Rivian R1T

Since Rivian began R1T pickup production in 2021, I’ve been trying to get behind the doors of its facility in my native Illinois and only managed to get arrested for trespassing once (kidding). Last week, I finally got a chance to tour the revamped EV plant and test drive the new Dual-Motor R1 vehicles featuring Rivian’s new Enduro drive unit and I’ve gotta say – it begs the question, “Do you really need the Quad-Motor?”

EV maker Rivian’s new Dual-Motor R1T and R1S finally received official Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ratings. And compared to the Quad-Motor, the numbers are impressive.

One of the largest fast-charging networks in the US, EVgo, announced Tuesday that Rivian R1S and R1T owners can now use its Autocharge+ program.

Is an electric truck from Hyundai on the way? A Rivian R1T was spotted with testing plates near Hyundai’s Namyang research and design (R&D) facility in South Korea.

Just a day after new pre-configured dual-motor R1Ts appeared in Rivian’s R1 Shop, Rivian has now added the new “Dual-Motor” and “Performance Dual-Motor” options to its online configurator for new vehicles, letting customers add these options to their custom R1 builds.

The first dual-motor Rivian R1T models are beginning to appear in the R1 shop. Rivian’s electric truck, built with in-house motors, is a “product that does everything for most customers.”

Rivian recently invited a group of quad-motor R1T owners and dual-motor reservation holders to test out its new performance dual-motor R1T model. Check out the first look at the electric truck and how customers reacted in Rivian’s latest video.

Rivian is saying it hears its customers loud and clear, and if they want to get themselves into a shiny new R1T, they’ll have the opportunity to drive off in one next weekend in Normal, Illinois. Customers who venture down to Rivian’s service center at its production hub next week can come see the electric pickups up close, buy one, take delivery, and take it home. You know, almost like a car dealer.

The first customer dual-motor R1T, with Rivian’s in-house designed Enduro drive unit, rolled off the production line at the company’s factory in Normal, IL, today.

After ramping production over the past year or so, EV maker Rivian says you can now get an R1T adventure vehicle (or electric truck, if you will) delivered in less than two weeks, in some cases.

Rivian has just announced that its 2023 model year R1S SUV has been awarded Top Safety Pick+ status from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The all-electric SUV joins Rivian’s R1T pickup in obtaining the safety organization’s top honor.

Over the weekend, a Rivian R1T model was spotted in Germany with plates registered in Graz, Austria, suggesting a possible connection to contract vehicle manufacturer Magna Steyr. Is this the sign of what we’ve all been waiting for?

Electric trucks are winning over drivers with improved range, towing, and more power off the line than gas-powered pickups. One of the most common questions potential electric truck buyers ask is how much it can tow. Check out two of the most popular electric trucks on the market – the Rivian R1T and Ford F-150 Lightning – go head to head in a towing test in the video below.

Rivian’s head of software, Wassym Bensaid, discussed the company’s upcoming software roadmap, including a “big update with towing” and a multitude of helpful new features that Rivian drivers can look forward to.

After submitting updated documentation, the Rivian R1S and R1T models will, in fact, qualify for at least a portion of the EV tax credit.

American EV automaker Rivian has begun informing certain 2022 R1T and R1S customers of a recall filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) last week. The voluntary recall affects over 12,700 Rivian EVs and pertains to a sensor in passenger seatbelt system that may cause a reduced, or complete lack of deployment in the passenger airbag.

Forum members are reporting a letter recently sent by Rivian detailing its plans to remove the Max Pack battery as a selectable option in its R1T configurator when paired with the Quad Motor drive system. As of today, the pairing is already non-selectable for new orders, but current Rivian R1T reservation holders will soon have to pivot to either a smaller battery or fewer motors.

The 2022-2023 Rivian R1T has earned the highest safety rating, Top Safety Pick+, from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Rivian’s online configurator now reflects a myriad of changes for new customers, including the absence of previous add-on options like a full-size spare tire. On a positive note, those who own or purchase Rivian R1T or R1S with the AWD quad motor and large battery pack, should see an increase in range. Rivian fans rejoice, additional range is always welcomed news.

Rivian has begun rolling out over-the-air software update 2022.39.03 to both its R1T pickup and R1S SUV. In addition to updates to its EV’s user interfaces and Gear Guard security system, Rivian has put a spotlight on its new “Kneel Mode,” which can lower the EV’s height down to about ten inches, making it easier for drivers and their passengers to get in and out of the vehicle. You can see the new mode in action in the video below.

In a recent letter to current reservation holders of the R1T, Rivian has said it will halt the production and installation of the powered tonneau cover on all future deliveries. Those reservation holders can now choose between a manual tonneau cover or no cover at all while Rivian “upgrades” the powered version. Here are the details.

Update: A Rivian spokesperson provided the following statement on the matter: