Upgraded Models Feature Advanced Nvidia Chips and Increased Computing Power
Rivian Automotive (RIVN) has unveiled its redesigned all-electric R1 pickup and SUV models, significantly enhancing range, performance, and computing power with the integration of Nvidia chips. Announced on Thursday, these 2025 model-year vehicles have undergone extensive hardware overhauls, replacing more than half of their components and reengineering their batteries and electrical systems.
CEO and founder RJ Scaringe emphasized the advancements: “We continue to evolve our flagship R1 vehicles, offering quality and performance without compromise. Our revamped R1S and R1T push the technical boundaries further, creating our most capable products to date.”
A standout feature of the new models is their computing power, which Rivian claims delivers ten times the performance of the previous system. This enhancement is powered by dual Nvidia DRIVE Orin processors within the “Autonomy Compute Module,” facilitating advanced driver-assistance features. A premium version will offer hands-free driving capabilities, although drivers must remain attentive at all times.
The updated R1S SUV will see a price increase of $1,000, starting at $75,900, with top-end trimotor models beginning around $106,000. The R1T pickup’s base price remains at $69,900, with trimotor versions exceeding $100,000. Specific pricing for top-end quad-motor vehicles was not disclosed.
Rivian’s redesigns come as the company prepares to launch more affordable “R2” models, expected to start at approximately $45,000 in the first half of 2026. These models are critical for Rivian’s expansion, especially as current model sales slow amidst a general downturn in the electric vehicle market. In response, Rivian has cut staff, reduced operational costs, and retooled its Illinois plant to enhance efficiency and reduce capital spending. Construction of a new plant in Georgia has been paused, saving $2.25 billion.
The company’s financial struggles continue, with a reported loss of $1.45 billion in the first quarter and shares down roughly 50% year-to-date. Deliveries for the redesigned R1S and R1T models will begin immediately, with the California-based company continuing to offer dual, tri, and quad motor configurations. These configurations come with Standard, Max, and Large battery packs, providing ranges of 270 miles, 330 miles, and 420 miles, respectively.
The revamped battery packs will utilize “2170 cylindrical cells,” with the pack enclosure using large high-pressure die castings to simplify manufacturing and reduce mass. The tri- and quad-motor vehicles feature new Rivian-made drive units, with the top-end quad-motor delivering up to 1,025 horsepower and 1,198 pound-foot of torque, achieving 0 to 60 mph acceleration in just 2.5 seconds—an upgrade from the previous 835 horsepower and 908 pound-foot of torque.
Additionally, the updated interiors offer more luxury, and the software interface has been fully redesigned. Charging times have also improved, with all vehicles now capable of adding up to 140 miles of range in about 20 minutes, showcasing Rivian’s commitment to innovation and user experience enhancement.
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