Automotive tech startup unveils EVs for the future
“We’re launching Rivian with two vehicles that reimagine the pickup and SUV segments,” says RJ Scaringe, founder and CEO of Rivian. “I started Rivian to deliver products that the world didn’t already have – to redefine expectations through the application of technology and innovation.”
“Starting with a clean sheet, we have spent years developing the technology to deliver the ideal vehicle for active customers. This means having great driving dynamics on any surface on- or off-road, providing cargo solutions to easily storing any type of gear whether it’s a surf board or a fishing rod and, very importantly, being capable of driving long distances on a single charge.”
“From the inside out, Rivian has developed its vehicles with adventurers at the core of every design and engineering decision. The R1T [pickup] and R1S [SUV] are the result of all this work and we are excited to finally introduce these products to the world,” says Scaringe.
The company has a development center in London, UK, working on a platform to efficiently package the battery pack, drive units, suspension, braking and thermal system all below the height of the wheel. This delivers a low center of gravity that supports the vehicle’s agility and stability.
Added to this is a suspension architecture with unequal length double wishbone suspension in the front and a multi-link suspension in the rear. The suspension features dynamic roll control and adaptive dampers along with ride-height adjustable air-suspension – allowing the suspension to be adjusted for any condition whether its highway comfort, on-road performance or off-road capability.
Rivian’s quad-motor system delivers 147kW and precise torque control to each wheel, enabling active torque vectoring with 3,500 Nm of grounded torque per wheel (14,000 Nm of torque for the full vehicle). This allows the R1T and R1S can both reach 60 mph in 3 seconds and 100 mph in less than 7 seconds.
“The beauty and elegance of our quad-motor setup isn’t just about brute power, this architecture provides instantaneous torque with extremely precise control at each wheel, which is completely game-changing from a dynamics perspective both on- and off-road,” says Mark Vinnels, Executive Director of Engineering and Programs .
The batttery packs for the RiT come in 105kW, 135kW and 180kW versions for a range of 230+, 300+ and 400 miles respectively. The packs use tough underbody protection and an advanced cooling system to give occupants the confidence to go further, regardless of terrain or temperature.
Adaptive control algorithms learn driver behaviour, optimizing user-specific battery management for maximizing battery life, reliability and second-life reusability. Three battery sizes are planned with the 180 kWh and 135 kWh available at launch and a 105 kWh being made available within six months of launch.
The battery is designed for fast charging with charging rates of up to 160kW. This enables approximately 200 miles of range to be added in 30 minutes of charging. In addition to DC fast-charging, an 11kW onboard charger facilitates rapid charging at a Level 2 charger.
The system operates on a high-speed Ethernet backbone that enables robust security. This platform supports granular over-the-air updates of vehicle software to add features and functions and improve performance. All Rivian vehicles connect to a cloud-ecosystem for data exchange and processing, enabling machine learning and data science services.
The digital experience extends beyond the vehicle into the cloud ecosystem and mobile/web applications and provides a consistent and seamless interface for vehicle status and control. Maps, music, navigation and several on-brand features complete the digital experience. The digital user interface strongly reflects adventure, outdoors and exploration – the experience is immersive and natural whether it’s being used in a connected urban setting or well off the beaten path.
The R1T will launch with multiple sensors including camera, lidar, radar, ultrasonic and a high precision GPS coupled with high definition maps. This hardware enables “Level 3” (hands-off wheel and eyes off road) autonomy for highway operation. Beyond the highway Level 3, the vehicle will have a range of self-driving features.
Rivian has development centers in Plymouth, MI, San Jose, CA, Irvine, CA, and London, UK as well as a 2.6 million square foot manufacturing plant in Normal, IL.
Deliveries of the R1T begin in late 2020 and the R1S begin at the start of 2021. Pre-orders and more information are available at www.rivian.com.
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