Rivian Introduces Dual Motor and Smaller Battery Options, as Well as Significant Price Increases

Wednesday, March 2, 2022 | Chimniii Desk

Rivian has announced three significant changes to its product options and pricing that effect both the R1T and R1S lines today. Let us begin with the good news.

Dual-motor variants will be available for both the R1T and R1S starting in 2024, according to the electric vehicle company. Rivian is creating and manufacturing these motors in-house, unlike the Bosch-sourced components used in the quad-motor system.

The base MSRP for the dual-motor R1T will be $67,500, and the base MSRP for the dual-motor R1S will be $70,000 (these costs are before any incentives are applied, and do not include destination or delivery fees).

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If those figures sound familiar, it's because they've appeared before. Rivian has been advertising these prices to quad-motor vehicle reservation holders for quite some time. While the dual-motor items are less expensive, as one might think, they are facing a price hike that will certainly catch reservation holders off guard.

The price of the Rivian R1T is increasing "about 17 percent" effective immediately, bringing the base cost from $67,500 to around $78,975. The price of the R1S would rise by "about 20%," increasing the new basic price from $70,000 to almost $84,000. In addition, the price of various choices, upgrades, and accessories has risen.

The new pricing system applies to all reservations, not just new ones. The price increase will be applied to all existing reservations as well. Except for clients who were already in the final stages of completing their purchase with Rivian, this will affect the bulk of reservation holders. Unless you've recently spoken with a Rivian representative and your vehicle is already in production or is about to start, the price increase will be applied to your order.

Rivian is offering the lower-cost dual-motor option at this time to provide clients with a means to keep their R1T or R1S reservation without paying any more than they have already committed to.

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Unfortunately, customers will have to accept the following in order to preserve the same price:

Instead of the quad-motor vehicle they had planned, they went with a dual-motor vehicle.

Instead of the 314-mile (EPA-rated) battery, a 260-mile (EPA-estimate) battery was used.

Wait one to two years longer to receive your package. (Dual-motor deliveries are expected to begin in 2024, according to Rivian.)

Rivian is also introducing a smaller battery alternative that is projected to have EPA-rated range of 260 miles or more. The R1T, which costs $67,500 and has a dual-motor powertrain, will feature the smaller (Standard) battery pack, as will the R1S. Customers who purchase a dual-motor vehicle will have three battery pack options to choose from:

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Standard Pack: 260+ miles (estimate)
Large Pack: 320+ miles (estimate)
Max Pack: 400+ miles (estimate)

(Rivian Battery and Front Motor on Dual Motor Layout)

Rivian estimates the Large Pack will provide more than 320 miles of EPA-rated range, although the same battery pack in the quad-motor R1Ts has a 314-mile EPA range rating. The somewhat longer range is due to the fact that vehicles with dual motors will be lighter, and the Rivian-designed and constructed motors will be more efficient.

The dual-motor configuration will produce over 600 horsepower, according to Rivian, and will drive the R1T from zero to 60 mph in under four seconds. Not quite as quick as the quad motor, which can do the task in under three seconds, but still pretty quick. The towing capability is expected to remain unchanged at 11,000 pounds.

Powertrain	Horsepower	Torque	Towing	R1T Base Price	R1S Base Price
Dual Motor	600+ HP	600+ lb-ft	11,000 lbs	$67,500	$70,000
Quad Motor	800+ HP	900+ lb-ft	11,000 lbs	$78,975 (est)	$84,000 (est)

The dual-motor design directs greater torque rearward and includes front-to-rear torque management, resulting in excellent on- and off-road performance as well as towing capability.

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Rivian's new motor, designed in-house, will propel the dual-motor powertrains.

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A number of variables, according to Rivian, have contributed to the price increase. First, they point out that the 2018 pricing was fixed four years ago. Due to the global epidemic and the resulting supply chain issues, the company encountered a range of production delays. All of this has combined to force the firm to raise its prices in order to cover the higher expenditures.

Rivian, like most manufacturers, is dealing with inflationary pressures, rising component costs, and unprecedented parts supply chain bottlenecks and delays (including semiconductor chips).

Due to the increased cost and complexity resulting from these difficult circumstances, the prices of the R1T and R1S models we offer today — prices that were initially set in 2018 — must be increased. This decision will enable Rivian to continue to provide competitive products that meet the high quality, performance, and capabilities that our customers expect and deserve.

We are also announcing Dual-Motor AWD and Standard battery pack options for R1T and R1S, which will provide a greater range of alternatives for customers as part of our increasing portfolio of options, upgrades, and accessories, in addition to the updated prices for our current offers. - Rivian's Chief Growth Officer, Jiten Behl

Rivian also noted that new car transaction prices have climbed by 37% since the R1initial T's pricing was revealed in 2018.

We're not sure how customers will feel about waiting a year or two for their delivery, accepting a dual-motor version instead of the promised quad-motor system, and accepting a lesser battery pack in order to preserve the same pricing they expected from the outset. Of course, customers can keep their initial order and pay the additional 17 percent to 20%, which, depending on options, might be between $12,000 and $14,000.

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We like the new dual-motor option, especially because it was created in-house, allowing the company to expand its vertical integration. The smaller battery pack is also an excellent idea, because not everyone requires the extra range, and the smaller pack will provide a more affordable choice for those clients. The good news about these new possibilities will undoubtedly be overshadowed by the price hikes, which is disappointing. As of 5:30 p.m. EDT today, reservation holders will begin receiving an email update on the price hike. The content from the email is reproduced below, and it discloses that the Rivian R1S 5-seater is no longer available, leaving just a 7-seater as an option

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