[Official Feature] Rivian Drive Systems Decoded: Dual-Motor, Enhanced Dual-Motor and Quad-Motor

[kanundrum]

https://stories.rivian.com/difference-between-r1-drive-systems

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[moosehead]

I was not aware of the enhanced dual motor option where software boosts torque and HP.

Makes one wonder what else may be tucked inside waiting to be unlocked.

 

[aAlpine]

So looks like no proper locking diff (just the software+brake based capabilities, which have proven to not be as effective)

 

[SoCal Rob]

I guess this answers the locking differential question some had, at least with current specs: Brake technologies control torque bias left to right

We had a 2001 Land Rover Discovery 2 with a locking center differential and ABS-based traction control on the 2 open diff axles. It was primitive compared to what Rivian can provide but still did really well off-road. So please don’t panic just because there aren’t locking diffs. I bet even the dual motor setups will be overkill for most of us, especially with the available power and how it is delivered.

 

[theyoungone]

I love Rivian, but the Dual Motor doesn’t mean a dang thing to me until they tell me how much added range it’ll be receiving over the current quad motor configuration. And tbh if it’s not more than 5-6% (hoping for 10%) i just don’t see why it’s worth it.

My biggest gripe so far with the Rivian is the perceived tire life. Specifically for the 21s. I can’t do 7-10K miles for ONE set of tires. Increased range on a dual motor variant would allow me to get the 20s which is more common as a tire size, cheaper (as opposed to $420-450 for the 21s) and isn’t custom.

 

[SoCal Rob]

And tbh if it’s not more than 5-6% (hoping for 10%) i just don’t see why it’s worth it.

I think some current shoppers will see $8,000 (as of today, prices subject to change) as a good reason to go for the base dual over quad. Pre-3/1 reservation holders still save money over quad but not as much.

 

[fotoflux]

Range is probably the only thing that would make me want to switch to the dual motor configuration, especially if the enhanced dual motor can be de-tuned by SW in conserve mode to get the full range potential.

The other wildcard is if the dual motor will be paired with 800V for a time while they are still using the 400V system for the Bosch quad motor setup. If that turns out to be true, the dual motor will certainly be the better choice for most people, because faster charging means less time sitting at a crappy diner in the middle of nowhere with nothing else to do waiting for your car to get from 10-70%. on road trips.

 

[brancky3]

My biggest gripe so far with the Rivian is the perceived tire life. Specifically for the 21s. I can’t do 7-10K miles for ONE set of tires. Increased range on a dual motor variant would allow me to get the 20s which is more common as a tire size, cheaper (as opposed to $420-450 for the 21s) and isn’t custom.

Good lord what are you doing to those tires?

 

[fotoflux]

Good lord what are you doing to those tires?

This may be an outlier, but the many reports of only getting around 20k per tire is pretty dismal.

 

[brancky3]

This may be an outlier, but the many reports of only getting around 20k per tire is pretty dismal.

Absolutely agree with that. I’m planning to change the wheels to a more common size before getting to the point of replacement, or hopefully another tire manufacturer comes out with a 21 inch offering

 

[DTown3011]

If I wasn't so close to taking delivery of my R1T (Dec/Jan delivery date) I would strongly consider switching to the Enhanced Dual Motor version...I won't be offroading, ever, and the higher range appeals to me!

 

[silkyjohnson]

anyone see anything yet that would lead you to believe dual motor would have less half shaft issues due to less needed articulation for the suspension?

 

[Dark-Fx]

So looks like no proper locking diff (just the software+brake based capabilities, which have proven to not be as effective)

Proven by whom? The video Rivian posted looked pretty effective to me. The truck did all of the stuff that's hard for a vehicle with an open diff.

 

[johstacy]

I'm a fan of the quad motor to be honest but I do have a question what is the towing capacity of the dual motor systems?

 

[Dark-Fx]

I'm a fan of the quad motor to be honest but I do have a question what is the towing capacity of the dual motor systems?

Same towing capacity as quad.

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