Out of Spec seemingly confirms R1 refresh in about a month

[ChiefBushWookie]

Video is about his R2 experience. However, at minute 24:52 in the video, Kyle mentions that the R1 refresh is coming in about a month with OOS videos being posted in a few weeks.

Really excited to see the updates. Even if they are minor.

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[usofrob]

I don't think he's speaking with any additional knowledge than what's already public. They're shutdown for most of April doing the refresh for cost savings (and possibly other feature) updates.

 

[IGR]

Maybe the shut down is so they can implement working tonneau cover?

 

[Electrified Outdoors]

I don't think he has any more info than anyone else. Rivian hasn't announced any refresh. R1 is only into its 3rd model year. Any refresh is likely to be cost savings related.

On the off chance there is a refresh, Kyle nor anyone else will know about it beforehand because it was cause existing units to not sell. Also, if Rivian is getting to gross positive margins by end of Q4 it has to be about maximizing cost savings for their existing products. Launching a new variant is possible I suppose but seems like that would cost them more $$$ to ramp up.

 

[zipzag]

Journalists may get a preview with a publishing date restriction.

That release of restriction would presumably correspond to the reopening of the stores ability to configure new production

 

[BigE]

The current build/architecture of the R1's is ~6 years old. What actions do we see Rivian taking: currently clearing out R1 inventory with different incentives & great lease rates, rebuilding the production line, and starting back up with a Refreshed R1. The R1 sales must carry them through another 20+ months to reach the R2 launch. No talk of R1 refresh so as not to discourage current potential buyers.

 

[lefkonj]

Refresh vs the factory efficiencies are two different things. No one really know outside of Rivian right now. Did they figure out a more cost affective way to make the seats, maybe. are they going to start using the new batteries, maybe. SO its all guesses, I can do that to and put out a video if it helps.

 

[edman007]

Rivian has stated that there are changes to the vehicle to support cost improvement. I don't know what you would call that other than a refresh. Specifically they said they are reducing the processor count and include wiring harness changes. To me, that means at a very minimum, the processor is getting upgraded. They also said battery improvements, though I guess it could be argued that how they worded it could not actually affect the battery design, I think that's naive. Further, their filing of updated VIN information confirms a new tri-motor is in the books.

I don't think there is anyway you can say that there isn't a refresh coming, the question is only how visible the refresh will be to the customer. From a technical perspective, it's probably mostly updating the electronics to remove hard to get out of date chips, probably including faster processors. They are probably finally dropping Bosch motors, as they said they would. I personally thinking the pack changes will improve charging speed. They are probably throwing in some customer facing demand, because you can't just leave everything old. They are being very cautious to avoid telling us what changes you'll notice to avoid hurting current sales.

 

[sub]

I don't think Rivian would have sold all of their demo vehicles if they weren't changing something noticeable. No need for them to invest in new demo vehicles if all of the changes are invisible to the customer. However I am skeptical that it will be anything revolutionary from a customer's perspective or worth waiting for.

My guess is that the primary noticeable changes will be simplifying the construction of the interior trim pieces. I predict that even the rumored "premium" trim would be cheaper to manufacture than the current trim. Even if the new trim feels more upscale it will be cheaper for Rivian to produce.

 

[DuoRivian]

He knows nothing more than us.

 

[C12farmer]

I'm pretty sure they're going to drop the camp speaker as standard equipment. Maybe they'll include it on a new top trim. They'll put it in the shop for around $400 would be my guess.

They'll also upgrade the phone charging pad to something that works better. RJ has already stated this several times.

Updated cameras/sensors are a very obvious one that goes along with updated electronics architecture.

I'm sure they're changing a bunch of other small things that less consumer facing.
Changing is the key word. Could be a different supplier, lower cost design, or maybe even an improved design. Could be all three!

It's harder to guess the larger updates like motor config, HVAC system, battery pack changes.

 

[NC-Rivian]

He knows nothing more than us.

True dat. However, it takes him 67 minutes to make that apparent.

 

[DuoRivians]

If you’re replacing the ECUs with network-based ECUs, replacing the wire harness with 30% less cabling, and retooling the plant, it would seem to be an opportunistic time to introduce a refresh.

Otherwise, you’re going to have to stop the plant again later for the refresh.

We’ve also seen a lot of camo’d R1s driving around.

My bet is that the refresh is coming imminently, and Rivian isn’t going to say anything until they’re shipping.

 

[DuoRivian]

If you’re replacing the ECUs with network-based ECUs, replacing the wire harness with 30% less cabling, and retooling the plant, it would seem to be an opportunistic time to introduce a refresh.

Otherwise, you’re going to have to stop the plant again later for the refresh.

We’ve also seen a lot of camo’d R1s driving around.

My bet is that the refresh is coming imminently, and Rivian isn’t going to say anything until they’re shipping.

I can see the new colors, and maybe wheels coming out but nothing substantial because that would be a major refit on a 2 year old vehicle. The less than four week shutdown is for the network team you mentioned. I could also see some alignment with R2 suppliers but nothing too visible.

 

[BigSkies]

A Denver Spaces employee told me he expected some type of reveal event towards the end of May.

I’m personally expecting some type of lower priced variant, and a price increase on the higher end variants. I think they need that to hit their 50k guidance.

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