Hi there! As an electric vehicle enthusiast, I couldn‘t wait to share my in-depth look comparing the Rivian R1T exciting new dual and quad motor configurations. Both options deliver serious performance – but which design fits your needs best?
I‘ll analyze the specs, real-world capabilities, driving experience and more between these two brilliant electric truck powertrains. My goal is to give you the insider‘s perspective so you can determine whether to go dual or quad when building your perfect R1T. Time to go in-depth!
Getting to Know Rivian and the Game-Changing R1T
You may have heard rumors about Rivian before – the plucky electric vehicle startup based in California that secured major backing from Ford and Amazon. Well let me tell you, their first vehicle built for consumers known as the R1T electric truck absolutely delivers.
Designed from the outset to be a highly capable yet sustainable electric adventure pickup, the R1T can sprint from 0-60 mph in as little as 3 seconds while still returning up to 400+ miles of all-electric range.
Clever battery packaging helps deliver phenomenal range. The skateboard chassis design incorporates the battery packs into the floor which lowers center of gravity for confident handling on and off-road.
Add in cutting-edge driver assistance and safety technologies along with impressive wading depth ratings and this electric truck aims to conquer trails as readily as highways. Available features like the Gear Tunnel and integrated Camp Kitchen demonstrate how Rivian goes the extra mile.
So whether you‘re looking for a green daily commuter or the ultimate electric overlander, the R1T deserves serious consideration. Now, should you go dual motor or quad motor? Let‘s investigate what sets these two awesome configurations apart.
Dual Motor: The Efficient Balance of Power
The R1T dual motor design equips a separate electric motor at each axle to enable confident all-wheel drive traction and control on slimy roads or rugged terrain.
Spec-wise, you can expect 600+ clean electric horses galloping on demand courtesy of the dual motor layout. 60 mph arrives from a standstill in just 4.5 adrenaline-pumping seconds. And with well over 600 lb-ft of torque available instantly, you‘ll never be left wanting for grunt.
The R1T dual motor strikes an impressive balance between power and efficiency.
Autocar‘s first drive review praised the real-world performance: "The twin-motor R1T still shuffles you down the road with the instant shove of an electric motor" while CarAdvice testing remarked: "Don’t mistake this for a ‘slow‘ ute just because the quad is faster; the acceleration still cracks your posterior to the seat when you boot it."
So while 3 seconds may be the new benchmark to 60 mph in the high-performance EV world, you certainly won‘t feel wanting jumping behind the wheel of a dual motor R1T.
Dual Motor Efficiency and Driving Range
Balancing out the raucous power lies refined driving range. Rivian‘s standard battery option delivers an EPA-cycle estimated 220+ miles from its 135kWh battery. For context, that slots above Ford‘s F-150 Lightning Extended Range pack.
However, Rivian also offers larger battery upgrades expanding range to 320+ miles for the dual motor drivetrain. That‘s plenty for daily commutes and weekend adventures while benefiting your wallet thanks reduced charging costs.
In CarAdvice testing, they managed to extract over 250 miles of real-world range suggesting: "weekend getaways are certainly on the cards – potentially even round trips in some cases."
For most drivers, the R1T equipped with a dual motor configuration should deliver everything needed in terms of exhilarating performance paired with generous driving range between plug-ins. But what about the even more extreme quad motor models?
Quad Motor: Ultimate Electric Pickup Performance
If you simply demand the highest levels of acceleration, torque, control and off-road talent, then upgrade to the R1T‘s range-topping quad motor configuration.
By powering each wheel independently courtesy of its own electric motor, this cutting-edge pickup can meter torque with surgical precision. That allows conquering tough terrain or storming to 60 mph in a Tesla-troubling 3 seconds flat when pushed.
