Rivian Debuts Second-Gen R1 Vehicles: More Power, Range, and Efficiency
Rivian, the innovative automaker renowned for its commitment to electric adventure vehicles, has unveiled its second-generation R1 lineup. Building upon their predecessors’ success, these new vehicles promise enhanced performance, efficiency, and technological advancements, embodying Rivian’s uncompromising quality ethos.
Key Highlights and Points
- Rivian unveils second-generation R1S ($75,900) and R1T ($69,900) with improved performance and immediate deliveries.
- New Tri-Motor and Quad-Motor configurations offer up to 420 miles of range with redesigned battery packs.
- Exterior design remains unchanged; significant reengineering for efficiency, including new computing and autonomy platforms.
- Hundreds of hardware improvements, redesigned software, and in-house developed drive systems enhance performance and safety.
- Heat pump-based thermal system and streamlined architecture reduce the CO2 footprint by 15%.
- Rivian Autonomy Platform features 11 cameras, five radars, and AI prediction technology for advanced safety and driving assistance.
- Increased computing power with NVIDIA chips keeps Rivian at the forefront of autonomous driving technology.
- Multiple drive units, new wheel and tire options for optimized range and performance.
- Two premium interiors, new exterior paint options, an electronically tinted glass roof, and advanced headlights create a luxurious and immersive driving experience.
Performance and Pricing
The new R1S and R1T pricing will be $75,900 and $69,900 respectively. These prices reflect the superior engineering and design that Rivian has poured into these vehicles. Customers can look forward to deliveries beginning immediately, ensuring they can soon embark on the exhilarating journey of driving a Rivian.
Rivian Design and Engineering
While the exterior design of the R1 vehicles remains unchanged, Rivian has implemented significant reengineering to improve efficiency and introduce new computing and autonomy platforms. These enhancements include hundreds of hardware improvements, a fully redesigned software experience, and new in-house developed drive systems. For instance, the new computing platform is powered by a state-of-the-art AI system that enhances the vehicle’s performance and safety. The result is a vehicle that looks sleek and delivers a superior driving experience.
Power and Range
The second-generation R1 vehicles boast more power, performance, and range than ever. With new Tri-Motor and Quad-Motor configurations, in-house designed drive units, and redesigned battery packs, these vehicles offer up to an EPA-estimated 420 miles of range. The Tri-Motor configuration, for example, provides enhanced acceleration and off-road capabilities, while the Quad-Motor configuration offers unparalleled power and performance. A Standard pack with an EPA-estimated 270 miles of range is also available for those seeking maximum value, featuring a brand-new lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery.
| Model | Horsepower | Torque | 0-60mph |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dual-Motor | 533 hp | 610 lb.-ft. | 4.5s |
| Performance DM | 665 hp | 829 lb.-ft. | 3.4s |
| Tri-Motor | 850 hp | 1,103 lb.-ft. | 2.9s |
| Quad-Motor | 1,025 hp | 1,198 lb.-ft. | < 2.5s |
Efficiency and Sustainability
Rivian has made significant strides in increasing efficiency with the second-generation R1 vehicles. An entirely new onboard computer network and zonal architecture system reduce 17 ECUs found in first-generation cars to 7, maximizing efficiency and reducing wiring by up to 1.6 miles. This streamlined system improves the vehicle’s performance and significantly reduces its carbon footprint, making it a more sustainable choice.
A heat pump-based thermal system also improves rider temperature comfort and saves range. These advancements, combined with efficient manufacturing and material reduction, result in a 15% lower standard lifetime CO2 footprint than the first-generation R1 platform.
Rivian Autonomy and Technology
The new R1 vehicles feature a groundbreaking autonomy system, the Rivian Autonomy Platform. This platform is powered by 11 cameras, five radars, and AI prediction technology, enabling advanced features such as Blind Spot Monitoring and Highway Assist. The system’s computing power has increased tenfold, thanks to NVIDIA chips, ensuring that Rivian vehicles remain at the forefront of autonomous driving technology. With these features, the R1 vehicles offer a safe and convenient driving experience, even in challenging road conditions.
Rivian Autonomy Platform+
A premium suite of the system, features an even broader set of capabilities:
- Lane Change on Command: Activate the blinker, and the vehicle will automatically change lanes when the time is right.
- Enhanced Highway Assist: Offers a more relaxed driving experience, providing ample notice for when to take over.
- Expanded road coverage: provides longer periods of Enhanced Highway Assist driving across the U.S.
Connect+
A new subscription service unlocks the full potential of Rivian’s connected vehicles, available to all R1S and R1T owners, including those already on the road today. Features list below, coming Summer 2024:
- Google Cast: Stream video and have access to 3,000+ apps.
- Apple Music: Listen to over 100 million songs and 30,000 playlists, ad-free.
- Dolby Atmos: An immersive sound experience that reveals more depth, clarity, and details in your favorite music, is available with Rivian Premium Audio.
Launch Mode
Unleashes the full capability of the Rivian’s new motor, optimizing the propulsion system for straight-line accelerations. The launch mode experience includes themed accent lighting, live stats visuals, shareable launch cam recordings, and a guided setup for a controlled run down the track propelling R1T Quad-Motor from 0-60mph in less than 2.5s and 1/4 mile in 10.5s.
Customer Choice and Customization
Rivian empowers customers with more choices than ever. Several drive units are available, from the Dual-Motor option, which delivers incredible all-wheel drive performance, to the Quad-Motor option, which offers peak adventure with 1,025 horsepower. This allows customers to select the drive unit that best suits their needs, putting them in the driver’s seat of their Rivian experience.
New wheel and tire options also provide further customization, optimizing range and performance.
The redesigned 22-inch aero wheels and tires minimize drag, boasting a coefficient as low as 0.297. This optimization significantly extends the vehicle’s range, enabling more adventurous journeys.
New Elements and Features
Introducing two new premium interiors, each designed with a focus on comfort and convenience. The new interiors feature luxurious materials, ergonomic seating, and advanced climate control systems, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience. Combined with new exterior paint and trim options, an electronically tinted glass roof, an improved wireless phone charger, and redesigned headlights with Adaptive Drive Beam technology, these features create a unique and immersive driving experience that sets the R1 apart from the competition.
Rivian Driving the Future
Rivian is not just a participant in the electric vehicle market but a leader. With EV sales proliferating, Rivian is excited to continue building the best vehicles on the market and expand its reach to more consumers, ensuring everyone can experience the thrill of driving an R1. This commitment to excellence and innovation should instill confidence in potential customers.
Pricing
Both R1T and R1S are available in Adventure and Ascend trims. Dual-Motor and Performance Dual-Motor available only in Adventure trim. Tri-Motor and Quad-Motor available only in Ascend trim.
Second Generation R1 is available immediately, with deliveries beginning June 7th, 2024. Deliveries begin with R1S, with R1T to follow after.
| Model | R1T | R1S |
|---|---|---|
| Dual-Motor (Standard) | $69,900 | $75,900 |
| Dual-Motor (Large) | $76,900 | $82,900 |
| Dual-Motor (Max) | $83,900 | $89,900 |
| Tri-Motor (Max) | $99,900 | $105,900 |
| Quad-Motor (Max) | TBD | TBD |
Video
My friend Kyle Conner from Out of Spec got invited to the Rivian R1 refresh media event and recorded a video. Check it out below!
Visit Rivian.com to learn more about the second-generation R1T and R1S.
