HP+ Ascent Trim
Screenshot: Michael Gauthier / CarScoops
While we can expect to learn more shortly, leasing will provide a number of benefits to Rivian customers. The biggest could be the $7,500 federal tax credit, which has proven to be elusive.
While Rivian trucks and SUVs are made in America, rules for the federal tax credit say the “vehicle’s manufacturer suggested retail price (MSRP) can’t exceed $80,000 for vans, sport utility vehicles, and pickup trucks.” That’s an issue as the automaker initially focused on higher-end variants, which carry lofty price tags.
However, thanks to the magic of the leasing loophole, that problem could go away and allow customers to benefit from significant savings. At the very least, Rivian customers will get a new option that makes the R1T even more appealing.