Rivian R1S and R1T Refresh: Performance and Drive Unit

Rivian has released Rivian R1S and R1T Refresh models and the electric vehicle (EV) maker made some new changes in performance and motor compared to the previous generation.

This section is the most highlighted in Rivian’s new flagship EVs. There are three motor options in the R1S and R1T EVs including:

• Dual-Motor
• Tri-Motor
• Quad-Motor

The dual-motor variant comes with all-wheel drive and it can deliver 665 horsepower and 0-60mph acceleration in 3.4 seconds with the performance trim.

Tri-Motor on the other hand has a new 850 horsepower. Models with tri-motor setups use two motors in the rear and one in the front. The Tri-Motor R1T can accelerate 0-60 mph in 2.9 seconds with 380 miles of driving range, which expands to 410 miles in Conserve Mode.

Quad-Motor brings the 1,025 horsepower with 0-60 mph in less than 2.5 seconds in R1T. It measures 1/4 mile in 10.5 seconds with a 1,998 lb-ft torque in the “Launch Mode”. Moreover, it can accelerate 60-80 mph in 1.5 with increased torque control on each wheel for both on-road and off-road performance.

Rivian R1T Refresh (Image Source – Rivian)

New Drive Unit

This new change in performance comes from a new drive unit. In the quad motor setup, the company uses two motors in the front and two in the rear. However, the rear application is larger and improves torque to the tires’ traction limit.

The Tri and Quad Motor version has Conserve Mode, an automatic rear disconnect that turns off AWD when it’s not needed. This capability optimizes driving range and performance for improved user experience.

Rivian also mentioned that these motors are oil-cooled and improve thermal performance during high-torque, and low-speed driving such as rock crawling to optimize range during low-torque and high-speed racing.

New Rivian R1 Drive Unit (Image Source – Rivian)

Comparison

2nd Gen Models

• The Quad Motor AWD model produces 1,025 hp and 1,198 ft lbs torque.
• The Tri-Motor AWD model produces 850 hp and 1,103 ft lbs torque.
• Performance Dual Motor AWD models produce 665 hp and 829 ft lbs torque.
• Dual Motor AWD models produce 533 hp and 610 ft lbs torque.

Gen 1 Models

• The Quad Motor AWD model produces 835 hp and 908 ft lbs torque.
• Performance Dual Motor AWD models produce 665 hp and 829 ft lbs torque.
• Dual Motor AWD models produce 533 hp and 610 ft lbs torque.

The major difference in power offered in the quad motor and the new Tri-motor trims.