Rivian, the innovative electric vehicle company, has recently unveiled a new travel kitchen option for their R1, R2, and R3 models. This new kitchen design is meant to replace the previously teased camp kitchen that never materialized. While the new travel kitchen may not be as extravagant as the camp kitchen concept, it offers a more affordable and practical solution for outdoor enthusiasts.
The Evolution of Rivian’s Kitchen Concept
Early Rivian R1T models were teased with a camp kitchen feature that was housed within the gear tunnel between the pickup bed and passenger compartment. This modular kitchen was equipped with a cooktop, sink, and a full set of pots and pans, making it a dream for those who love to cook outdoors. However, the camp kitchen never made it to production, leaving many potential Rivian owners disappointed.
The New Travel Kitchen Design
At a recent Rivian event, YouTuber Brian Tong got a first look at the new travel kitchen design. Unlike the camp kitchen, the travel kitchen is a wide, flat surface that is split into two sections. One half of the surface is dedicated to a two-burner induction cooktop, while the other half serves as counter space with a pull-out drawer for small item storage. While the new design is more compact and lacks a sink or large item storage, it still offers a convenient solution for cooking on the go.
The sliding drawer of the travel kitchen provides enough space for utensils, a cutting board, and other kitchen essentials. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of the camp kitchen, the travel kitchen is a practical option for those looking to add a kitchen setup to their Rivian vehicle.
Price and Availability
One of the most appealing aspects of the new travel kitchen is its price point. While the camp kitchen was projected to cost $5,000 and never made it to market, the travel kitchen is set to be available starting this week for a much more affordable price of $1,400. This significant price reduction makes the travel kitchen a more accessible option for Rivian owners who want to enhance their outdoor cooking experience.
While Rivian employees did not demonstrate how the travel kitchen folds, it appears that it may fold in half down the middle for easy storage. The camp kitchen was powered by plugging it into one of the power outlets in the rear of Rivians, resting on the tailgate with deployable poles that had LED lights for illumination. The travel kitchen may offer a similar setup for convenient outdoor cooking.
The Value of the Travel Kitchen
While some may argue that purchasing a two-burner induction cooktop and a folding table separately would be a more cost-effective solution, the travel kitchen offers a more seamless and branded option for Rivian owners. Despite not living up to the hype of the camp kitchen concept, the travel kitchen provides a practical and affordable alternative for those who enjoy cooking outdoors.
In conclusion, Rivian’s new travel kitchen may not be as extravagant as the camp kitchen that was initially teased, but it offers a more affordable and practical solution for outdoor enthusiasts. With its compact design, affordable price point, and convenience features, the travel kitchen is a welcome addition to Rivian’s lineup of accessories for their electric vehicles.