FYI: Rivian’s upcoming software updates promise to enhance performance and extend range for select R1S and R1T EVs, opening up new possibilities for current owners.
Rivian is set to revolutionize its EV offerings by enabling significant performance and range enhancements through software updates. What was once reserved for new vehicle purchasers is now becoming accessible to existing R1S and R1T owners, according to Rivian’s software head, Wassym Bensaid.
Software-Enabled Upgrades for Rivian Models
With the introduction of software version 2025.06, owners of the dual-motor R1S and R1T models can anticipate performance upgrades activated directly from the vehicle’s infotainment system. Previously, this Performance package required an upfront $5,000 purchase during the initial order or selecting an inventory vehicle with it pre-installed.
Performance Boost Explained
The available Performance upgrade boosts the power and torque of the R1S and R1T from their standard 533 hp and 610 lb-ft to an impressive 665 hp and 829 lb-ft. This significant power enhancement reduces the zero to 60 mph time from 4.5 seconds to a thrilling 3.4 seconds and unlocks new driving modes, including Sport and Soft Sand, complementing the existing All Purpose, All-Terrain, and Snow modes. The pricing structure of this over-the-air upgrade, whether a one-time fee or subscription, remains to be clarified.
Battery Range Unlocks on the Horizon
Beyond performance, Rivian plans to offer range-boosting software capabilities for the Large Battery pack-equipped dual-motor models. This update will enable owners with vehicles featuring the so-called “Large+” battery to unlock its full potential, extending the range closer to that of the Max pack. The current models, equipped with software-locked Max packs, appear as Large packs in listings, ensuring fair pricing and production efficiency despite their restricted range.
Understanding Rivian’s Battery Strategy
As Rivian ramped up production of the 2025 R1S and R1T, they focused initially on Standard and Max battery packs, temporarily software locking the Max packs to function as Large packs. This ingenious approach allowed the company to scale swiftly without affecting customer pricing or expectations. With this strategy, identifying whether a battery is software-locked can be done by checking the range; a locked R1S Dual Large offers 330 miles, while an equivalent non-locked counterpart offers 329 miles.
Looking Forward
The possibility for customers to unlock the full capacity of their battery packs offers the exciting potential to increase range significantly, positioning the vehicles closer to Rivian’s top-tier offerings. The Dual Motor Max Pack R1S, for example, boasts an EPA range of 410 miles, highlighting the benefits of these future software updates. Details regarding these software unlock procedures are awaited with much anticipation.
Conclusion
Rivian’s groundbreaking approach to software-enhanced upgrades is poised to enhance the driving experience of R1S and R1T owners significantly. By allowing existing users to unleash their vehicle’s full potential through simple software updates, the company is setting a precedent for flexibility and value in the EV market.
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Authored by William Kouch, Editor of Automotive.fyi.
