Move over Quad-Motor, the Dual-Motor Rivian R1 EVs have the makings to be something special
Since Rivian began R1T pickup production in 2021, I’ve been trying to get behind the doors of its facility in my native Illinois and only managed to get arrested for trespassing once (kidding). Last week, I finally got a chance to tour the revamped EV plant and test drive the new Dual-Motor R1 vehicles featuring Rivian’s new Enduro drive unit and I’ve gotta say – it begs the question, “Do you really need the Quad-Motor?”
The R1T pickup kicked off Rivian’s official venture into passenger vehicles before being joined by an SUV sibling called the R1S. Combined with the Amazon EDV and Rivian Service Van (RSV), the young American EV automaker has plenty to keep its assembly lines humming.
After some growing pains, Rivian appears to have finally hit its stride in Normal, Illinois with the help of its Enduro drive unit – designed and engineered in house specifically for Dual-Motor Vehicles. Enduro consists of a 3-in-1 fully-integrated system of rotor, stator, and inverter all-in-one housing (see explosion image below). It also has a dynamic disconnect feature within the drive unit that can automatically switch to Single-Motor mode to maximize range.
By May, we were reporting that Enduro had begun being implemented in R1T and R1S Dual-Motor reservations. Because Rivian outsourced its motors for the Quad configurations from Bosch, which rolled out to customer first, the Dual-Motor came with a lot of hype because of its lower cost and the automaker’s promise it “does everything for most customers.” I won’t disagree.
Rivian began inviting customers to begin ordering the Dual-Motor configuration in July, and last week, we got the invite to take a Dual-Motor R1T out on the the automaker’s First Mile Adventure Test Track (see map below) to test out its speed on the road and its capabilities on rough terrain.
Rivian’s Dual-Motor R1 EVs sacrifice very little
Rivian is onto something with the Dual-Motor options powered by Enduro, and it knows it. Before I took my full tour of the Normal facility, Rivian founder and CEO RJ Scaringe spoke to our group about some of the technology we would see and experience during our visit, including the Dual-Motors.
When we got to Rivian’s delivery experience center, when reservations can visit in Normal and pick up their EV in person, I was the lucky first to go out on the track. The trip was short and simple – two laps around the loop, then a trip around the adventure path complete with rough road, a dry creek bed, two tilted turns and a pretty intimidating uphill climb.
The first pass was decent, I took the turn a bit timid but then saw the 70 mph signs on the straightaway and opened it up – what a rush. 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds (Performance OTA upgrade) is quite impressive for an EV on this size, but I immediately got comfortable and hit the second turn quite a bit faster with zero issues of not keeping the shiny side upright.
Once I got to the second straightaway, it was time for a complete stop and a launch. I was not disappointed. The higher gear ratio in the rear motor (13.7:1) compared to 11:1 up front helped distribute torque continuously yet biased rearward for better performance.
When it came to the adventure park, I am not the most seasoned off-roader, but I’d imagine most Rivian customers aren’t. Switching drive modes into All-Terrain mode, the R1T took everything I threw at it. I even got an A+ rating on my hill climb skills. Here’s what it looks like from the bottom:
… and here’s a video of one of the Dual-Motors coming down the other side of the hill after the climb.
For comparison, I then got to take the same route in a Quad-Motor R1T. To be honest, the acceleration was indeed slightly better, but I’d argue it would not be noticeable to the average consumer. The Quad version also handled the terrain better, especially the hill climb since it can rely on motors in each wheel to propel forward instead of the brakes like in the Dual-Motor.
Still, unless you’re attempting to scale Rubicon, the Dual-Motor Rivians should do just fine for you. At the end of the day, I think most people are going to gravitate toward the Dual-Motor option and Rivian knows it. I think everyone wins. Consumers save money and still get the performance they want plus the range desire depending on waht battery pack they choose, and Rivian sells more cars. It has plenty of space to scale in Normal, not to mention that giant new planty being erected in Georgia.
I think the Quad-Motor R1 EVs will go to those truly into off-roading and carving their own path in the outdoors, that’s the only reason you’d really need a motor in each wheel in my opinion. I think we’ll also see people springing for the Quad-Motor simply since its top of the line and enables bragging rights. Nothing wrong with that if you’ve got the extra cheddar, I just don’t think that way personally – the Dual Motor feels like the sweet spot now that I’ve driven both.
Enduro was exciting to learn about as well, especially since it’s essentially the heart of Rivian’s future platforms that will power the R2 models in a few years.
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The Stripe logo on a smartphone with U.S. dollar banknotes in the background.
Budrul Chukrut | SOPA Images | LightRocket via Getty Images
Stripe cut 300 jobs, representing about 3.5% of its workforce, mostly in product, engineering and operations, CNBC has confirmed.
