Rivian launches its 2025 R1 pickup truck and SUV, featuring Nvidia DRIVE Orin processors, which increase computing power tenfold.

It is reported that the update covers hardware, battery, and interior, providing more driving assistance functions and faster charging speed. These upgrades pave the way for the upcoming economy R2 model. Despite facing financial challenges, Rivian remains competitive in the high-end market.

Hardware upgrades and battery optimization

Rivian Automotive has announced a major overhaul of the 2025 R1 pickup truck and SUV, with a focus on improving the vehicle's performance, range, and computing power. Although the appearance has not changed much, Rivian has replaced more than half of its hardware components and redesigned the battery and electrical architecture, which are known as the "brain" of the vehicle.

Significant growth in computing performance

The new Rivian model adopts dual N vidia DRIVE Orin processors, which drive the "autonomous computing module", greatly improving the vehicle's computing performance, reaching ten times that of the previous generation system.

This upgrade provides strong support for driving assistance functions. Rivian has also launched an "advanced version" that can achieve short-term hands-free driving under specific conditions. However, Rivian emphasized that drivers still need to pay full attention to the road conditions throughout the journey.

Preparing to launch the economy R2 model

This upgrade to the existing flagship model is one of Rivian's strategies to increase sales and prepare for the upcoming economy R2 model.

The starting price of the R2 model is expected to be around $45000, and delivery is planned to begin in the first half of 2026. These lower priced models are crucial for Rivian to expand its market share, especially in the current context of slowing sales in the electric vehicle industry.

Financial challenges and cost control measures

In response to the current market challenges, Rivian has taken multiple cost control measures, including layoffs, reducing operating costs, and improving production efficiency at the Illinois factory.

In addition, Rivian suspended the construction of a new factory in Georgia, saving $2.25 billion in capital expenditures. Nevertheless, Rivian still faces severe financial challenges, reporting a loss of $1.45 billion in the first quarter of this year, and its stock price has fallen by about 50% since the beginning of the year.

Diversified configurations and high-end performance

The R1S and R1T models for 2025 are about to begin delivery, offering three motor configurations: dual motor, three motor, and four motor, as well as different battery pack options. The range varies depending on the configuration, reaching 270 miles, 330 miles, and 420 miles respectively.

The starting price of R1S will be increased by $1000 to $75900, while the price of high-end three motor models will start from $106000. The starting price of the R1T remains at $69900, but the price of the high-end three motor model will exceed $100000. The specific price of the four motor model has not been announced yet.

Interior upgrades and faster charging speeds

The interior design of the new model is more luxurious and equipped with a newly designed software interface. The charging speed has also significantly improved, and all models can increase their range by 140 miles in about 20 minutes.