The Rivian R1T (the pickup truck version) and the Rivian R1S (the SUV version) are electric vehicles constructed on a unified platform. Recently, Rivian introduced its second-generation R1 EVs, which, although they resemble the originals, have undergone significant enhancements beneath their exteriors.
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Rivian EVs feature various combinations of at least two to as many as four electric motors situated at the front and rear of the vehicles, rendering every Rivian an all-wheel drive vehicle. These configurations are identified as the Dual-Motor, Tri-Motor (new for the second generation), and Quad-Motor setups. Unlike the first generation, where Rivian procured their Quad-Motors from Bosch, all of the motors powering the current generation of Rivians are entirely designed, engineered, and manufactured by Rivian personnel.
The entry-level Dual-Motor R1, with a motor in the front and one in the rear, delivers a power rating of 665 horsepower, sufficient to achieve a zero-to-60 mph time of 3.4 seconds in the Performance model. The Tri-Motor R1 employs two engines in the rear and one in the front, increasing the power output to 850 horsepower, reducing the zero-to-60 mph time to 2.9 seconds in the Tri-Motor R1T. Lastly, the Quad-Motor R1 boosts the power to an impressive 1,025 horsepower, which, when utilized with Rivian’s Launch Mode, results in a zero-to-60 mph time of 2.5 seconds and a quarter-mile time of 10.5 seconds.
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What about the batteries that power the motors of the R1T and R1S?
The battery packs powering the second-generation R1 motors have also evolved, as battery technology has progressed and become more efficient. The Standard battery pack now employs lithium iron phosphate (LFP) chemistry, a cost-effective alternative to the lithium-ion batteries Rivian offers in its Large and Max battery packs. The Large and Max lithium-ion battery packs will continue utilizing 2170 cylindrical cells but now incorporate larger, lighter-weight, and more straightforward high-pressure die castings in the pack enclosure.
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The base price of the Rivian R1 vehicles, manufactured in Normal, Illinois, is $69,900 for the R1T and $75,900 for the R1S. While the standard LFP battery is part of the base price for the Dual-Motor Rivian R1T and R1S, you can upgrade to the Large lithium-ion battery pack on the Dual-Motor for a $7,000 surcharge. Opting for the Max battery with the Dual-Motor setup will add $14,000 compared to the LFP option, or an additional $7,000 on top of the Large battery. The Tri-Motor with the Max battery will increase the Rivian’s cost by $30,000 beyond the base price.
The Quad-Motor Rivian R1 vehicles are yet to be released, with sales anticipated to begin in early 2025. Based on a September 2024 magazine test of a Quad-Motor R1S with the Max battery, the 4-motor upgrade with the largest battery is estimated to be approximately $40,000.
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How much range does a Rivian R1T or R1S have?
The range offered by a Rivian, akin to any EV, is contingent on the selected battery pack and the number of motors incorporated into the vehicle. According to the EPA, the base LFP battery pack grants a range of 258 miles with the Dual-Motor setup on both the R1T and R1S. Rivian has proposed estimates for some other configurations. With the Large battery pack, Rivian projects a 330-mile range for both vehicles. Moving to the Max battery pack with the Dual-Motor, Rivian predicts 420 miles for the R1T and 410 miles for the R1S.
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The Tri-Motor and the Max battery pack have a quoted range of 371 miles according to Rivian. The Quad-Motor Rivians prioritize performance, reflected in their real-world range of 274 miles tested during the aforementioned R1S magazine review. Rivian’s estimate? Up to 355 miles. Your mileage may vary…
