Rivian Drive Systems, Decoded

Get to know our Dual-Motor, Performance Dual-Motor and Quad-Motor.

By Rivian

December 22^nd, 2022

Editor’s Note

The following article has been updated with final production figures and specs. You can now find the latest details and information on R1 drive systems here: R1 Drive Systems, Time to Launch

Beginning in early 2023, the R1T and R1S will be available to reserve in three All-Wheel Drive (AWD) configurations:

Dual-Motor, Performance Dual-Motor and Quad-Motor.

All three systems deliver instant torque and precise control, with exceptional driving dynamics both on-road and way off. Here we break down their differences and similarities, so you can choose the optimal balance of performance and efficiency for your adventures.

Dual-Motor AWD

Rivian Dual-Motor AWD features two single-motor drive units — one on the front axle and one on the rear — delivering instant power. All major components, including the motor, gearbox and inverter, are developed and manufactured entirely in-house for seamless integration. The result is a compact package purpose-built for our vehicles that delivers impressive power, exceptional control and improved range.

This system delivers a combined output of 533 hp and over 610 lb-ft of torque with acceleration from 0–60 mph as quick as 4.5 seconds. With a higher gear ratio on the rear motor, the Dual-Motor system distributes torque continuously between the front and rear drive units, biasing torque rearward for enhanced performance, acceleration and robust towing – up to 11,000 lbs in the R1T and 7,700 lbs in the R1S. The ability to continue adding new drive modes through software updates further broadens its spectrum of capabilities.

“For everyday driving and adventures, Dual-Motor is highly capable. If you want to go way off-road with ease – or simply want maximum performance and control – then Quad is for you.”

Brake technologies control torque bias left to right, providing confident handling dynamics on-road and the ability to overcome obstacles and loose terrain off-road. With this unique combination of front-to-rear torque vectoring and brake actuation at each wheel, our Dual-Motor AWD punches well above its competitive 2-motor AWD weight class, making it a strong addition alongside our flagship Quad-Motor system.

A few reasons you might choose Dual-Motor AWD:

Everyday driving + adventures

0-60 mph as quick as 4.5 sec

533 horsepower

610 lb-ft of torque

11,000 lbs towing for R1T/7,700 lbs for R1S

Front-to-rear torque vectoring

Improved range

Performance Dual-Motor AWD

The Dual-Motor AWD system can be optionally enhanced through a software upgrade, providing additional power and acceleration. This option delivers 665 hp (vs 533 hp for Dual-Motor AWD), 829 lb-ft of torque (vs 610 lb-ft of torque for Dual-Motor AWD), and acceleration from 0-60 mph as quick as 3.5 seconds (vs 4.5 seconds for Dual-Motor AWD). Off-road driving dynamics, including front-to-rear torque vectoring and independent brake actuation at each wheel, are identical between Dual-Motor and Performance Dual-Motor options.

If you think you'll enjoy a bit more power but don't quite need the full performance and maximum off-road capability of the Quad-Motor system, then the Performance Dual-Motor AWD system strikes an exceptional balance.

Quad-Motor AWD

Rivian Quad-Motor AWD delivers instant power and independently adjusts torque at all four wheels for precise wheel control in virtually all conditions. Proactively adjusting power at each individual wheel enables 4-wheel torque vectoring — the ability for each wheel to independently help accelerate, decelerate and even turn the vehicle — providing the highest levels of on-road performance and off-road capability.

This system is comprised of two drive units — one for the front axle, and another for the rear — with an independent motor for each wheel. Powering the front axle is a compact 415 hp unit with 413 lb-ft of torque. In the rear, a higher torque derivative delivers 420 hp and 495 lb-ft of torque. Together, they deliver 835 hp and 908 lb-ft of torque for a 0–60 mph time as quick as 3.0 seconds, while providing exceptional efficiency and instant adjustability for any condition.

We continually optimize the Quad-Motor system with drive modes, showcasing what’s possible across all driving scenarios and surfaces. Whether that means ultimate cornering stability, rock crawling, sand running, hard accelerations, backroad cruising, heavy towing or deep snow — our Quad-Motor system is unmatched. Consider it the ultimate combination of elegant performance, precise control and pure power, while consistently mastering the task at hand.

A few reasons you might choose Quad-Motor AWD:

Maximum on-road + off-road performance

0-60 mph as quick as 3.0 sec

835 horsepower

More than 900 ft lbs of torque

11,000 lbs towing for R1T/7,700 lbs for R1S

Fully independent torque vectoring

“Our goal for Quad-Motor was to create the pinnacle of propulsion control, unmatched by any other architecture, to handle any surface with precision and ease.”

Each drive system, when combined with your chosen battery pack, wheels and tires, will affect your estimated range. Visit the Vehicle Studio for R1T or R1S to explore your ideal configuration, and to see range estimates for each available combination. Our Performance Dual-Motor option will be added to the Vehicle Studio in early 2023.