Rivian redesigns all-electric R1 pickup and SUV, adds Nvidia chips and improves performance
How has Rivian incorporated Nvidia technology into their second-generation R1 models?
Rivian has incorporated Nvidia technology into their second-generation R1 models by using dual Nvidia DRIVE Orin processors to power the "Autonomy Compute Module." This module includes driver-assistant features, and Rivian claims that the new system delivers 10 times more performance than the previous system. The company also plans to offer a "premium version" of the system with an even broader set of capabilities, such as hands-free driving for periods of time. However, Rivian emphasizes that drivers will still need to pay attention to the road at all times.
What capabilities does the "Autonomy Compute Module" equipped with dual Nvidia DRIVE Orin processors provide in the new Rivian models?
The "Autonomy Compute Module" equipped with dual Nvidia DRIVE Orin processors in the new Rivian models provides significantly enhanced computing power, delivering 10 times more performance than the previous system5. This module is designed to support advanced driver-assistance features and enables the vehicles to process vast amounts of sensor data in real-time.
With the inclusion of the Nvidia DRIVE Orin processors, the Autonomy Compute Module can handle complex AI algorithms and deep learning models, which are crucial for advanced driving tasks and autonomous driving capabilities. The system is capable of processing data from various sensors such as cameras, radar, and lidar, allowing the vehicle to perceive and understand its surroundings more accurately.
Furthermore, the Autonomy Compute Module with Nvidia DRIVE Orin processors enables Rivian vehicles to offer a "premium version" of the system that includes a broader set of capabilities, such as hands-free driving for periods of time. However, Rivian emphasizes that drivers must still pay attention to the road at all times, indicating that the system is not yet fully autonomous.
In summary, the Autonomy Compute Module with dual Nvidia DRIVE Orin processors in the new Rivian models significantly improves the vehicles' computing power, enabling advanced driver-assistance features, enhanced sensor data processing, and the potential for hands-free driving in the future.
Can you describe the changes made to the battery packs and electrical architecture in the 2025 model-year vehicles?
The 2025 model-year Rivian R1 pickup and SUV models have undergone significant changes in their battery packs and electrical architecture. Rivian has reengineered the batteries and electrical architectures, which are considered the brains of the vehicle. The new battery packs continue to use a "2170 cylindrical cell," but the pack enclosure now utilizes large high-pressure die castings to simplify manufacturing and reduce mass.
The revamped R1 lineup offers three battery options: Standard, Large, and Max. The Standard battery pack now uses lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) chemistry, the same as Rivian's electric commercial delivery vans. This change is claimed to reduce complexity and make it easier to service. The Large battery pack's usable capacity has been reduced from 128.9 kWh to 109.4 kWh, now providing up to 330 miles of estimated range, down from the previous 352-mile max. The 141.5-kWh Max pack is said to be marginally larger.
In terms of electrical architecture, the number of electronic control units (ECUs) has been reduced from 17 to seven, simplifying the vehicle's systems. The new electrical architecture also led to the removal of 1.6 miles of wiring, resulting in a weight savings of 44 pounds.