2025 Rivian R1T, R1S Get Major Update For Second Generation
Electric vehicle maker Rivian on Thursday unveiled what it calls the second generation of the R1T and R1S. While they appear mostly identical on the surface, the changes are actually quite extensive.
Built on a redesigned R1 platform, the pickup and SUV both gain a new Tri Motor variant producing 850 horsepower and 1,103 lb-ft of torque. Not to be outdone, the Quad Motor variant gets a massive boost to 1,025 horsepower and 1,198 lb-ft of torque (up from 835 hp and 908 lb-ft). Yes, you read that right. The most powerful R1T can now sprint from 0-60 mph (97 km/h) in less than 2.5 seconds, Rivian claims.
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The base Dual Motor variant continues to generate 533 horsepower and 610 lb-ft of torque—or 665 horsepower and 810 lb-ft of torque with the Performance pack. Interestingly, all of these motors are now designed, engineered and manufactured fully in-house.
Three batteries are available: Standard, Large and Max. The first one uses new lithium-iron-phosphate chemistry for a lower cost, while the other two have redesigned modules and more efficient packaging, making them easier to manufacture and service. Depending on the configuration, maximum range can be anywhere between 435-676 km, better than the first generation but not quite matching the Chevrolet Silverado EV. When plugged into a DC charger, the batteries can recharge from 10-80 percent in around 30 minutes and add 225 km of range in 20 minutes.
Also improving range is a redesigned heat pump-based thermal system, not to mention 22-inch aero wheels and tires that reduce drag. The new platform also includes an updated suspension and air springs that make for a smoother on-road ride.
Rivian says the new R1T and R1S achieve a 15-percent lower standard lifetime carbon footprint thanks largely to manufacturing and operating efficiencies and improvements in the materials supply chain. Also, CO2 emissions from manufacturing have been cut in half as part of a plant upgrade. There’s an entirely new electrical architecture and compute platform which reduces the number of ECUs from 17 down to 7, allowing for the removal of 2.6 km of wiring from each vehicle. This is all mighty impressive.
What else? Oh, we should probably mention the new in-house developed semi-autonomous driving system, called Rivian Autonomy Platform, which is powered by 11 cameras (with 8 times the number of camera megapixels), five radars and AI prediction technology. A premium version of the system, Rivian Autonomy Platform+, features an even broader set of capabilities including Lane Change on Command (available from start) and Enhanced Highway Assist (later availability).
New headlights and taillights are designed with increased safety in mind, with the former featuring Adaptive Drive Beam technology. A new Storm Blue exterior paint can be specified, too.
Pricing for the 2025 Rivian R1T and R1S lineup for Canada starts at $102,900 and $111,900, respectively.
