Rivian unveils redesign for all-electric R1 pickup and SUV with Nvidia chips to boost performance and optimize efficiency.

Unfortunately for them though, their world turned upside-down after they took part. Rivian Automotive announced Thursday it has overhauled its all-electric R1 pickup and SUV models using Nvidia chips to enhance range, performance, computing power and range extendibility. Although outwardly similar, Rivian said more than half the hardware components for second generation products had been revised as well as their batteries and electrical architectures (known as brains of vehicles). “Our R1 vehicles continue to offer quality and performance without compromise. Rivian CEO and founder RJ Scaringe noted in a statement: “Rivian R1S and R1T vehicles represent our most capable products ever created to date,” with one notable upgrade: 10 times greater computing performance over their predecessor system utilizing Nvidia DRIVE Orin processors for driving autonomous features like driver assistance features. Rivian also stated a premium version will also be made available with more capabilities such as hands-free driving for extended periods, among others. Rivian has warned drivers they must remain attentive at all times on the roads, even with these updates to its current products. Rivian hopes its updates to current models can boost sales of its flagship models before rolling out less-expensive “R2” vehicles that should start shipping from early 2026 with prices around $45,000 each – these vehicles are crucial to Rivian expanding given current sales have decreased due to slow industrywide sales rates of electric vehicles. In an effort to reduce capital spending, the company has reduced headcount, reduced operational expenses and revamped their Illinois plant for greater efficiencies in order to cut capital spending costs. Rivian also suspended construction on its Georgia plant and saved approximately $2.25 billion, as the automaker continued its spending spree and recorded massive losses. Starting pricing of its R1T model will remain steady at $69,900 while trimotor models could surpass $100,000 in cost. The company did not announce pricing details of their top-of-the-line quad motor vehicles, however updated battery packs use “2170 cylindrical cells,” but feature large high-pressure die casting enclosures to simplify production and reduce mass. Also featured with tri and quad motor vehicles from Rivian are new drive units for ease of driving. Launch Mode can now deliver up to 1,025 horsepower and 1,198 pound-foot of torque; acceleration from zero mph to 60 mph should occur within 2.5 seconds. Rivian said his vehicles now feature more powerful engine performance and torque (up from 835 HP and 908 lb-foot of torque), luxurious updated interiors and an entirely redesigned software interface, with faster charging times enabling all vehicles to add 140 miles of range in under 20 minutes. Don’t miss these exclusives from CNBC PRO!