I drove the next-gen R1S/R1T and Rivian is getting better at making electric vehicles
I drove the next-generation R1S and R1T electric vehicles from Rivian, and my main takeaway is that the company is getting better at making electric vehicles.
Not that it wasn’t good before, but it clearly needs to keep getting better to get to profitability.
Last week, Rivian invited me to Seattle to check out the next-generation of its R1 vehicles: R1T and R1S.
I already shared all the main changes, which are primarily aimed at reducing Rivian’s manufacturing costs, but here I am going to share my first driving impressions.
Electrek’s Seth Weintraub was supposed to go to the drive, and he would have been a better reviewer, considering he owns a first-gen Rivian R1S and has much more experience than I do behind a Rivian wheel to highlight the differences in this new generation.
However, some scheduling conflicts mean you are stuck with me, who has little to no experience with Rivian vehicles. I’ll do my best.
Again, the main goal of this update was clearly cost reduction. Rivian needs to roughly half its production costs in order to turn its gross margin positive and achieve profitability to support its expanding infrastructure, like service centers, charging stations, and more.
As I wrote in my previous post, the concern was that as Rivian cuts costs, it would damage its premium customer experience by making its vehicles “cheaper,” so to speak. I have been reassured on that front.
Most of the changes have to do with improving the manufacturability of Rivian’s vehicles, which will have no direct impact on the driver experience. However, in order to achieve higher manufacturability, Rivian did things like bring more motor engineering and manufacturing in-house.
That has allowed the company to get more out of its many motor and battery combinations – resulting in impressive improvements in specs:
I love all these options. There’s something for everyone… who can afford a $80,000+ vehicle.
You have the same options on the R1S, the SUV version, but it is a bit slower than its pickup counterpart, and has a third-row.
During my day of driving the next-gen R1s, I got to spend a little bit of time in the R1T Quad Max to do a few launches on a drag strip:
I’m not sure why you’d want to bring your pickup truck to the drag strip, but it’s nice to have that power when you can use it.
I couldn’t get the 2.5-second advertised 0 to 60 mph time, but I came close at 2.7-second, and I saw some other media people get it while on the drag strip.
Rivian also brought us to DirtFish to do a bit of rally, in a 6,000-lbs vehicle, yes, and some off-roading.
I was particularly impressed by the ability to control many different levels of traction controls and regenerative braking in rally and off-road modes.
Now, that’s all fun and games, and the R1s are both very capable off-road, but let’s be honest, most people are going to use these vehicles on road, and for good reasons.
Both the R1S and R1T have a great balance of premium luxury experience and utilitarian capabilities.
First off, the interior is absolutely splendid. I love the aesthetics. It’s like a nice compromise between Tesla’s ultra-minimalist software-based approach and the crowded luxury of some of the legacy luxury automakers.
I am a big fan of the new Plaid package in this particular version and the seats are super comfortable both in front and back.
There are a few software features that I’m jealous not to have in my Tesla, like Chromecast from your phone. That’s pretty cool.
On the road, the R1S was a smooth drive. I never drove the previous generation, but I know it was using the same suspension as the R1T tuned differently and that means some compromises. With the second generation, Rivian decided to go with some hardware changes between the R1S and R1T’s suspensions.
I was driving with Quinn from Snazzy Labs, who owns a R1S, and therefore, he was able to note a significant improvement.
Even with this improvement that I can’t quantify, I have to say that I preferred driving the R1T. You don’t feel the weight of either vehicle, thanks to the extremely responsive electric drivetrain, but I liked the slightly more dynamic driving of the pickup.
As a Tesla driver on the highway, I got so used to ADAS that I quickly missed it for any decent-distance travel.
I was happy to see that Rivian has updated its autonomy system with the next-generation R1 platform. The autonomy hardware suite now includes 11 cameras all around the vehicles with 8 times the number of megapixels. There are also 5 radars and ultrasonics all around:
You need a powerful onboard computer to handle all the data coming from all these sensors, and Rivian is partnering with Nvidia on that front. The automaker is now using a much more powerful autonomy computer:
With this suite, Rivian is aiming for level 3 autonomous driving, but the automaker is not sharing a timeline for that goal.
In the meantime, the company plans to release more and better ADAS features through over-the-air software updates.
