The Rivian R1T is a battery electricmid-size[6]light dutyluxurypickup truck produced by the American company Rivian.[7] The first production R1T was manufactured in Illinois and was delivered to a customer in September 2021.[8][7] The official EPA range for the Rivian R1T (MY 2022–2023) ranges from 289–352 mi (465–566 km), depending on drivetrain, battery pack capacity and wheel size.[9]
History
First production Rivian R1T rolls off the Normal, Illinois assembly line, September 2021.
Rivian unveiled the upcoming truck under the working name A1T in May 2018[10] but rebadged the vehicle in November 2018 as the R1T.[11] Designed to be off-road capable, the 2018 concept design was planned to have 14 in (360 mm) of ground clearance, feature an 800 hp (600 kW) electric motor, with the most expensive models being designed to achieve approximately 450 miles (720 km) on a charge.[10] The company claimed that early prototype testing showed the truck to be able to accelerate from 0–60 mph (97 km/h) in under 3.3 seconds, wade through 3 ft 7 in (1.1 m) of water and climb a 45degree incline.[10] These design objectives were largely achieved in the 2021 production vehicle release.[12]
Rivian said[when?] it was designing the vehicles to facilitate "car-sharing" with their autonomous features.[13][14]
In 2018, Rivian stated it intended to license its electric chassis to other manufacturers as a design base for machinery such as cars and other components.[15][16]
As of 2018, Rivian stated it planned to begin production of the R1T in 2020.[15]
In September 2021, the first customer vehicle rolled off the production line and was delivered to a customer.[8][7] Rivian began delivering the first R1T trucks to customers in October 2021.[17]
The initial version of the R1T features four electric motors, one on each wheel, that combine to produce 835 hp (623 kW) and deliver 908 ft⋅lb (1,231 N⋅m) of torque.[20] Each motor is an ACpermanent magnet motor[21] designed by Robert Bosch GmbH and produced by Rivian under license.[22][23] The front two motors produce 415 hp (309 kW) and 413 ft⋅lb (560 N⋅m) of torque while the rear two motors produce 420 hp (310 kW) and 495 ft⋅lb (671 N⋅m) of torque.[24] The four motors are carried near the centerline of the chassis and use direct-drivetransaxles to each wheel;[25] the quad-motor setup allows the use of a torque vectoring wheel control system, which senses slip on each wheel with millisecond granularity and responds by "distribut[ing] the proper amount of power to each wheel, precisely as needed."[21]
Dual-Motor
In March 2022, Rivian announced it would develop and sell a dual-motor powertrain for the R1T, with one electric motor for each axle. The price of the dual-motor (DM) version would start around the same initial price at which the quad-motor (QM) version was offered, while the QM version would increase in price by almost 20%. The output of the DM version was expected to be more than 600 hp (450 kW) and 600 lb⋅ft (810 N⋅m) of torque,[26] but was later published by Rivian at 533 hp (397 kW) and 610 lb⋅ft (830 N⋅m) of torque.[27] The largest ("Max") battery was removed as an option for the QM version in December, limiting availability to DM versions only.[28] The "Enduro" traction motors for the DM versions were developed by Rivian in-house and reduce the number of semiconductors used compared to the QM, alleviating a key component supply restraint;[29] production began in February 2023,[22] although most of the initial production were diverted to Rivian EDVs.
In April 2023, Rivian introduced a "Performance Dual-Motor" option (PDM), which uses software to unlock enhanced performance from the DM motors. With the PDM option, the R1T will produce approximately 700 hp (520 kW) and 700 lb⋅ft (950 N⋅m) of torque.[30] As tested by Motor Trend, each PDM traction motor has a maximum output of 350 hp (260 kW) and 428 lb⋅ft (580 N⋅m); combined output is slightly less than double, at 665 hp (496 kW) and 829 lb⋅ft (1,124 N⋅m). Externally, the PDM (silver accented badging, black brake calipers) can be distinguished from the QM (yellow accented badging and yellow brake calipers).[31]
The first R1T DM was completed on May 25, 2023, with deliveries to commence in June.[32]
The Rivian R1T was initially offered with three different batteries sized 105 kWh ("Standard"), 135 kWh ("Large"), and 180 kWh ("Max") of energy storage.[12] Rivian R1T has an estimated range of 230 mi (370 km) with the smallest battery, 314 mi (505 km) for the medium battery, and over 400 mi (640 km) for the largest battery.[19] Additional batteries can be mounted in the R1T's bed for improved range. Those backup/auxiliary batteries can be charged by another R1T, if no charging infrastructure is available.[40]
The "Large" battery pack consists of 7,776 cells (2170 type[21]) in a nine-module assembly for the 135 kWh battery pack.[19] The Li-ion[20] cells are manufactured by Samsung; battery pack is assembled by Rivian in Normal, Illinois.[41] A flashlight is available on the driver-side door containing a Li-ion cell identical to the cells used in the main battery, bringing the total cell count in the vehicle to 7,777.[42]
The "Standard" battery pack will use LiFePO 4 chemistry, which eliminates the use of nickel and cobalt, reducing costs.[43] R1T vehicles with "Standard" batteries are expected to ship in 2023.[44]
Efficiency and range
The U.S. EPA rates the 2022 model year R1T QM at 70 mpg‑e (48 kW⋅h/100 mi) for the combined city/highway driving cycle, tying it with the Ford F-150 Lightning as the most efficient "Standard Pickup Truck" sold for that model year. City economy is slightly better at 74 mpg‑e (46 kW⋅h/100 mi) than the rated highway economy of 66 mpg‑e (51 kW⋅h/100 mi).[45] According to Car and Driver magazine, the real world range with the "Large" 129 kWh battery ranges from 220 to 280 miles (355 to 450 km) highway driving, depending on tire choice.[46] Wheel size also affects estimated range.[36]
Regenerative braking is possible at up to 0.21 g, which charges the battery with energy dissipated during braking.[41] The R1T can charge at up to 225 kW and supports Plug&Charge.[41]
Chassis
The chassis includes braking, suspension, and cooling systems with a battery in the center.[47]
Rivian's relatively flat, low center of gravity chassis is a typical electric vehicle skateboard,[48] which enables straightforward modification by the manufacturer for other body types.[49][47] The suspension uses a "sophisticated suspension architecture" with dynamic roll control.[21] The air suspension allows adjustment of the ride height through a range of 6.5 in (170 mm), giving the R1T a variable ground clearance of 7.9–14.4 in (200–370 mm). Adaptive dampers are used for all four wheels; the front uses unequal-length double-wishbone suspension while the rear uses a multi-link suspension.
