Rivian Automotive has announced significant upgrades to its R1 pickup and SUV models for the 2025 model year. These second-generation vehicles have been redesigned to enhance range, performance, and computing power. The company has made notable changes to over half of the hardware components for these updated models, as well as reengineered the batteries and electrical architectures to improve efficiency.
Advanced Computing Power
One of the most significant improvements in the new R1 vehicles is the computing power. Rivian has incorporated Nvidia chips into the system, providing 10 times more performance than the previous setup. The new system features dual Nvidia DRIVE Orin processors to power the “Autonomy Compute Module,” which includes driver-assistant features. Additionally, a premium version of the system will offer hands-free driving capabilities for short periods, although drivers are still required to remain attentive to the road at all times.
These updates come as Rivian aims to boost sales of its flagship models before introducing the more affordable “R2” series, anticipated to start at around $45,000 in the first half of 2026. The company’s expansion strategy relies heavily on the success of these lower-priced models, as demand for current models has slowed in line with the general trend of electric vehicle sales. Rivian has taken several cost-cutting measures, including workforce reductions and operational efficiencies, to optimize its financial position.
Despite these efforts, Rivian continues to face financial challenges, reporting a significant loss of $1.45 billion in the first quarter of the year. The company’s stock has experienced a 50% decline year-to-date, reflecting concerns over its cash burn rate and ongoing losses. However, Rivian remains committed to its growth strategy and believes that the updated R1 models will attract new buyers and boost overall sales performance.
The 2025 R1S and R1T models will be available immediately, offering a range of motor configurations and battery pack options. The R1S SUV will see a slight price increase, starting at $75,900 for the base model and reaching around $106,000 for the top trimotor configuration. Meanwhile, the R1T pickup truck will maintain its starting price of $69,900, with the trimotor variant topping $100,000. Specific pricing for the quad-motor models has not been disclosed by the company.
Improved Battery Technology and Performance
The updated models will feature enhanced battery packs utilizing a “2170 cylindrical cell” design, with new pack enclosures to streamline manufacturing processes and reduce overall weight. The tri- and quad-motor configurations will come equipped with Rivian-made drive units, with the top-end quad-motor delivering up to 1,025 horsepower and 1,198 pound-feet of torque. The vehicles will also offer luxurious interior updates and a redesigned software interface for a more premium driving experience.
Rivian has improved charging times for all models, allowing for up to 140 miles of range to be added in just 20 minutes. The company has clarified that the Max battery pack achieves up to 420 miles of range, while the Large battery pack offers up to 330 miles, correcting earlier inaccuracies in range specifications. These enhancements represent Rivian’s commitment to advancing electric vehicle technology and delivering high-performance, sustainable transportation solutions to consumers.