I got to try the lane change feature on the highway in a R1S and it worked very well:
However, Rivian still has plenty of room to improve when it comes to lane centering, especially at higher speeds and in curves.
With this new next-generation, for the higher-end versions, Rivian is offering a new “Dynamic Glass Roof” that can change color and opacity at the touch of a button:
But the utilitarian aspects of these vehicles is really where Rivian shines. Obviously, you have the 7-seater third row in the R1S with still plenty of storage space thanks to the giant frunk:
Speaking of the frunk, you also have it on the R1T. Frunks are really great for electric pickup trucks since your trunk is replaced by a bed, which you tend not to keep as clean as the rest of the truck.
That means that you run low in clean cargo space, and that’s what a frunk provides. The R1T’s frunk is great for that, but Rivian goes a step further with its gear tunnel:
The gear tunnel is exactly what it sounds like, a tunnel for gear that runs behind the cabin and in front of the rear wheel.
Between that, the frunk, and the bed, I think it makes the R1T the most utilitarian pickup of its size, electric or not.
Electrek’s Take
Rivian is getting better at making electric vehicles without compromising on its owner experience.
Whether it will be enough to get to a positive gross margin, I don’t know. CEO RJ Scaringe warned that Q2 won’t be representative of the changes since the switch to the next-gen happened in the middle of the quarter, but we should have a much better picture of the situation in Q3.
Based on all the changes, I’m sure that it will result in significant improvements in gross margins, but I don’t know if it will be enough to erase completely the $36,000 in losses for every vehicle delivered. We will see.
In the meantime, this next-generation should also help Rivian continue selling its R1 vehicles with enough updates and upgrades to continue making them a unique offering in the premium SUV and pickup segment.
Now with Supercharger access and improving ADAS system, it is increasingly becoming an interesting option.
I’m seriously considering a R1T for my first electric pickup truck. My Cybertruck review is coming soon, and I’ll do a comparison.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
Electric vehicles’ share of the market continues to climb in America’s second city, with BEV registrations up more than 50% in the first quarter of 2025 compared with the same period last year. Great news, but charging hasn’t up – but a new plan from Chicago Department of Transportation aims to build up enough infrastructure for the city to keep up.
In a bid to keep up with the rapid growth of EVs, Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT is currently seeking public feedback on a plan called “Chicago Moves Electric Framework.” The city’s first such plan, it outlines initiatives that include a curbside charging pilot through the city’s utility, ComEd, and expanded charging access in key areas throughout the city.
Unlike other such plans, however, the new plan aims to focus on bringing electric vehicle charging to EIEC and low income communities, too.
“Through this framework, we are setting clear goals and identifying solutions that reflect the voices of our residents, communities, and regional partners,” said CDOT Commissioner Tom Carney. “By prioritizing equity and public input, we’re creating a roadmap for electric transportation that serves every neighborhood and helps drive down emissions across Chicago.”
Neighborhoods on the south and west sides of Chicago experience a disproportionate amount of air pollution and diesel emissions, largely due to vehicle emissions according to CDOT. Despite that, most of Chicago’s public charging stations are clustered in higher-income areas while just 7.8% are in environmental justice neighborhoods that face higher environmental burdens.
“Too often, communities facing the greatest economic and transportation barriers also experience the most air pollution,” explains Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson. “By prioritizing investments in historically underserved areas and making clean transportation options more affordable and accessible, we can improve both mobility and public health.”
The Framework identifies other near-term policy objectives, as well – such as streamlining the EV charger installation process for businesses and residents and implementing “Low-Emission Zones” in areas disproportionately impacted by air pollution by limiting, or even restricting, access to conventional medium- and heavy-duty vehicles during peak hours.
The Chicago Moves Electric Framework includes the installation of Level 2 and DC fast charging stations in public locations such as libraries and Chicago’s Midway Airport, “supporting not only personal EVs but also electric taxis, ride-hail and commercial fleets.”
Chicago has a goal of installing 2,500 public passenger EV charging stations and electrifying the city’s entire municipal vehicle fleet by 2035.
Electrek’s Take
I hate to sound like a bed-wetting liberal here, guys, but Chicago is getting EVs absolutely right with big utility incentives on both vehicles and infrastructure, a governor willing to stand behind smart environmental policy, and a solid push for more and better infrastructure in the areas where they’ll do the most good. They’re even thinking of the children.
