As the electric vehicle market continues its rapid expansion, a new segment has emerged and is already heating up: EV pickups. While Tesla has dominated the EV space over the last decade, a crop of new entrants are staking their claim in the world of electron-powered trucks. Chief among them is Rivian, with its sleek and spartan R1T pickup that blends Patagonia aesthetics with electrified utility.
The R1T made waves when it debuted with some truly jaw-dropping performance specs, including a quad motor setup with power and torque figures that bested many supercars. Rivian also offers the R1T with a dual motor configuration that still posts segment-leading acceleration, towing, and off-road capability. For buyers cross-shopping the R1T‘s different trims, deciding between the Performance Dual Motor and Quad Motor essentially comes down to a question of torque.
The Digital Technology Behind Rivian‘s Motors
Before we dive into the differences between the R1T‘s dual and quad motor setups, let‘s examine the cutting-edge EV tech Rivian has developed to power its groundbreaking truck.
Unlike Tesla, which uses AC induction motors in many of its vehicles, Rivian opted for permanent magnet synchronous motors for the R1T. This type of motor is known for its high efficiency and power density. The permanent magnets in the rotor create a strong magnetic field that interacts with the stator‘s electromagnets to generate rotation. This allows the motors to produce high torque at low RPMs, ideal for a truck.^1
Rivian packages its custom-designed motors in single-motor drive units that integrate the power electronics and gearbox. These compact units can be mounted at each axle (in the dual motor) or each wheel (quad motor). The drive units are controlled by advanced software that precisely meters out torque to each motor as needed. The quad motor setup can make 100 adjustments per second, reacting to driving conditions faster than humanly possible.^2
One of Rivian‘s key innovations is a patent-pending heat exchanger that keeps the permanent magnets cool, allowing the motors to generate their peak power for longer periods without overheating. This is especially important for demanding situations like towing and off-roading. Rivian‘s battery pack design also helps with thermal management.^3
Performance Dual Motor: Plenty of Torque for Most
The R1T‘s Performance Dual Motor trim is the sweet spot of the lineup in terms of performance, efficiency, and value. It uses two of Rivian‘s drive units, one on each axle. The front motor generates 415 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque, while the rear puts out 420 hp and 495 lb-ft, for a total of 835 hp and 908 lb-ft.^4
Those are staggering figures for a pickup truck, gas or electric. The dual motor R1T can rocket from 0-60 mph in just 3 seconds, quicker than a Porsche Cayenne Turbo. It can also tow up to 11,000 lbs, matching the highest-rated HD trucks from Ford and GM. With a motor on each axle, the R1T has precise control over the front-rear torque split, shunting power seamlessly as needed to maintain traction.
The dual motor setup also enables torque vectoring, but is limited to shifting power between the axles, not side-to-side. Still, with so much torque on tap, the Performance Dual Motor offers handling and stability unmatched by any gas trucks. It corners flatly with incredible grip. The front-rear weight balance afforded by the dual motors gives the R1T handling more akin to a sport sedan than a 7,000 lb pickup.
Rivian‘s battery and motor thermal management means the Performance Dual Motor can sustain its performance longer than other EVs that quickly heat-soak. It maintains consistent acceleration and towing power even when pushed hard. With 314 miles of range and 200 kW DC fast charging capability, the dual motor R1T is also an efficient highway cruiser.^5
Quad Motor: The Ultimate Torque-Vectoring Machine
For buyers who want the absolute pinnacle of pickup performance and technology, Rivian offers the R1T with a quad motor setup. As the name suggests, it uses four of Rivian‘s drive units, one for each wheel. Total output is a staggering 908 hp and 980 lb-ft of torque, with each motor capable of up to 415 hp.^4
The key advantage of the quad motor system is its ability to do full torque vectoring, controlling the power at each wheel independently. It can send 100% of torque to any wheel, or even apply negative torque to create a braking effect. This enables unrivaled traction and stability management that borders on magic.
In off-road situations, the quad motor R1T can strategically apply torque at each corner to keep the truck moving over even the nastiest terrain. It acts like an ultra-advanced 4×4 system, but with faster-than-human reflexes. On winding roads, the outside wheels get more power to help rotate the truck through corners, while the inside wheels can be braked to reduce understeer. It‘s like an all-wheel steering system without the added complexity.^6
The quad motor setup shines during hard launches, putting all 908 hp and 980 lb-ft down with absolute authority. Rivian claims a 0-60 mph time of 3 seconds flat, which beats many pure sports cars. The instant torque and advanced traction management should also make the R1T a towing beast, capable of handling heavy loads with aplomb.
Of course, all that capability comes at a cost, both in terms of dollars and efficiency. The Quad Motor starts at $87,000, a full $14,000 more than the Performance Dual Motor. It also reduces range to 289 miles.^5 For most buyers, the extra off-road and cornering chops will be hard to justify. But as a technological showcase, the quad motor R1T is undeniably impressive.
