The world was a completely different place back in 2018. In many respects it might as well be a thousand years ago, so much has changed. That was the year when Rivian unveiled the R1T, an electric truck that caused quite a sensation.

Since then, GM, Ford, Stellantis, and Tesla have all brought their best game to the EV truck segment. What do you do when you’re David up against Goliath(s)? Well, if you’re R.J. Scaringe, Rivian’s CEO, you conduct a heavy-duty mid-cycle refresh that are essentially brand-new vehicles beneath unchanged sheetmetal.

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The new R1S SUV and R1T pickup have been completely rethought via a barrage of hardware improvements, performance upgrades, revised software packages, and evolutionary drive systems. Rivian’s iconic exterior design is carried over, but the second generation brings new tech like zonal electrical architecture and entirely new computer and autonomy platforms. Rivian’s trucks and SUVs also offer new motor configurations, design elements, and updated trim and tire choices

“We continue to evolve our flagship R1 vehicles, offering quality and performance without compromise. Our revamped R1S and R1T push the technical boundaries further, creating our most capable products to date,” said Scaringe.

Performance For Every Adventure

The new R1 platform offers more power, performance, and range, thanks to an in-house designed and built propulsion unit offered in Tri-Motor and Quad-Motor configurations. The 1,025 horsepower Quad-Motor R1T races from 0-60 mph in less than 2.5 seconds and has a stump-pulling 1,198 lb-ft of torque when using Launch Mode. A Rivian’s Dual-Motor configuration is available as well. These motors are now designed, engineered, and manufactured by Rivian.

New Large and Max battery packs have re-engineered modules and more trimmer packaging, making them easier to manufacture and service, while offering up to an estimated 420 miles of range. Customers looking to maximize value can opt for a new lithium iron phosphate-based (LFP)  Standard pack with up to an estimated 270 miles of range.

New Platform

To further optimize efficiency, this next-generation platform adds a redesigned heat pump-based thermal system, improving rider temperature comfort while maintaining range. New 22-inch aero wheels and tires also reduce drag, with a coefficient as low as 0.297, maximizing range to take longer adventures. Updated suspension and air springs make for a smoother pavement ride without compromising its off-road chops.

Advanced Technology

The second-generation R1 vehicles feature an entirely new electrical architecture and computer platform which reduces 17 ECUs found in first-generation vehicles down to 7, maximizing efficiency and allowing for the removal of 1.6 miles (2.6km) of wiring from each vehicle.

A new in-house developed autonomy system, called Rivian Autonomy Platform, offers a big jump forward in capability. The system is powered by 11 cameras, five radars, and AI prediction technology. An industry-leading level of computing power backs the system.

The Autonomy Compute Module is 10 times more powerful than the previous system. With 360-degree visibility, eight times the number of camera megapixels, and redundant sensors, the system can see far into the distance, even in lousy weather and light conditions. It’s standard on all vehicles and includes features like high-resolution camera Blind Spot Monitoring and Highway Assist. A premium version of the system, Rivian Autonomy Platform+, features an even broader set of capabilities. Lane Change on Command will be available at launch, with Enhanced Highway Assist available later in 2024, and increased road coverage to follow.

New Peepers

New headlights and taillights are designed with safety and function in mind. These headlights feature Adaptive Drive Beam technology, which will be enabled later this year. It helps drivers stay more aware while driving on dark roads by adapting dynamically to oncoming traffic.

Fresh Experiences And Design

Additionally, more new features and options are available with the next-generation R1S and R1T. Owners can enable car keys in Apple Wallet on iPhone and Apple Watch, or  Google Pixel devices, to seamlessly unlock and start up their vehicles, and even share keys digitally with other drivers and family.

A new in-house sound system with Dolby Atmos is available with Rivian Premium Audio. Dolby Atmos is an immersive sound experience that reveals more depth, and clarity, in your favorite tunes.

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Connect+, a new subscription service, supports streaming video through Google Cast and allows access to more than 3,000 apps, streaming your favorite entertainment right into your R1’s center display. For Connect+, Rivian also worked closely with the Apple Music team to deeply integrate this feature into Rivian’s software platform. Rivian’s Connect+ gives access to Apple Music’s catalog of over 100 million songs and 30,000 playlists, ad-free. With Rivian Premium Audio, they can also hear sound all around with Apple Music’s Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos.

Inside Features

Inside, a Dynamic Glass Roof keeps the cabin airy but can be tinted electronically. An interior lighting system can be tailored with a spectrum of colors. Lastly, a redesigned software user interface, powered by Unreal Engine, brings a beautiful illustration style with real-time graphics that nods to the adventurous spirit of off-road enthusiasts. Two new premium Ascend trims are offered, and a new Storm Blue exterior paint and blackout trim options are available.

Efficiency & Sustainability

Reducing carbon emissions underpins the design of these new Rivians. Based on comprehensive lifecycle carbon footprint assessments, these vehicles achieve a 15 percent lower standard lifetime carbon footprint than the first-generation EV platform. This is largely due to manufacturing and operating efficiencies and improvements in Rivian’s materials supply chain. Thanks to innovative electrical zonal architecture, this new generation lowers manufacturing costs, reduces parts, and simplifies manufacturing. With half the CO2 emissions from manufacturing compared to model-year 2022 vehicles, the new R1T and R1S, further Rivian’s ambition to accelerate widespread EV adoption.

Pricing for the second generation R1S will start at $75,900 and R1T will start at $69,900. Production is based in Normal, Illinois with deliveries available immediately. Check out the new R1T and R1S here.