Rivian Revamps Electric R1 Series: Introduces Enhanced Range, Performance, and Nvidia Chips

Rivian Automotive announced on Thursday a major redesign of its all-electric R1 series pickup and SUV models, boasting enhanced range, performance, and computing capabilities powered by Nvidia processors. Despite the 2025 model-year vehicles maintaining a resemblance to current models, Rivian revealed that it has replaced over half of the hardware components in these second-generation vehicles and reengineered their batteries and electrical architectures—central to the vehicles’ operations.

Rivian Revamps Electric R1 Series: Introduces Enhanced Range, Performance, and Nvidia Chips
Rivian Revamps Electric R1 Series: Introduces Enhanced Range, Performance, and Nvidia Chips

Rivian Automotive announced on Thursday a major redesign of its all-electric R1 series pickup and SUV models, boasting enhanced range, performance, and computing capabilities powered by Nvidia processors. Despite the 2025 model-year vehicles maintaining a resemblance to current models, Rivian revealed that it has replaced over half of the hardware components in these second-generation vehicles and reengineered their batteries and electrical architectures—central to the vehicles’ operations.

RJ Scaringe, CEO and founder of Rivian, emphasized the commitment to innovation without compromising on quality. "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.

Rivian Automotive

A significant upgrade in the new models is their computing power, which, according to Rivian, delivers ten times the performance of its predecessor. The system utilizes dual Nvidia DRIVE Orin processors within the "Autonomy Compute Module," powering advanced driver-assistance features. Rivian also plans to offer a premium version of the system, enhancing capabilities to include hands-free driving for limited periods, though they stressed the importance of driver vigilance at all times.

The announcement comes as Rivian aims to boost sales of these flagship models in anticipation of the launch of its more affordable "R2" models, expected to debut in the first half of 2026 with a starting price around $45,000.

As the industry experiences a general slowdown in electric vehicle sales, Rivian has taken significant measures to streamline operations and reduce costs. These include workforce reductions, cost-cutting at its Illinois manufacturing facility, and suspending construction of a new plant in Georgia, saving the company $2.25 billion.

Rivian Automotive

Rivian's financials have been under scrutiny as the company continues to face substantial losses, reporting a $1.45 billion loss in the first quarter of this year. Its stock has also seen a significant downturn, dropping about 50% since the beginning of the year.

Deliveries for the updated 2025 R1S and R1T models will commence immediately, Rivian confirmed. The vehicles will be available in dual, tri, and quad-motor configurations along with Standard, Large, and Max battery packs offering ranges of 270 miles, 330 miles, and 420 miles, respectively.

The second-generation R1S SUV will see a price increase of $1,000 from its predecessors, starting at $75,900, with high-end trimotor versions beginning around $106,000. Pricing for the R1T will start at $69,900, with the high-end trimotor exceeding $100,000. Specific pricing for the top-end quad-motor versions was not disclosed.

The upgraded battery packs will continue to feature "2170 cylindrical cell" technology but with new large high-pressure die castings that simplify manufacturing and reduce weight. The top-end quad-motor variant will now deliver up to 1,025 horsepower and 1,198 pound-foot of torque, significantly up from the previous 835 horsepower and 908 pound-foot, using Launch Mode to achieve 0 to 60 mph acceleration in just 2.5 seconds.

Rivian also highlighted the more luxurious, updated interiors and a fully redesigned software interface in the vehicles. Additionally, improvements in charging times were noted, with all models capable of adding up to 140 miles of range in approximately 20 minutes.