The payments company, valued at about $70 billion in the private markets, still expects to increase headcount by 10,000 by the end of the year, which would be a 17% increase, and is “not slowing down hiring,” according to a memo to staff from Chief People Office Rob McIntosh. Business Insider reported earlier on the cuts and the memo.
A Stripe spokesperson also confirmed to CNBC that a cartoon image of a duck with text that read, “US-Non-California Duck,” was accidentally attached as a PDF to emails sent to some of the employees who were laid off. Some of the emails mistakenly provided affected employees with an incorrect termination date, the spokesperson said.
McIntosh sent a follow-up email to staffers apologizing for the “notification error” and “any confusion it caused.”
“Corrected and full notifications have since been sent to all impacted Stripes,” he wrote.
In 2022, Stripe cut roughly 1,100 jobs, or 14% of its workers, downsizing alongside most of the tech industry, as soaring inflation and rising interest rates forced companies to focus on profits over growth. The Information reported that Stripe had a few dozen layoffs in its recruiting department in 2023.
Stripe’s valuation sank from a peak of $95 billion in 2021 to $50 billion in 2023, before reportedly rebounding to $70 billion last year as part of a secondary share sale. The company ranked third on last year’s CNBC Disruptor 50 list.
In October, Stripe agreed to pay $1.1 billion for crypto startup Bridge Network, whose technology is focused on making it easy for businesses to transact using digital currencies.
Brothers Patrick and John Collison, who founded Stripe in 2010, have intentionally steered clear of the public markets and have given no indication that an offering is on the near-term horizon. Total payment volume at the company surpassed $1 trillion in 2023.
WATCH: Early Bridge investor weighs in on $1.1 billion Stripe deal
Thinking about upgrading your EV? Rivian (RIVN) launched a new promo on Tuesday, offering up to $6,000 to upgrade your R1S or R1T. Here’s how you can snag some savings.
Rivian R1S and R1T upgrade deal offers up to $6,000
Rivian delivered over 51,500 vehicles last year as the EV maker gains momentum. Although it was only slightly higher than the ~50,100 delivered in 2023, Rivian is expected to see even more growth this year.
After shutting down its Normal, IL manufacturing plant last April and renegotiating supplier contracts, Rivian has seen “significant cost improvements,” according to CEO RJ Scaringe.
Rivian also began delivering its next-gen R1S and R1T models last year. The new Large and Max battery packs have redesigned modules and more efficient packaging, “making them easier to manufacture and service.” For example, Rivian’s new EVs use seven ECUs, down from 17 in the first-generation R1T and R1S.
With new plant upgrades, reworked supplier contracts, and more efficient vehicles, Rivian is now passing the savings on to customers.
Rivian introduced a new promo on Tuesday, offering up to $6,000 to upgrade your R1T or R1S. The bonus amount varies by trim:
- Tri with Max battery: $6,000 USD / CAD 8,600
- Dual with Max battery and Performance upgrade: $4,500 USD / CAD 6,500
- Dual with Max battery: $3,000 USD / CAD 4,300
The offer is for current R1T or R1S owners or lessees in the US and Canada. Rivian launched the new promo on January 21, and it runs through March 31, 2025.
After you purchase or lease a qualifying vehicle, Rivian will apply a discount toward the MSRP. You must take delivery by March 31, 2025. In the fine print, Rivian stated, “You must request a trade-in estimate to qualify for this offer, but trade-in of a vehicle is not required.”
Any other models are excluded from the offer. These include Dual Standard configurations, Dual with Large battery configurations, custom builds, demo vehicles, and pre-owned vehicles.
The new offer follows Rivian’s previous upgrade promo introduced last October, giving qualifying gas-powered vehicle owners or lessees up to $3,000.
Check out the Rivian R1 Shop to view eligible models. You can see eligible Rivian R1S here and R1T models here.
Electrek’s Take
Rivian’s R1S was already the tenth best-selling electric vehicle in the US last year, with nearly 27,000 models sold. With more driving range and power at a lower cost, the electric SUV could see even more demand in 2025.
Then again, with the arrival of new luxury electric SUVs, like the Jeep Wagoneer S and Volvo EX90, Rivian will face more competition in the US.
Rivian’s latest promo comes as the Company looks to carry the momentum from the end of 2024 into the new year. The EV maker is offering other deals, including 1.99% APR for 60 months on the R1 Dual with a Max Battery and Performance upgrade.
Even if you are not eligible for the promo, we can still help you find deals on Rivian’s electric SUV in your area. You can use our links below to view offers on the Rivian R1S and R1T near you today.
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