Here’s hoping more cities follow suit.
SOURCE: ComEd, via Smart Cities Dive; featured image by EVgo.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
With a fully-enclosed, G-Wagen-inspired body and an 80 mile electric range, the Bodo G-Wagon golf cart is the NEV you need when you decide it’s time to get serous one-upping the rest of the Palm Beach country clubbers.
If you love the look of the $230,000 Mercedes-Benz G580 off-roader, but think the 579 hp, 6,800 lb. electric 4×4 is probably overkill for occasional trips to the golf course and country club, this G-Wagen-inspired golf cart might be just what you’re looking for.
The shiny black 2024 Bodo G-Wagon sold at Mecum Auctions last month for $31,900, which seems like it might not be a lot of money to the sort of person who decides to take a flyer on a goofy, limited-use EV that ships with real, metal doors, power windows, heating and air conditioning, fully digital instrument cluster and infotainment, and a “posh,” caramel leather interior.
It even has windshield wipers, power steering, and a rear-seat entertainment system that’s built into the front headrests!
It’s really nice in there
Under the hood, the Bodo packs a 15 kW (20 hp) electric motor drawing power from a 10 kWh li-ion battery that won’t deliver a scorching 0-60 mph time (it only goes 35), but will deliver you and your buddies from one end of any golf course in North America and back several times over, thanks to the G-Wagon’s 80 mile range.
The official Mecum Auctions listing goes into a bit more detail, and I’ve included it here, in case it gets deleted after a while and you’re just finding this for the first time in 2027:
Be the envy of any country club or golf community showing up with this 2024 Bodo G-Wagon Golf Cart. Perhaps more appropriately known as an E-Wagon, this baby G-Wagon is powered by a 15kW motor with a 10kWh lithium battery. Boasting an 80-mile range and a 35 MPH top speed, the Bodo is an enclosed, luxury golf cart that pampers occupants with heating and air conditioning, rear-seat entertainment, power windows, power locks and a posh, caramel-colored interior. With the Bodo fitted with power steering and 4-wheel power disc brakes with brake boost, drivers will think they’re in a full-size G-Wagon, thanks to the multiscreen entertainment cluster, the rearview camera, windshield wipers, turn signals, running lights and so much more.
Finished in black with the right amount of brightwork, the overall vibe is one of jaw-dropping, smile-inducing fun. While the Bodo would be an excellent choice for any golf community, it should also prove to be hugely popular around a race track or car condo community as well, or maybe even a neighborhood with its own airplane runways. Over the past decade in particular, the demand for unique, luxury golf carts has been on the rise, and understandably so. The number of luxury communities with specific interests in sports, aero and auto has also been on the rise, with people buying homes in these exclusive locations to better engage with like-minded people. All too often a golf cart is the perfect way to get around these gated neighborhoods, and this one is enclosed, comes with the amenities of a full-size car and is infinitely more stylish.
You can check out a few more photos of the 2024 Bodo G-Wagon golf cart that sold at Mecum, below – and if you want one for yourself, you’re in luck! I found this brand-new 2025 “G600 E-Wagon” (in white) for $23,900 at Gulf Carts in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. Head on down to the comments and let us know if you buy it.
G-Wagon golf cart gallery
SOURCE | LOTS MORE PHOTOS: Mecum Auctions.
Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisors to help you every step of the way. Best of all? Contractors won’t call you unless you give them your number. Get started here.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
-
Sports3 years ago‘Storybook stuff’: Inside the night Bryce Harper sent the Phillies to the World Series
-
Sports1 year agoStory injured on diving stop, exits Red Sox game
-
Sports2 years agoGame 1 of WS least-watched in recorded history
-
Sports2 years agoMLB Rank 2023: Ranking baseball’s top 100 players
-
Sports4 years ago
Team Europe easily wins 4th straight Laver Cup
-
Environment2 years agoJapan and South Korea have a lot at stake in a free and open South China Sea
-
Environment2 years agoGame-changing Lectric XPedition launched as affordable electric cargo bike
-
Business3 years agoBank of England’s extraordinary response to government policy is almost unthinkable | Ed Conway