2023 Rivian R1S and R1T Get Less Choice of Configuration, Better Range Numbers

• Rivian’s biggest battery pack promises over 400 miles of range, but now it can no longer be paired with the quad-motor configuration.
• The automaker says the change is necessary to simplify production for its scaling business model.
• EPA has revised estimates for R1T and R1S models equipped with the quad-motor setup and second-largest battery pack.

Domestic EV automaker Rivian has announced that it’s canceling one of the battery and drive motor configurations for the R1T pickup and R1S SUV. For the 2023 model year, buyers were finally going to have the option to spec their factory order with both the gutsy quad-motor setup and the biggest battery option: a 180.0-kWh unit dubbed the “Max” pack. The combination was certainly enticing, as the former was able to rocket us to 60 miles per hour in 3.0 seconds—the quickest pickup we’ve ever tested—and the latter promises more than 400 miles of range. Unfortunately, Riv has axed plans to produce such a combo, leaving quad-motor models to soldier on with the “Large” 135.0-kWh battery pack.

Notably, the Max battery pack has already been delayed, so this cancellation is another blow to potential customers who want the most Rivian has to offer. According to a report by InsideEVs, the young company sent an e-mail to customers who already reserved such a build, stating that such a change “supports our continued focus on simplifying the production process as we scale.” As a reminder, Rivian is still relatively new in the marketplace; the R1T was launched in 2021 and the R1S was launched just this year.

Range Changes

In addition to the loss of the aforementioned powertrain and drivetrain pairing, Rivian’s duo also gets new EPA ratings. R1T models equipped with the quad-motor setup, Large battery pack, and 21-inch wheels saw its EPA estimated range climb from 314 to 328 miles. Meanwhile, R1S models in the same spec are up from 316 to 321 miles.

While the increased battery size and extra 80 or so miles of range would surely be appreciated, we were still thoroughly impressed by the quad-motor acceleration and all-terrain capability provided by both the R1T and the R1S. We’re interested to see how a model equipped with a dual motor and the Max battery pack compare, and if the increased range offsets the decrease in performance and versatility.

Source: www.caranddriver.com