Rivian Automotive, an electric vehicle manufacturer, has announced significant updates to its R1 pickup and SUV models for the 2025 model-year. The company has focused on improving range, performance, and computing power by incorporating Nvidia chips into their vehicles. While the external appearance of the new models remains similar to the current ones, Rivian has made significant changes internally. Over half of the hardware components have been redesigned, including the batteries and electrical architectures.
RJ Scaringe, CEO and founder of Rivian, stated that the revamped R1S and R1T models push the technical boundaries further, making them the most capable products to date. One of the most notable improvements is the increased computing power, which Rivian claims is ten times more powerful than the previous system. This is made possible by the use of dual Nvidia DRIVE Orin processors in the new system. These processors are responsible for powering the “Autonomy Compute Module,” which includes driver-assistant features. Rivian also plans to offer a premium version of the system with additional capabilities, such as hands-free driving for certain periods of time. However, it is important to note that drivers must still pay attention to the road at all times.
These updates come as Rivian aims to boost sales of their flagship models before introducing the more affordable “R2” models in 2026. The lower-priced vehicles are crucial for Rivian’s expansion, as sales of their current models have slowed down due to sluggish industrywide sales of electric vehicles. To cut costs and improve efficiency, Rivian has implemented various measures such as reducing operational costs, retooling their plant in Illinois, and pausing the construction of a new plant in Georgia. These efforts have helped save $2.25 billion.
Despite these measures, Rivian continues to face financial challenges. The company reported a loss of $1.45 billion in the first quarter of this year, and its stock has declined by approximately 50% year to date. However, Rivian remains optimistic and has started delivering the 2025 R1S and R1T models immediately.
In terms of pricing, the second-generation R1S SUV will start at $75,900, increasing by $1,000 compared to the current models. The top-end trimotor model will have a starting price of around $106,000. On the other hand, the starting price for the R1T remains unchanged at $69,900 but can go up to $100,000 for the trimotor variant. Specific pricing for the quad-motor vehicles has not been announced.
Rivian has also made improvements to the battery packs used in their vehicles. While they continue to use a “2170 cylindrical cell,” the pack enclosure now utilizes large high-pressure die castings, simplifying manufacturing and reducing mass. Additionally, the tri- and quad-motor vehicles feature new Rivian-made drive units. The top-end quad-motor vehicle delivers up to 1,025 horsepower and 1,198 pound-foot of torque when using Launch Mode, allowing for acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.5 seconds. This is a significant increase from the previous model’s 835 horsepower and 908 pound-foot of torque.
Rivian has also focused on enhancing the interiors of their vehicles, offering more luxurious and updated designs. The software interface has been fully redesigned for a better user experience. Charging times have been improved as well, with all vehicles capable of adding up to 140 miles of range in just 20 minutes.
In conclusion, Rivian’s updates to their R1 pickup and SUV models for the 2025 model-year demonstrate their commitment to continuous improvement. By incorporating Nvidia chips, the company has significantly enhanced the computing power of their vehicles, offering driver-assistance features and the potential for hands-free driving. These updates come at a crucial time for Rivian as they aim to boost sales before introducing more affordable models in the future. Despite facing financial challenges, Rivian remains optimistic about their future prospects. The revamped models offer improved range, performance, and luxurious interiors, making them highly competitive in the electric vehicle market.
