Rivian to Use In-House Motors to Power Speedier Production
Rivian has seen incredible demand for its R1T pickup and R1S SUV but has struggled to keep pace with production and supply chain issues. Some of the slowdowns relate to Rivian’s use of Bosch electric motors, which require hard-to-get chips, but the automaker now has a plan to use its in-house-developed Enduro motors to speed the process.
The motors already power Rivian’s electric vans, and the company plans to use them in two-motor applications for the R1T and R1S. The current quad-motor setup for the R1T offers massive performance and acceleration but is responsible for many of the delays. Using in-house motors and simplifying the powertrain will help Rivian speed up production and introduce new models.
The automaker’s new R2 platform is expected in 2026, enabling Rivian to offer smaller, less expensive vehicles. In-house motor production is ramping up and is expected to reach the volumes needed for consumer vehicle production later this year. Buyers can preorder two configurations, including a dual-motor setup and a performance model with more power.
This is good news for Rivian’s army of hopeful buyers, but it might come as a disappointment for people hoping to get the more robust quad-motor setup. Even so, Rivian said its dual-motor configuration “punches well above its competitive two-motor AWD weight class.”
[Image: Rivian]
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Chris grew up in, under, and around cars, but took the long way around to becoming an automotive writer. After a career in technology consulting and a trip through business school, Chris began writing about the automotive industry as a way to reconnect with his passion and get behind the wheel of a new car every week. He focuses on taking complex industry stories and making them digestible by any reader. Just don’t expect him to stay away from high-mileage Porsches.
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Well, I guess that's a lot better than the out-house motors they used before. Those stank. 🤢
Will this gimmick help RIvian cut its HORRENDOUS costs? It is losing 10,000s for each unit it makes. It is NOT sustainable. How much longer will Bezos pour more Amazon billions in it?
That's the question. If the gimmick does not save Rivian SERIOUS $, it's worthless.
think Ford has quality issues? wait til these things hit the streets...
Ah, they are learning from Elon's Tesla playbook. Got troubles? Claim you are working on an exciting new in-house solution. Got troubles with that? Claim you are working on an exciting new partnership. Etc.