Rivian drive systems comparison, Enhanced Dual-Motor version will be available in early 2023

5 February 2023, 01:38:58

Beginning in early 2023, Rivian R1T and Rivian R1S will be available to reserve in three All-Wheel Drive (AWD) configurations: Dual-Motor, Enhanced Dual-Motor, and Quad-Motor. All three systems deliver instant torque and precise control, with exceptional driving dynamics both on-road and way off. Currently only the Dual-Motor and Quad-Motor versions with various battery packs are listed on the design studio online in the Adventure package only:

Dual-Motor AWD

Rivian Dual-Motor AWD features two single-motor drive units — one on the front axle and one on the rear — delivering instant power. All major components, including the motor, gearbox, and inverter, are developed and manufactured entirely in-house for seamless integration. The result is a compact package purpose-built for Rivian vehicles that delivers impressive power, exceptional control, and an improved range.

This system delivers a combined output of over 600 horsepower and over 600 ft lbs of torque with acceleration from 0–60 mph as quick as 4.5 seconds. With a higher gear ratio on the rear motor, the Dual-Motor system distributes torque continuously between the front and rear drive units, biasing torque rearward for enhanced performance, acceleration and robust towing – up to 11,000 lbs in the R1T and 7,700 lbs in the R1S. The ability to continue adding new drive modes through software updates further broadens its spectrum of capabilities.

Brake technologies control torque bias left to right, providing confident handling dynamics on-road and the ability to overcome obstacles and loose terrain off-road. With this unique combination of front-to-rear torque vectoring and brake actuation at each wheel, Rivian Dual-Motor AWD punches well above its competitive 2-motor AWD weight class, making it a strong addition alongside the flagship Quad-Motor system.

Enhanced Dual-Motor AWD

The Dual-Motor AWD system can be optionally enhanced through a software upgrade, providing additional power and acceleration. This option delivers approximately 700 horsepower (vs 600+ hp for Dual-Motor AWD), more than 700 ft lbs of torque (vs 600 ft lbs of torque for Dual-Motor AWD), and acceleration from 0-60 mph as quick as 3.5 seconds (vs 4.5 seconds for Dual-Motor AWD). Off-road driving dynamics, including front-to-rear torque vectoring and independent brake actuation at each wheel, are identical between Dual-Motor and Enhanced Dual-Motor options.

Quad-Motor AWD

Rivian Quad-Motor AWD delivers instant power and independently adjusts torque at all four wheels for precise wheel control in virtually all conditions. Proactively adjusting power at each individual wheel enables 4-wheel torque vectoring — the ability for each wheel to independently help accelerate, decelerate and even turn the vehicle — providing the highest levels of on-road performance and off-road capability.

This system is comprised of two drive units — one for the front axle, and another for the rear — with an independent motor for each wheel. Powering the front axle is a compact 415 horsepower unit with 413 ft lbs of torque. In the rear, a higher torque derivative delivers 420 horsepower and 495 ft lbs of torque. Together, they deliver 835 horsepower and 908 ft lbs of torque for a 0–60 mph time as quick as 3 seconds, while providing exceptional efficiency and instant adjustability for any condition.

Rivian continually optimizes the Quad-Motor system with drive modes, showcasing what’s possible across all driving scenarios and surfaces. Whether that means ultimate cornering stability, rock crawling, sand running, hard accelerations, backroad cruising, heavy towing or deep snow — Rivian's Quad-Motor system is unmatched. Consider it the ultimate combination of elegant performance, precise control and pure power, while consistently mastering the task at hand.

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