Let‘s examine what makes the quad motor R1T such an engineering marvel:
Unrivaled Capabilities:
- 0-60 mph: 3.0 seconds
- Horsepower: 800+
- Torque: 900+ lb-ft
- Top Speed: 125 mph (governed)
- Towing Capacity: 11,000+ lbs
- Payload: 1,760 to 1,800+ lbs
- Ground Clearance: 14.9 inches
- Wading Depth: 42.7 inches
As you can see, we‘re talking supercar quick sprints paired with heavy hauling capabilities – not to mention legitimate off-road credentials like nearly 15 inches of clearance and the ability to ford over 3 feet of water.
Impressive metrics indeed but how does this four-motor muscle translate into real world performance? According to CarExpert Australia‘s test driver:
"The Quad Motor’s outputs are frankly ridiculous, hurtling the behemoth ute from 0-100km/h in a claimed 3.0 seconds…It’s unbelievable performance from such a big vehicle."
Meanwhile torque vectoring between all four wheels enables remarkablearticulation off-road plus confident stability at high speeds. CarAdvice testing witnessed the quad motor R1T crawling articulately up a challenging rock climb course and attacking deeply rutted trails without breaking a sweat.
Truly next-generation talents to match its futuristic powertrain design! But this high-power configuration does impact range…
Quad Motor Range and Efficiency
Hauling around an extra pair of motors and generating supercar power outputs inevitably increases thirst. In official EPA testing estimates, the R1T quad motor returns 260+ miles from its standard battery.
That said, Rivian‘s optional upgrades can push max range toward 400+ miles by spec sheet claims. Real-world driving may fall short but still demonstrates impressive frugality from such a quick and mighty electric truck.
Evidently you must decide whether the ultimate power lies worth the premium pricing and extra consumption compared to the dual motor models. Let‘s examine costs next.
Pricing Breakdown: Dual vs Quad Motor R1T
Rivian aims to deliver a lot for your money – but which powertrain aligns best with your budget? Here‘s a detailed cost comparison:
Base Model Pricing
- Dual Motor – Starts at $73,000 USD
- Quad Motor – Starts at $83,000 USD
We‘re looking at nearly a $10,000 price premium for the top-tier quad motor upgrade before any other options. That‘s a 14% price hike over the base dual motor asking price.
You can also upgrade battery capacity on both configurations:
- Mid-range (300+ mile) – Adds $15,500
- Max pack (400+ mile) – Adds $27,500
Total Cost of Ownership
Factoring in electricity costs, lower maintenance, and added performance – owning the R1T should save you thousands over a comparable gasoline-powered truck across a 5 to 10 year timeframe.
The advanced quad motor will likely incur slightly higher service bills but still vastly undercutlifetime costs against gas rivals. Expect to save $15,000+ choosing either Rivian powertrain over 150,000 miles of ownership.
Determining Which R1T Motor Setup is Right For You
With all the specs, test impressions, and pricing details in mind – how do you decide whether to go dual motor or quad motor with your future R1T?
First, analyze how you plan to use your electric truck most. Commuting and weekend adventure duty? Daily towing or worksite hauling needs? Intense off-road exploration? Your primary applications should guide priorities.
I‘ll summarize key factors to consider:
Best Suited to the Dual Motor R1T:
- Seeking maximum value for money
- 300+ mile range essential
- Performance still highly important
- Towing lighter trailers or boats
- Occasional off-road driving
Where the Quad Motor Excels:
- Raw acceleration and power paramount
- Extreme off-road articulation mandatory
- Heavy towing and hauling capability needed
- High-speed stability a priority
- Cost less of a concern
Evaluate your must-have capabilities against budget to help decide. Understanding your personal preferences and planned uses makes all the difference in determining dual vs quad motor superiority for your needs.
Both brilliant configurations offer deeply impressive talents – the quad motor R1T takes bragging rights for bleeding-edge specs while its dual motor sibling delivers potently as the more affordable option.
Let me know if you have any other questions! I‘m happy to chat more about these innovative electric trucks from Rivian. Now let‘s get out there and start adventure hunting!
