Rivian has launched new versions of its R1 EVs, the R1S and R1T, which will together offer a range of hardware, software, performance, and powertrain upgrades. Pricing for the second generation R1S will start at $75,900 (£59,665 / €70,642), and R1T will start at $69,900 (£54,949 / €65,060). Production is based in Normal, IL, with deliveries available immediately.
Together, the upgraded R1 models offer a new zonal electrical architecture, new compute and autonomy platforms, new motor configurations, and more. The new electrical architecture and compute platform featured in both reduces the number of ECUs inside the vehicle from 17 to seven. In addition to maximizing efficiency, this also removes 1.6 miles (2.6 km) of wiring from each vehicle.
A new R1 platform, upon which the new models are based, offers power, performance, and range enhancements through Rivian’s proprietary drive unit – which itself is offered in Tri-Motor, Dual-Motor, and Quad-Motor configurations. Rivian confirmed that these motors are now designed, engineered, and manufactured in-house. When using Launch Mode, the 1,025 horsepower (753 kW) Quad-Motor R1T can accelerate from 0 – 60 mph (0 – 96 km/h) in less than 2.5 seconds and offers 1,198 lb-ft (1624 Nm) of torque.
The upgraded vehicles are likewise equipped with new Large and Max battery packs with redesigned modules and more efficient packaging, making them easier to manufacture and service, while offering up to an estimated 420 miles (675 km) of range. These battery options are offered alongside a new lithium iron phosphate-based Standard pack, which provides a maximum EPA-estimated range of 270 miles (434 km). To further optimize efficiency, this next generation platform also introduces a redesigned heat pump-based thermal system, improving rider temperature comfort while conserving range.
Making its debut in the new R1 generation is Rivian’s all-new, in-house developed, autonomy system – the Rivian Autonomy Platform – powered by 11 cameras, five radars, AI prediction technology, and a dedicated Autonomy Compute Module. This setup allows the system to ‘see’ far into the distance, even in poor weather and light conditions. Rivian confirmed that it will be available on all vehicles as standard and include features such as a high-resolution camera, Blind Spot Monitoring and Highway Assist. A premium version of the system, called Rivian Autonomy Platform+, will offer further features, including Lane Change on Command at launch, with Enhanced Highway Assist available later in 2024, and expanded road coverage to follow.
The new generation R1 models will also allow owners to use digital car keys via Apple Wallet (on iPhone and Apple Watch) or on select Google Pixel devices to unlock and start their vehicles, and create additional digital keys that can be shared with friends and family.
The new models also gain connectivity upgrades through Connect+, a new subscription service from Rivian that supports Google Cast streaming and offers access to more than 3,000 in-vehicle apps. The service, for example, deeply integrates Apple Music into Rivian’s software platform, providing customers with Apple Music’s catalog, ad-free. The service is supported further by a new Rivian-developed sound system and Dolby Atmos, both of which are available with Rivian Premium Audio.
In committing to sustainability, Rivian also revealed that the New R1 models offer a standard lifetime carbon footprint that is 15% lower than the first generation R1 platform. This reduction, based on manufacturing and operating efficiencies as well as material supply chain improvements, works alongside a similar reduction to manufacturing costs and parts enabled by the new zonal architecture. At the same time, Rivian says that its CO2 emissions from manufacturing have been halved against model-year 2022 vehicles and other optimizations.
