Rivian's R1 vehicles are getting a gut overhaul — here's what's new
What significant changes have been made to the second generation Rivian R1 vehicles compared to the first generation?
The second generation Rivian R1 vehicles have undergone significant changes compared to the first generation4. These changes include:
- New zonal architecture: Rivian has switched from a domain-based architecture to a new zonal system, resulting in fewer electronic control units (ECUs), less wiring, and reduced production costs.
- Reduced number of ECUs: The total number of ECUs has been reduced to seven, from the 17 that made up the first-gen R1’s domain-based system, allowing for smoother over-the-air software updates and cost savings per vehicle.
- Enhanced software: The EVs have received major software upgrades, including stunning new visuals powered by Epic’s Unreal Engine.
- Redesigned motors: Newly redesigned motors enable a performance bump for dual- and quad-motor variants.
- Improved battery packs: Rivian has redesigned its Large and Max battery packs for better range, offering up to 420 miles in EPA-estimated range1.
- Aerodynamic tires: New aerodynamic tires help reduce drag and maximize range.
- Smarter driver-assist system: The new R1 vehicles feature a thermal heat pump for improved battery maintenance and a more advanced driver-assist system.
- Increased autonomy: Rivian is installing Nvidia’s AI chips in its vehicles for the first time, which should improve processing speeds and enable hands-free driving in the future.
- Better camera fidelity: The number of cameras has increased from 10 to 11, with much better resolution, running at 60 frames per second, and with improved low-light performance and color quality.
These changes aim to improve performance, efficiency, and manufacturing costs, as well as set the stage for the upcoming R2 and R3 vehicles.
What new features and upgrades are included in the second-generation R1 vehicles' software?
The second-generation R1 vehicles from Rivian come with a suite of software upgrades and new features. Some of the highlights include:
- A new autonomy platform that features 11 cameras, five radar sensors, and AI prediction technology3. This system offers improved perception and driver assistance capabilities.
- An entirely new electrical architecture and compute platform that reduces the number of electronic control units (ECUs) from 17 to just seven. This change simplifies the vehicle's design, allows for smoother over-the-air software updates, and reduces manufacturing costs.
- Redesigned software user interface powered by Unreal Engine, giving the system a more playful and illustrative style.
- Digital keys that allow Rivian owners to lock, unlock, and start their vehicles using their smartphones or smartwatches. The system is compatible with iPhones, Apple Watches, and select Google Pixel devices.
- Deeper integration with Apple Music, allowing users to access the service's catalog of over 100 million songs and 30,000 playlists directly through the R1’s software platform.
- A new Rivian-developed sound system and Dolby Atmos® are available with Rivian Premium Audio, providing an immersive listening experience.
- Connect+, a new subscription service that supports streaming video through Google Cast and provides access to over 3,000 apps, seamlessly bringing entertainment to the R1’s center display.
- Enhanced driver assistance features, such as blind spot monitoring and highway assist, powered by the new autonomy platform.
How does the new "zonal" system architecture in Rivian's vehicles compare to the previous "domain-based" architecture?
Rivian's new "zonal" system architecture represents a significant shift from the previous "domain-based" architecture. In the domain-based architecture, over a dozen Electronic Control Units (ECUs) were spread throughout the vehicle, each responsible for controlling and monitoring various systems like airbags, braking, and parking assistance4.
In contrast, the new zonal architecture consolidates these ECUs into zones based on their location in the vehicle. This change has several advantages. Firstly, it reduces the amount of wiring required, as the ECUs are now located closer to one another. In fact, Rivian has managed to remove over 1.6 miles of wiring from its vehicles as a result of this change. This reduction in wiring not only simplifies the vehicle's electrical system but also reduces its weight, which can improve range.
Secondly, the zonal architecture allows for smoother over-the-air software updates, as the consolidated ECUs can be updated more efficiently. This could lead to cost savings, as well as improved software performance and functionality.
Finally, the zonal architecture is less complex and easier to manufacture, which is crucial for Rivian's survival as it seeks to reduce production costs. The company has managed to reduce the total number of ECUs to seven, down from 17 in the first-generation R1's domain-based system. This simplification of the control unit landscape is expected to result in "thousands" in cost savings per vehicle.
Overall, the switch from a domain-based to a zonal architecture represents a significant improvement in the design and functionality of Rivian's vehicles. It not only simplifies the vehicle's electrical system and reduces manufacturing costs, but it also paves the way for improved software performance and functionality, as well as potential cost savings for customers.