Summary
- Rivian will offer performance and range boosts through software updates to some R1S and R1T EV owners
- Performance upgrades will no longer be tied to the purchase of a new vehicle
- Owners of these EVs can upgrade their driving range through a paid software unlock
- Software update will allow for Performance pack activation through the car’s infotainment screen
- Large Battery pack models will be eligible for a range-boosting update in the future through a paid software unlock
Article
Unlock More Range and Performance with Rivian’s Software Updates
Rivian, the electric vehicle manufacturer, is paving the way for owners of their R1S and R1T models to unlock more driving range and performance through software updates. The company’s software chief confirmed that the Performance upgrade will no longer be tied to the purchase of a new vehicle, allowing current owners to access these improvements. Additionally, some R1S and R1T EVs will receive a driving range boost via a paid software unlock, enhancing the overall capabilities of the vehicles.
Performance Upgrade for R1S and R1T EVs
Through the latest software update, Rivian will enable owners of the refreshed dual-motor R1S and R1T EVs to access the Performance upgrade with just a few taps on the car’s infotainment screen. Previously, the Performance pack could only be purchased outright when configuring a new order or buying a vehicle from inventory with the option already activated. The upgrade costs $5,000 as a one-time purchase and enhances the power, torque, and acceleration of the dual-motor EVs while adding new driving modes like Sport and Soft Sand.
Range-Boosting Software Unlock
The power-boosting option is specifically designed for Dual Motor All-Wheel Drive R1S and R1T models equipped with the Large Battery pack. In the future, this battery setup will also be eligible for a range-boosting update, allowing owners to unlock the full capacity of their batteries. While details on the pricing and availability of the OTA Performance upgrade remain unclear, Rivian is committed to providing a seamless and convenient experience for its customers.
Understanding the Battery Options
Although Rivian offers Standard, Large, and Max battery packs for their EVs, there is no official Large+ pack available for purchase. The Large pack, which is listed with a usable capacity of 108.5 kWh, was initially a software-locked version of the Max pack when production began last year. Customers were not impacted by this change, and production was able to ramp up quickly. Owners can identify the battery type by checking the range figure, with the software-locked R1S Dual Large model displaying 330 miles of range.
Potential Upgrades for Rivian EV Owners
Owners of Rivian’s EVs may have the option to pay to unlock the full capacity of their batteries, essentially converting them into Max packs. With this upgrade, the range of the R1S and R1T models could increase significantly, providing a longer driving range for customers. While the exact details of the battery upgrade process are still pending, it is clear that Rivian is committed to offering innovative solutions to enhance the performance and usability of their electric vehicles.
Conclusion
Rivian’s decision to enable Performance upgrades and range boosts through software updates highlights the company’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge technology to its customers. With the ability to unlock additional features and capabilities on existing EVs, Rivian is setting a new standard in the electric vehicle market. As more owners take advantage of these software unlocks, the overall driving experience and performance of Rivian’s R1S and R1T models are expected to be significantly enhanced, cementing the company’s position as a leader in the industry. Stay tuned for more updates on how Rivian plans to roll out these exciting software upgrades to their customers.
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