Rivian’s new ‘Performance’ powertrain lets R1T reservation holders keep their big battery

Rivian’s new Performance Dual-Motor drivetrain is now available to reservation holders with configuration access. Preorders that include the longest range ‘Max’ battery will automatically switch to the new drivetrain if the super off-roading Quad-Motor option was previously selected.

Rivian unlocked a new Dual-Motor Performance AWD option for its R1T electric pickup truck and R1S SUV on Thursday, and the automaker is now allowing eligible order holders with configurator access to select the new drivetrain. The news comes after Rivian announced last month that “thousands” of R1T reservation holders will be receiving invitations to configure their trucks for delivery in the next one to four months after order confirmation.

The 700-horsepower Performance Dual-Motor AWD (previously known as the “enhanced” Dual-Motor) is a software-unlocked version of the standard 600-horsepower Dual-Motor that quickens its 0–60 mph acceleration from 4.5 seconds down to 3.5 seconds. The upgrade adds $5,000 to the price of the R1T, which currently starts at $73,000.

The new drivetrain — now the midrange option between the standard Dual-Motor AWD and the full-on yee-haw Quad-Motor AWD for off-roaders — has also become the default for R1T reservation holders who want to order the biggest “Max pack” battery. In February, Rivian promised customers will be getting their R1T and R1S vehicles with the long-delayed 400-mile Max pack battery this year.

Rivian buyers who had previously selected the Quad-Motor AWD option with the Max pack battery will automatically be downgraded to the Dual-Motor Performance AWD version. This means that Rivian buyers hoping to get the best battery and best drivetrain will no longer be able to. The automaker explained the new choice limitation can’t be done due to “a more energy dense Max pack design.”

Affected customers will be receiving price adjustments as follows:

For customers who placed a preorder on or before March 1, 2022: 

switching from Quad-Motor AWD + Max pack to standard Dual-Motor AWD + Max pack reduces price by $4,500 ($6,250 CAD) 

switching from Quad-Motor AWD + Max pack to Performance Dual-Motor AWD + Max pack reduces price by $2,000 ($2,750 CAD) 

For customers who placed a preorder between March 2, 2022 and May 25, 2022: 

switching from Quad-Motor AWD + Max pack to standard Dual-Motor AWD + Max pack reduces price by $6,000 ($7,750 CAD) 

switching from Quad-Motor AWD + Max pack to Performance Dual-Motor AWD + Max pack reduces price by $1,000 ($1,250 CAD) 

According to Rivian spokesperson Tanya Miller in an email with The Verge, the Max pack battery capacity is 180 kWh, which is consistent with previously reported specs. The Max pack was originally estimated to be capable of 400-plus miles of range but is currently advertised as “up to” 400 miles. In 2021, Rivian said about 20 percent of customer preorders had selected the then-$10,000 Max pack option (now $16,000).

For R1T reservation holders who still would rather have the Quad-Motor setup for maximum off-road abilities, the studio allows configuration for it to be paired with only the large pack battery — enabling a not-as-stellar 328 miles of range. The automaker is still planning a future configuration that includes the Quad-Motor and longer range.

If you’re a reservation holder, be sure to lock in your order when you can. You never know if Rivian will increase prices or cancel the next most affordable options.