Summary
– Rivian is refreshing its R1 line for the 2025 model year with leaked photos showing exterior changes
– Changes include a new cheaper LFP battery on the base model, improved efficiency with a heat pump and aerodynamic wheels
– Vehicles have been spotted in Seattle with possible chrome delete, new LED headlights, and aerodynamic wheel covers
– Aerodynamic wheels can add efficiency gains of 5-10% by reducing air disturbance around the car
– Equipping every car with different wheel covers could potentially reduce total US energy use by 1%, or 40 billion kWh per year
Article
Rivian is preparing to update its R1 line for the 2025 model year, with leaked photos revealing exterior changes such as aerodynamic wheels and a modified exterior design. The company plans to introduce a new LFP battery option for the base model, aimed at reducing costs while maintaining positive margins. Despite the lower energy density of the LFP battery, Rivian is implementing improvements such as a heat pump for more efficient cabin heating in cold weather and aerodynamic wheels to enhance vehicle aerodynamics and range.
Recent sightings of Rivian vehicles in Seattle show slight modifications to the exterior, including a possible chrome delete and new headlights. The chrome delete feature, which eliminates chrome trim around the rear window, has become a popular modification among third-party installers. The upcoming R2 model also lacks chrome trim, suggesting a unification of design language between the two models. The new front headlights feature a stepped design and LED technology, though further details regarding their performance have yet to be revealed.
A standout feature on the updated Rivian vehicles are the aerodynamic wheel covers, designed to improve efficiency by reducing air resistance around the vehicle. These covers can contribute to efficiency gains of 5-10%, particularly at higher speeds. The use of aerodynamic wheels is crucial for electric vehicles, as consumers prioritize larger range numbers. By adding plastic covers to the wheels, the cost-effective solution can potentially save thousands of dollars that would otherwise be spent on a larger battery. This small modification can have a significant impact on reducing energy consumption in the US.
Riviantrackr reports that the aerodynamic wheel covers are removable, similar to other wheel covers on the market. However, underneath the covers, there may be plain spoked wheels that lack the aesthetic appeal of the aerodynamic covers. Despite the less visually appealing design underneath, the covers play a crucial role in improving overall vehicle efficiency and reducing energy consumption. The potential for a 5% increase in efficiency across all vehicles equipped with aerodynamic wheel covers could result in a significant reduction in total energy usage in the US, demonstrating the impact of small design changes in the automotive industry.
In conclusion, the updates to the Rivian R1 line for the 2025 model year reflect the company’s commitment to improving efficiency and reducing energy consumption. The introduction of aerodynamic wheel covers, along with other enhancements such as a heat pump and new battery options, contribute to the overall goal of creating more sustainable electric vehicles. These modifications not only improve the performance of the vehicles but also showcase Rivian’s dedication to innovation and environmental responsibility. As the automotive industry continues to evolve, small design changes like aerodynamic wheel covers can have a significant impact on reducing energy consumption and promoting sustainability.
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