Towing Tech Showdown
On paper, both the Performance Dual Motor and Quad Motor R1Ts are rated to tow up to 11,000 lbs, matching the capability of HD trucks from Ford and GM. But the experience of towing with an EV is quite different than a gas truck. The instant torque from the electric motors makes acceleration with a trailer effortless. The low center of gravity improves stability.
Where the quad motor has an edge is its ability to precisely control the power at each wheel for enhanced trailer control. Rivian‘s torque vectoring algorithms and high-speed processors can detect and quickly correct trailer sway before the driver even feels it. The quad motor R1T should be rock-steady towing in windy conditions or on twisty roads.
Efficiency is likely a wash between the dual and quad motor trucks when towing. The quad motor‘s extra power compensates for its added weight and slight efficiency deficit. It will be interesting to see real-world towing range figures as owners start putting their R1Ts to work.
The Software Side of Torque
What makes the R1T‘s torque vectoring truly special is the advanced software and processing power controlling it all. Rivian developed its own vehicle dynamics control system that acts as the brain of the truck, analyzing sensor data and driver inputs to optimize performance.
The system monitors everything from steering angle and throttle position to wheel slip and vehicle pitch hundreds of times per second. It then sends precise torque commands to each motor to provide the best possible traction, stability, and response. Rivian says its control software "decides the optimum torque at each wheel to create the experience the driver expects."^6
With the quad motor setup, the software has even more control to play with. The ability to adjust the torque at each wheel independently, combined with a faster processor, allows the quad motor R1T to react quicker to changing conditions. Rivian‘s battery management software is also key to maintaining consistent performance.
All this technology is impressively integrated and hidden from the driver. The R1T‘s torque vectoring is so seamless, it feels almost natural. But make no mistake, there are some serious digital smarts working behind the scenes.
Pricing and Availability
The Performance Dual Motor R1T starts at $73,000, while the Quad Motor commands a hefty $87,000. Rivian initially planned to offer a 400-mile Max battery pack for the dual motor, but has since shelved that option to streamline production.^5
In fact, Rivian is currently only building the Quad Motor configuration due to supply constraints. Ramping up production of the dual motor is likely a ways off. Rivian has struggled to fill its existing orders amid parts shortages and other challenges.
For now, buyers set on an R1T will have to opt for the pricey Quad Motor or join the ever-growing reservation list. The Dual Motor is listed as "available to preorder" on Rivian‘s website with deliveries slated for 2024.^5
The Verdict
The Rivian R1T is a technological tour de force, showcasing the cutting-edge of EV engineering and digital vehicle control. Its clever dual and quad motor configurations provide unmatched performance, utility, and off-road capability.
The decision between the Performance Dual Motor and Quad Motor really comes down to how much torque vectoring you need and your budget. For the vast majority of buyers, the Performance Dual Motor will be more than enough truck. Its 835 hp and 908 lb-ft of torque enable blistering acceleration, stump-pulling towing capacity, and impressive off-road chops. The front-rear torque distribution provides excellent traction and handling.
Those who want the ultimate expression of Rivian‘s torque-vectoring prowess will be drawn to the Quad Motor. With a drive unit at each wheel and advanced software control, it can send precise amounts of torque to each corner for unrivaled 4×4 capability and stability. It‘s the most capable and high-tech EV on the market, but with a price to match.
The R1T is really just the first taste of what Rivian‘s EV technology can do. As the company scales up production and refines its hardware and software, expect even more impressive feats of electric torque in the future.
| Specification | Rivian R1T Performance Dual Motor | Rivian R1T Quad Motor |
|---|---|---|
| Motors | 2 (front and rear) | 4 (one per wheel) |
| Horsepower | 835 hp | 908 hp |
| Torque | 908 lb-ft | 980 lb-ft |
| 0-60 mph | 3 seconds | 3 seconds |
| Towing Capacity | 11,000 lbs | 11,000 lbs |
| Range | 314 miles | 289 miles |
| Torque Vectoring | Front-Rear | Independent at each wheel |
| Ground Clearance | 14.9 inches | 14.9 inches |
| Approach/Breakover/Departure Angles | 34/25.7/29.3 degrees | 34/25.7/29.3 degrees |
| Starting Price | $73,000 | $87,000 |
| Availability | 2024 (estimated) | Limited |
| Electric Truck Specs | Rivian R1T | Ford F-150 Lightning | GMC Hummer EV | Tesla Cybertruck |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | Up to 908 hp | Up to 580 hp | Up to 1,000 hp | Up to 800 hp |
| Torque | Up to 980 lb-ft | Up to 775 lb-ft | Up to 1,200 lb-ft | Up to 1,000 lb-ft |
| Range | Up to 314 miles | Up to 320 miles | Up to 350 miles | Up to 500 miles |
| Towing Capacity | Up to 11,000 lbs | Up to 10,000 lbs | Up to 7,500 lbs | Up to 14,000 lbs |
| Price | $73,000 – $87,000 | $52,974 – $90,874 | $79,995 – $110,295 | $39,900 – $69,900 |
