Rivian Shifts Focus: R1S Production Takes Priority over R1T!

Rivian, the electric vehicle (EV) startup, is set to prioritize the production of its highly anticipated electric SUV, the 2023 Rivian R1S, in the second half of 2023. Despite growing economic uncertainty, demand for Rivian's vehicles remains strong, as highlighted by Rivian CFO Claire McDonough during her speech at the Global Auto Industry Conference.

According to McDonough, the R1S will be Rivian's most-produced vehicle in the second quarter of 2023, with the SUV accounting for approximately 70% of customer demand. The R1S shares many similarities with Rivian's electric pickup truck, the 2023 Rivian R1T, making production scalability relatively straightforward with minimal bottlenecks.

Rivian currently offers three versions of the R1S: the Dual-Motor All-Wheel Drive, Performance Dual-Motor AWD, and Quad-Motor AWD. The entry-level Dual-Motor AWD R1S boasts a range between 260 and 390 miles, depending on the battery specifications. With 600 horsepower, it can accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in just 4.5 seconds.

For those seeking higher performance, the Performance variant of the R1S adds an extra 100 horsepower, reducing the 0-60 time to an impressive 3.5 seconds. The top-of-the-line Quad-Motor AWD R1S, on the other hand, produces a staggering 835 horsepower and can launch from 0-60 in a mere 3 seconds. Despite its powerful performance, it still offers an EPA-estimated range of 321 miles, demonstrating Rivian's commitment to both speed and efficiency. Moreover, all versions of the R1S are capable of towing up to 7,700 lbs.

During her speech, McDonough also briefly mentioned Rivian's upcoming R2 models. Set to be fully revealed next year, the R2 lineup is expected to include a crossover R2S and a pickup truck R2T similar in size to the Ford Maverick.

While details about the R2 series are still unconfirmed, prices are projected to range from $40,000 to $60,000. McDonough emphasized Rivian's openness to partnerships and expressed excitement about the growing availability of fast-charging infrastructure for EV owners, particularly in light of Ford and GM's decision to partner with Tesla and switch to the North American Charging Standard (NACS).

Rivian's dedication to prioritizing the production of the R1S demonstrates their commitment to meeting the increasing demand for top-notch electric SUVs. With its impressive technical features and wide range of models, Rivian aims to establish a strong presence in the electric vehicle market and pave the way for a more sustainable transportation future. Furthermore, the R1S has successfully proven its safety standards by being awarded the IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+.