Rivian R1T takes the carrot frunk test
- This footage of a Rivian R1T cutting through a carrot will have owners minding their fingers
- It’s designed to clamp down harder with every attempt to close the frunk
- Its pinch protection system allegedly worked at first, but not after that
Published on May 08, 2024 at 4:40 PM (UTC+4)
by Amelia Jean Hershman-Jones
Last updated on May 08, 2024 at 4:51 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Tom Wood
Rivian R1T has had its pinch protection put to the test as a video emerged of a frunk test.
The Rivian R1T has an auto-closing frunk lid to rival the Tesla Cubertruck.
It seems to struggle at first, but then chops a sacrificial carrot in two with no problem.
READ MORE! Best electric car to buy in 2024
The footage was taken by an owner of the Rivian R1T and comes fresh on the heels of Rivian unveiling three new EVs.
The frunk test of both the Tesla Cybertruck and the Rivian R1T has had some bad press recently because of their ability to injure people’s digits – the pair are often pitted against each other.
The footage shows the pinch protection system of what was previously labeled the coolest new pickup truck in the world kicking in when it initially comes into contact with the salad staple.
However, the second and third attempts seem to go a lot harder in an apparent attempt to overcome its veggie obstacle.
On the first attempt, the pinch protection system of the all-electric pickup allegedly worked, but not in the second and third.
The frunk initially stops as it meets resistance before doubling down with force until managing to cut its way through.
It seems that fingers have been the major casualty of American EV manufacturers as it seems the pinch protection system is actually offering very little protection.
The short video was posted to the r/Rivian Subreddit.
It caused many to voice concerns about what it could do to the digits and appendages of adults and children.
Previously the pinch protection system seemed to stop the the frunk from auto-closing when it met the carrot.
Commenters surmised that this might mean that the Rivian R1T frunk test is proof that the compartment is designed to clamp down harder the more times closure is attempted.
This may be a design flaw due to engineers’ assumption that if closed is attempted multiple times, it’s trying to close over something it needs to squash down in order to close.
This is merely conjecture, however.
Supercar Blondie reached out to Rivian to comment.
Meanwhile, keep your fingers, toes – and anything else – clear of any closing door.
DISCOVER SBX CARS: The global premium car auction platform powered by Supercar Blondie
All Supercar Blondie contributors undergo editorial review and fact-checking to ensure accuracy and authority in automotive journalism. After gaining her BA Hons in French and English at the University of Nottingham, Amelia embarked on a vocational diploma from the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ). This led to numerous opportunities, from interning at Vogue to being on the small team that launched Women’s Health magazine in the UK, which was named the PPA Consumer magazine of the year for three years running. As Health, Beauty and Fitness editor, Amelia personally received a Johnson & Johnson Award and was shortlisted for both PPA and BSME titles. Since then, Amelia has created content for numerous titles and brands, including the Telegraph, 111 Skin, Waitrose, Red magazine, Stylist, and Elle, as well as being Head of Content at Vitality and Editor in Chief at INLondon magazine. “My superpower is translating technical jargon about the mechanical workings of a supercar into a relatable story you’ll want to share with your friends after you’ve read it.” After joining the SB Media family as a senior journalist in September of 2023, Amelia’s role has evolved to see her heading up the SEO output of the editorial team. From researching the most ‘Google-able’ key terms to producing evergreen content - it’s been a time of hard work, growth, and success for the editorial team and the Supercar Blondie website. “I like to think of myself as a ‘method journalist’. In other words: I live and breathe whatever I am writing about. When writing about fitness, I trained as a personal trainer, and as a beauty editor, I completed an ‘expert’ in scent diploma with the Fragrance Foundation. “During my tenure at Supercar Blondie, however, I did something I never thought possible: I passed my driving test at the age of 36. One day I’d love to train as a mechanic to better understand what happens under the hood, too. “My sweet spot is providing readers with a ‘takeaway’ (read: something new they didn’t know before) after reading every one of my stories. While I don’t claim to be an expert in the automotive world, I know the experts and bodies in the field to rely on to provide our readers with an informative and thought-provoking story every time they visit the site.”
