Rivian has overhauled its R1S SUV and R1T pickup truck, changing 600 parts to reduce manufacturing costs and enhance the performance of its flagship vehicles. The second-generation R1T and R1S, which have started production, offer improved ride quality, more powerful drivetrain options, and additional features like an electronically tinted sunroof and a launch mode. Despite these changes, the exterior remains largely the same, with the focus being on reworking the internals. The revamped vehicles feature a redesigned battery pack, suspension system, electrical architecture, interior seats, and sensor stack. The software user interface has also been updated, offering detailed graphics and deeper integration with Apple and Google. Rivian’s efforts to vertically integrate have led to the company designing and manufacturing more parts in-house, including its motors. This has resulted in a reduction in the number of electronic control units and wiring in each vehicle, leading to faster production times and weight savings. The changes aim to help Rivian sell more R1S and R1T vehicles without losing money, as the company reported a loss of about $38,784 on every vehicle delivered in the first quarter of 2024.
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