The front-to-rear weight distribution is 51/49.[19] Overall, the vehicle is 217.1 in (5.51 m) long, 81.8 in (2.08 m) wide (with mirrors folded), and 72.1–78.3 in (1.83–1.99 m) tall.[20] The gross vehicle weight rating is 8,532 lb (3,870 kg) when carrying its maximum load of 1,700 lb (770 kg) (driver + cargo + passengers).[20] The coefficient of drag is 0.30.[50]
Rivian has applied for a patent on a novel tight-turning technique where differential motor torque between the turned front wheels and back wheels is applied.[51] Previously referred to as "Tank Turn" mode, the software to support the feature was not ready and so it was not included with the initial production trucks in late 2021.[21] In June 2023, Rivian announced it would not release the feature, as using it could damage roadways and surfaces.[52]
Performance
The R1T QM has a tested acceleration time of 3.0 seconds from 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h).[12][53] Top speed is 110 mph (180 km/h).[54]
Interior features
The R1T has four electrical outlets: dual 15A/120V AC outlets in the cargo bed; single 15A/120V AC outlet in the frunk and another in the gear tunnel.[20]
The interior display size is 12 in (30 cm) for the driver's instrument cluster plus a 15 in (38 cm) combined display to control infotainment, navigation, climate, comfort functions in the center of dashboard.[54]
Storage and towing
Rivian R1T storage and interior
Storage space underneath the cargo bed
The Gear Tunnel runs the full width of the vehicle behind the rear seating row, providing additional storage space
The "frunk" (front trunk)
Scaringe demonstrates the Gear Tunnel door strength
Interior and dashboard
Second row seating
The cargo bed is 4.5 ft (1.4 m) long. Its width at the narrowest point, between the wheel wells, is 50 in (1.3 m).[55] Towing capacity is 11,000 lb (4,990 kg), as tested in conditions exceeding 100 °F (38 °C) on a desert road that is specified by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) as the standard for determining a vehicle's tow rating.[56][57] The Class V tow hitch is hidden behind a removable panel.[55]
The "frunk" — located where the engine would be in an internal-combustion-engine-powered truck — offers 11 cu ft (311 L) of additional cargo space, and contains 12 V DC outlets, a 15A/120V AC outlet, and a drain.[20]
Another storage compartment is the 11.6 cu ft (328 L)[21] 65 in (1.7 m)-long Gear Tunnel, which runs the width of the truck and can be used for storing sports equipment[55] or a number of available accessories.[58] It also has a 12 V DC outlet and a 15A/120V AC outlet.[20]
Off-road driving and overlanding
Suspension lowered for street use
The vehicle has an air suspension which allows for 6.5 inches (165 mm) of vertical travel — the ground clearance can be as low as 7.9 inches (201 mm) or as high as 14.4 inches (366 mm).[54] Depending on the wheel configuration, the maximum ground clearance can be even higher, at 14.9 inches (378 mm).[54] Maximum wading depth in water is 43.1 inches (1,095 mm).[59] Approach, departure, breakover angles are 35.5, 30 and 26.4 degrees respectively.[60] Custom made Pirelli 275/65 R20 all-terrain tires are available as an option.[61]
Custom drive modes—which adjust the suspension, ride-height, throttle and steering—include "All-Purpose, Sport, Conserve, Tow and Off-Road", plus sub modes for off-road that include "Rock Crawl, Soft Sand and Rally."[54][62]
Rivian is offering vehicle options for off roading: a reinforced underbody shield with tow hooks,[54] a "camp kitchen"—two induction cooking elements (1440W each, Dometic CI20), a sink, plus 30 pieces of outdoor cooking/dining equipment—that collapses into the R1T gear tunnel,[58] as well as a roof-top tent for three.[54] A winch is available as an option and can be controlled via Rivian's iOS app.[63]
R1T has safety and driver assistance package called the Driver+. On selected highways the truck is capable of self-steering and controlling speed following the instructions of the driver similar to Tesla's AutoPilot. During hands-free driving the driver has to keep their eyes on road and Rivian R1T has cameras inside the cabin to monitor the driver's activity.[64][65][66] The hands-free feature works well in straight roads but needs driver's input when taking corners.[67]
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