Rivian R1S, R1T revamped for 2025
Second generation models get new drive unit, battery packs
Off-road electric-truck brand Rivian announced early June a slew of updates for its R1T pickup truck and R1S SUV for the 2025 model year.
While their exteriors remain largely unchanged, there are a raft of improvements to both vehicles' hardware and software, along with some performance improvements — enough changes for Rivian to label the '25 the “second generation” for the models.
A new Rivian-designed and -built drive unit will be offered in tri-motor and quad-motor configurations, with the latter cranking out 1,025 horsepower in the R1T. That's good for an acceleration run from zero to highway speeds in less than 2.5 seconds, along with a stunning 1,198 lb-ft of torque when using Launch Mode.
As for the battery, dandy new Large and Max battery packs are said to have redesigned modules and more efficient packaging, making them easier to manufacture while offering up to an estimated 670 kilometres (416 miles) of range in its most robust (and expensive) variation.
There is also a new lithium-iron-phosphate-based Standard pack which is officially estimated to possess approximately 430 kilometres (267 miles) of range on a full charge, though it isn't instantly clear if that option will be restricted to the American market.
A redesigned heat-pump-based thermal system improves cabin comfort while conserving a bit of range, and new aero wheels permit the beast to eke out a 0.297 coefficient of drag.
Rivian has also fettled the suspension for greater on-road comfort and revamped the electrical gubbins to reduce the number of vehicle ECUs from 17 to just seven. This helped remove over 2.5 kilometres (1.5 miles) of wiring from the things, dropping weight and complexity in the process.
Rivian is also dipping a toe in developing its own active driving aid suite. Set to be called the Rivian Autonomy Platform, it will use 11 cameras and five radars to guide the vehicle, along with a dose of what it's calling “AI prediction technology.” Data, take the wheel.
There are also new subscription services, should customers be so inclined.
Eagle eyes may notice the new headlights and tail lights, though their shapes are familiar. Behind the lens one will find peepers which can adapt dynamically to oncoming traffic, a feature which is said to be active later this year, presumably through an over-the-air update.
“We continue to evolve our flagship R1 vehicles,” said RJ Scaringe, Rivian CEO and founder, in a statement which reminds us all that a smaller R2 line and tremendously retro-futuristic R3 remain in the hopper.
Canadian pricing for the 2025 model year wasn't immediately available at the time of this writing, but '25 sticker prices in America do not move the needle far from last year, remarkable given the scope of these upgrades.
Here at home, the 2024 R1S starts at $123,000; while the R1T commands at least $109,550.