Source: Wall Street See
Rivian stated that more than half of the hardware components have been replaced in the new generation R1 model, and the battery and electrical architecture have been redesigned. The starting price of the R1S SUV will be increased by $1,000 compared to the existing model, with a starting price of $75,900 and the starting price of the top-configured three-motor model at about $106,000. The starting price of the R1T will remain unchanged at $69,900, but the price of the three-motor model will exceed $100,000.
American electric vehicle manufacturer$Rivian Automotive (RIVN.US)$On Thursday, Rivian, a redesigned new generation of R1 electric pickup trucks and SUVs, announced that the new vehicles will use Nvidia chips to improve their range, performance, and computing capabilities.
Although the appearance of the 2025 models is not much different from the existing models, Rivian stated that its second-generation products have replaced more than half of the hardware components and redesigned the battery and electrical architecture.
"We keep improving the flagship R1 model without making any compromises in quality and performance. Our redesigned R1S and R1T push the technology further and create our most performant product to date," said RJ Scaringe, CEO and founder of Rivian, in a statement.
Rivian stated that one of the most significant changes in the new vehicle is its computing power, which is ten times higher than the previous system. The new system uses two Nvidia DRIVE Orin processors to help drive the "autonomous computing module," including driving assistance features. Rivian stated that the "high-end version" of the system will also provide more extensive features, such as achieving full automatic driving "within a period of time." However, Rivian stated that the driver still needs to pay attention to the road conditions at all times.
At the same time, Rivian is trying to increase the sales of its flagship models to sell more before launching the low-priced "R2" models in the first half of 2026, which is expected to start at about $45,000. Analysts believe that low-priced models are critical to Rivian's expansion because the sales of its existing models have slowed down amid weak sales in the entire electric vehicle industry. Previously, Rivian had reduced its workforce, lowered operating costs, and reconfigured its Illinois factory to improve efficiency and reduce capital spending. The company also suspended construction of its new Georgia factory, saving $2.25 billion.
In addition, Rivian's stock has been under pressure because the company continues to consume cash and report significant losses. Rivian's first-quarter report this year showed a loss of $1.45 billion, and its stock price has fallen by about 50% since the beginning of the year. The stock rose 2.53% on Thursday's US stock market, closing at $11.74.
Rivian stated that the 2025 models of R1S and R1T can be delivered immediately. The new vehicles will continue to offer three motor configurations - dual motor, three motor, and four motor - as well as standard battery pack, maximum battery pack, and large battery pack, with the highest range of 270 miles, 330 miles, and 420 miles, respectively.
Rivian stated that the starting price of the second-generation R1S SUV will be increased by $1,000 compared to the existing model, with a starting price of $75,900 and the starting price of the top-configured three-motor model at about $106,000. The starting price of the R1T will remain unchanged at $69,900, but the price of the three-motor model will exceed $100,000. The company did not disclose the specific price of the top-configured four-motor model.
The updated battery pack will continue to use "2170 cylindrical batteries," but the battery pack housing now uses large high-pressure die-casting parts to simplify manufacturing and reduce weight.
Three-motor and four-motor models include a new Rivian-made drive unit. The top-configured four-motor model will provide up to 1,025 horsepower and 1,198 pound-feet of torque when using "Launch Mode," accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.5 seconds. This is an improvement over the previous 835 horsepower and 908 pound-feet of torque.
Rivian stated that these vehicles also have more luxurious updated interiors and a brand-new software interface design. Charging time has also been improved, and all vehicles can add up to 140 miles of range in about 20 minutes.
Editor/Lambor