These Are the Most Important Features Debuting on the Refreshed Rivian R1 EVs

Rivian has been testing camouflaged prototypes of the R1T and R1S for some time, hinting that the development phase is in full swing. Despite the camo, the new models don't seem to have radical design changes. Most carmakers add a few design changes to cure a model's mid-life crisis, with the headlights, taillights, and bumpers the most likely to be redesigned. The Rivian R1T and R1S prototypes seem to follow a similar recipe.

However, what hides beneath the camouflage is hardly as important as what's under the hood, if I may say so. The refreshed R1 models will introduce major changes, from manufacturing optimization to architectural improvements. Many rumors surround the update, although Rivian executives have been very upfront about some of the changes introduced on the upcoming R1 models.

Earlier this month, Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe stood in front of an empty final assembly line at Rivian's Normal, Illinois, factory and explained that the production had been stopped to make important changes. These changes are set to improve the line's efficiency and production costs, clearing the path toward profitability. However, Rivian is also optimizing key aspects of the R1 architecture to make the most of this.

As we've seen in earlier certification documents, Rivian plans to introduce a tri-motor variant of the R1 vehicles. This might also mean that the quad-motor R1S/R1T will disappear. Switching to using Enduro motors exclusively throughout the lineup will bring significant cost benefits. There are rumors that this tri-motor variant will be more powerful, with up to 1,000 horsepower available in the top configuration.

Rivian is also rumored to go after the Ford F-150 Lightning Pro with a work-oriented pickup truck. This would have basic specifications, possibly a rear-wheel drive and steel suspension. This will allow Rivian to drop the price below the $60,000 mark, making it much more enticing to small businesses. You can point out that the Ford rival is bigger and cheaper, but it doesn't have the off-road capabilities of the Rivian. Considering previous announcements, switching to an LFP battery pack would also make sense.

RJ Scaringe and other Rivian executives revealed last year that the R1 refresh would employ fewer ECUs and a distributed network architecture to save costs and weight. Software-wise, expect a more cheerful infotainment interface, like the one introduced with the R2/R3 vehicles. Rivian will also likely improve the Driver+ driver assistance package with a more powerful ADAS computer.

Although there are many speculations, we know a few things that will certainly arrive with the updated models. For instance, Scaringe promised that Rivian would fix the wireless charging that was driving a lot of owners mad. Not only that, but the solution will be backward compatible with the existing vehicles, making an upgrade possible. Another feature might be an electrochromic glass roof that Rivian promised five years ago.

Besides these changes, rumor has it that Rivian will finally install a heat pump in its R1 vehicles, boosting efficiency in the cold. A new camera configuration and improved battery efficiency are also on the wish list. Rivian is expected to adopt the NACS port, although the original announcement was for early 2025. Rivian will likely start sales of the refreshed R1T and R1S as soon as the official announcement is made this year. Otherwise, it risks losing sales of the current models due to the Osborne effect.