Rivian's Cost-Cutting Move: Introducing the 'Enduro' Motor Design

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【Summary】Rivian has launched its own in-house electric motor design called Enduro, which combines the gearbox, power inverter, and motor into a single unit. This integration has allowed Rivian to reduce costs by $8,000 compared to their previous third-party motor setup. The R1T pickup now starts at $74,800 and the R1S crossover at $79,800.

FutureCar Staff Aug 30, 2023 5:13 PM PT

Rivian's Cost-Cutting Move: Introducing the 'Enduro' Motor Design

Rivian, the electric vehicle (EV) startup, has made significant progress since entering the EV market two years ago. Despite facing production challenges and obstacles, the company has persevered and recently achieved a major milestone with the launch of its own in-house electric motor design. This new motor design is expected to be a game-changer for Rivian.

RJ Scaringe, the CEO of Rivian, views the arrival of the Enduro motor as a landmark moment for the company. He believes that the motor represents not only improved performance, efficiency, and range but also showcases the organization's capabilities. Scaringe expressed this sentiment during a recent visit to Rivian's plant in Normal, Illinois.

The Enduro drive unit is a revolutionary integration of the gearbox, power inverter, and motor into a single unit. This integration has allowed Rivian to reduce the base model's price by $8,000 compared to their previous third-party motor setup. As a result, the R1T pickup now starts at $74,800, and the R1S crossover starts at $79,800.

In terms of performance, the original quad-motor configuration supplied by Bosch still holds the record with an impressive 835 hp. However, the dual-motor Enduro setup delivers 533 hp in its base form. For those seeking even more power, Rivian offers a performance version of the Enduro that provides an impressive 665 hp for an additional $5,000.

Rivian's commitment to the Enduro project is evident in its recent expansion of the assembly plant, adding 620,000 square feet. Tim Fallon, Rivian's Vice President of manufacturing operations, stated that the motor is a cornerstone of the company's plans to increase production. Rivian aims to build 52,000 units this year, more than double the number produced in 2022.

The Enduro motor will also be the foundation for Rivian's upcoming R2 vehicle platform, set to launch in 2026. This platform will focus on smaller, more affordable vehicles, expanding Rivian's market reach.

Real-world tests of the R1T with both motor configurations demonstrate their impressive performance. The quad-motor accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 3.0 seconds, while the dual-motor performance model achieves a close 3.5 seconds. With up to 665 hp, the Enduro motor offers power that many pickup truck customers have never experienced before.

Rivian has further plans for innovation. The company aims to launch the "max pack" battery this fall, which will be exclusively available with the Enduro setup. This battery is expected to provide an estimated 400-mile range. Customers opting for the Enduro performance with the max pack will have access to a top-tier trim starting at $95,800. This offers a competitive alternative to the quad-motor setup, which provides a range of 328 miles in its longest-range configuration, priced at $88,800.

Developing its own motors in-house not only brings cost savings to Rivian but also allows the company to differentiate itself from other EV automakers. By investing in this area and successfully bringing the motor to market, Rivian is building a strong foundation for future growth.