Rivian Slashes Costs With New In-House 'Enduro' Motor Design

It's been two years since Rivian began its journey into the EV realm. The company has faced down production hell and all kinds of snarls, and come out still swinging. Since finding its feet, Rivian has taken a significant leap forward with the launch of its own in-house electric motor design, which promises to be a game-changer for the company.

As reported by Automotive News, Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe sees the Enduro motor's arrival as a landmark moment, not unlike the company's first foray into vehicle production. The new in-house motor design represents a new level for the still-young automotive startup. "More than just what this motor represents in terms of performance or efficiency or range, it's also emblematic of the capabilities we have as an organization today," Scaringe emphasized during a recent visit to the company's plant in Normal, Illinois.

The new Enduro drive unit combines the gearbox, power inverter, and motor into a single unit. This integration leads to cost savings, allowing Rivian to shave a considerable $8,000 off the base model's price compared to their existing third-party motor setup. The R1T pickup now has an inviting price tag starting at $74,800, and the R1S crossover at $79,800.

When it comes to performance, the original Bosch-supplied quad-motor configuration still boasts the most impressive figures with a whopping 835 hp. In comparison, the dual-motor Enduro setup delivers 533 hp in base form. However, Rivian has a performance version of the Enduro, giving an impressive 665 hp for $5,000 extra.