Rivian R1T with Max Battery + Quad Motor Powertrain Discontinued

Those looking to purchase Rivian's R1T electric pickup truck with a quad-motor AWD powertrain and 180 kwh Max Pack battery will be disappointed as this configuration is no longer available. This applies only to pickups; the Max Pack was not available on the related R1S SUV.

It also applies to R1T pre-orders who were informed by letter this week that they would need to change to a different configuration. The Max Pack battery can be combined with the standard dual-motor AWD powertrain, while the Quad Motor AWD powertrain can be combined with the 135 kwh Large Pack battery.

Livien said the changes will help simplify the production process as the company continues to increase volume.

Rivian also said that the Max Pack battery combined with a quad motor powertrain with "additional capabilities" will be available again at a later date, possibly at a higher price. Pre-orders have the option of waiting for this new configuration, but delivery may take a while. Rivian said that pre-orders willing to choose one of the existing configurations could have their pickups delivered as early as early 2023.

For the R1T and R1S dual-motor powertrains, Rivian is also preparing performance upgrades. In January, Rivian plans to announce software tweaks that are expected to increase output to approximately 700 hp and 700 lb-ft, compared to the current power ratings of 600 hp and 600 lb-ft. The upgrade is expected to reduce the 0-60 mph time of the dual-motor model from 4.5 seconds to 3.5 seconds.

The performance upgrade will only apply to new orders, at least initially. Pricing will be announced closer to launch.

While Rivian adjusts the vehicle configuration, the automaker continues to roll out over-the-air updates that add new features. The most recent is Snow Mode, designed for on-road driving in winter.