Rivian R1S

As announced in 2018, the R1S was planned to be offered with three different traction battery capacities and power outputs; all planned versions included four traction motors,[11] in which each wheel is driven by an independent traction motor, allowing full-time all-wheel drive with torque vectoring.[12] The quad-motor version (QM) uses electric traction motors developed by Robert Bosch GmbH, but these are carried on the vehicle's frame; the R1S does not use wheel hub motors like the Lordstown Endurance.[13] As delivered in 2022, the QM R1S has a combined output of 835 hp (623 kW) and 908 lb⋅ft (1,231 N⋅m), split 415 / 420 hp (309 / 313 kW) and 413 / 495 lb⋅ft (560 / 671 N⋅m) front/rear.[3]

Rivian has announced plans to reduce prices by offering dual-motor (DM) versions starting in 2024, with independent traction motors for the front and rear axles,[12] using "Enduro" motors developed by Rivian for the EDV.[13][16] DM versions will be offered with two different battery capacities (standard and large) for the R1S,[16] with slightly greater corresponding range as the weight and efficiency should improve with two motors.[12] Maximum output of the dual-motor version is expected to be >600 hp (450 kW) and >600 lb⋅ft (810 N⋅m), which is a decrease from the quad-motor version;[12] a "Performance Dual Motor" (PDM) option was added in April 2023, which raises output to approximately 700 hp (520 kW) through a software modification.[17] Production of the "Enduro" motor drive units began in February 2023; most have been used to ramp up EDV production,[16] but DM R1S SUVs with the Large battery pack were first delivered to customers in May 2023.[18]

The extended range ("Max Pack") battery has been delayed until 2023.[19] In addition, the smaller ("Standard") battery is not scheduled to be delivered until 2024; the Standard battery will use lithium iron phosphate (LFP) chemistry to reduce costs by eliminating nickel and cobalt.[12][20]

The 2022 Rivian R1S was rated by the EPA with a consumption of 69 mpg‑e (49 kW⋅h/100 mi) for the combined city+highway driving cycle and a total range of 316 mi (509 km) when equipped with the "Large" 135 kW-hr battery and quad-motor drivetrain.[21]

Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) was tested by Motor Trend in August 2022 at 3.1 seconds on all-season tires and 3.2 seconds on all-terrain tires. Corresponding 1⁄4 mi (0.40 km) elapsed times and trap speeds were 11.6 sec at 111.2 mph (179.0 km/h) on all-season tires, slowing to 11.8 sec at 111.6 mph (179.6 km/h) with all-terrain tires.[3]

The frunk of a Rivian R1S

Total enclosed cargo volume is 104.7 cu ft (2.96 m³) when the second and third rows are folded down. There is a front trunk (aka "frunk") is under the hood, where the engine is in most conventional internal combustion engine vehicles, which adds 11.1 cu ft (0.31 m³) of lockable storage.[22] In addition, there is a small compartment underneath the cargo floor.[3]

Towing capacity is 7,700 lb (3,500 kg).[23][24]

Pet comfort mode maintains a user-selected temperature inside the car when the driver is away from the vehicle.[22] A five-passenger option deleting the third row was discontinued in March 2022 before production vehicles began to be delivered; all R1Ss are seven-passenger, three-row vehicles.[12] Third-row seating was reported to be "a little tight for adults", with low cushion height resulting in most people adopting a posture with knees higher than their hips.[3]

The glass roof is not equipped with a sunshade and the resulting insolation made Motor Trend reviewers uncomfortable during comparison testing in the desert at temperatures exceeding 100 °F (38 °C). The same reviewers criticized the infotainment system, which is not equipped with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.[25]

The vehicle has an air suspension which allows for a maximum ground clearance of 14.9 in (380 mm), with individual wheels cross-linked to reduce body lean during cornering. In addition, there is a "Camp Mode" that allows the vehicle to level itself when parked on irregular terrain.[25] Maximum wading depth in water is 43.1 in (1.09 m).[26]

Compared to the R1T, which has a 135.8 in (3,450 mm) wheelbase, the R1S rides on a shorter 121.1 in (3,080 mm) wheelbase and has a shorter rear overhang, improving departure and breakover angles.[24] This also results in a turning circle that is nearly 4 ft (1.2 m) smaller for the R1S.[27]

The entry-level trim was called the Explore package, which included matte-black interior finishes and heated vegan leather seats.[28] In August 2022, Rivian announced it had discontinued the Explore package[29] citing low demand, simplified assembly and supply chain constraints that would be alleviated with a single option. By eliminating the base trim, Rivian effectively increased prices.[28]

The Adventure package upgrades the interior with heated and cooled perforated vegan leather seats, Chilewich woven floor mats, wood or vegan leather accents, and a premium Rivian Elevation sound system designed by Meridian Audio which includes a removable Bluetooth speaker.[30][31]

R1S Launch edition

The limited-availability Launch edition included the Adventure package, the large battery, an exclusive Launch green color, and an option to upgrade wheels and tires at no additional cost.[30][32]

The first two R1S vehicles were delivered to the CEO, R.J. Scaringe, and the CFO, Claire McDonough, in December 2021.[34] Rivian announced in mid-June 2022 that there would be a delay for some deliveries of its R1S electric SUV. The company cited the delay was due to supply chain issues and limited service infrastructure.[35] Deliveries to customers began in late August 2022.[36] The first vehicles to be released were equipped with the large (135 kW/hr) battery and quad-motor drivetrain.[25]

In March 2022, Rivian announced the price of the R1S would increase by 20%, jumping to $84,500 from $70,000 for the base model.[12][37] After receiving negative feedback, Rivian honored the original prices for pre-orders made before the price increase.[38][39] In August 2022, Rivian cancelled the base Explore trim level, forcing people who pre-ordered the Explore to either cancel or upgrade to the more expensive Adventure trim.[29]