Rivian produces the twin-engine R1T and R1S models.

Posted on March 02, 2022
Electric cars
Rivian produces the twin-engine R1T and R1S models.

Those considering ordering a Rivian, or waiting to pre-order one, are in for a price shock.

On Tuesday, Rivian announced dual-motor versions of its R1T electric pickup truck and R1S electric SUV, simultaneously raising the price of its current quad-motor models by $6,000 to $12,000.

The dual-motor versions of the R1T and R1S will go into production in 2024 and will feature a smaller 105 kwh battery pack with a range of over 260 miles. Priced at $69,000 and $74,000 respectively, they will be slightly more expensive than the quad-motor models (the destination will also increase in price from $1,075 to $1,500). This is about the same price as the quad-motor model with its larger 135 kwh battery pack and 300+ mile range, with the only difference being the change in destination charge.

The dual-motor model features more than 600 hp and 6,000 lb-ft of torque, while the quad-motor model lacks about 200 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque. According to Rivian, the 0-60 mph sprint is one second longer at 4.0 seconds, but the dual-motor model can change torque vectors. They also maintain a rear torque bias, as do quad-motor powertrains. Towing ratings remain unchanged at 11,000 lbs. for the R1T and 7,700 lbs. for the R1S, regardless of dual-motor or quad-motor models.

If a quad-motor model is selected, the price increases by $6,000, with a larger 135 kwh battery pack at an additional $6,000 premium; the R1T's 185 kwh Max pack, coming in 2023, will have a range of over 400 miles, also The Max Pack for the R1S has not yet been announced.

Jiten Baer, Rivian's chief growth officer, told Motor Authority, "Like many manufacturers, Rivian is facing inflationary pressures, rising component costs, and unprecedented supply chain shortages and delays for components (including semiconductor chips). Due to the increased costs and complexity caused by these challenging conditions, we must increase the prices of the R1T and R1S models we currently offer. This decision will allow us to continue to offer competitive products that maintain the high level of quality, performance, and functionality that our customers expect and deserve from Rivian. Along with the price adjustments to our current offerings, we are also announcing dual motor AWD and standard battery pack options for the R1T and R1S to give our customers a wider choice as part of our expanding portfolio of options, upgrades and accessories."

The price adjustment will be implemented on Tuesday and will apply to all reservations that have not yet been delivered or are in the final stages of a transaction and have not already been marked as delivered. In other words, if a customer has not paid the final transaction price, the price will go up.

Livian also stated that all model R1S will be 7-seaters since the 5-seat option has been eliminated.

Other small changes have been filtered through the online configurator for both the R1T and R1S. The $2,000 off-road package, which bundled an additional underbody shield to protect the battery pack and tow hook, was eliminated. The tow hook is now standard on Adventure models and a $300 option on Explore models. The underbody shield became a $2,000 stand-alone option. The electric tonneau cover, previously standard on the Launch Edition and Adventure R1T (a $600 option on the Explorer), is now a $3,000 option on the Adventure and Explorer trims. The four-panel manual tonneau cover, previously $200, is now $1,800. Spare tire options ranged from $600 to $800, but now range from $750 to $1,000.

Rivian will hold an earnings call on March 10 to announce the latest reservation and delivery numbers.

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