Will R1 preorders delivered in mid-2023 be materially different?

[AdamsFan1983]

My guess is you don’t see any material upgrades to battery chemistry or architecture until the ga plant is up and running. So long as Rivian is buying cells off the shelf they’ll continue using what their existing process and line are equipped for.

Once it’s time to have their own capital invested in battery cell production, that’s when they’ll commit to a chemistry change to ensure their new production investment stays relevant for the longest amount of time. Then once vehicle production comes online in GA, they retool in normal for the new pack/assembly.

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[Jabbahop]

If they are like traditional car companies, they will wait for model year change overs. If they are like Tesla they will do lots of small running changes between now and then. My guess is they will operate more like Tesla - especially as the supply chain issues ease up. Who know how big those changes will be but as an owner of a 2014 Model S, I know there were a number of different battery pack iterations (of the same size pack) and modifications to things like drive unit, door handles, etc.

 

[RideAlong]

other than software updates and color choices , OEM tires , accessories etc , they are pretty much locked into the 2018 design.

 

[lefkonj]

I wouldn't think so. 2023 really isn't that far away. They are going to be ramping up production so I doubt they would want changes. Of course if there is some pixie dust they can sprinkle on the battery to double range, they would but I highly doubt it.

 

[Zoidz]

It's likely there will be module level revisions that we don't see or know about. Rivian has already stated that they will start building motors in-house. It's unlikely they will publicize that as a change/revision. They have also stated that they have the ability to change circuit board design/components since some or all of the design is done in-house. As an example, Rivian could be using an Infineon chip for the body control circuit board, and change to an NXP chip due to Infineon chip shortages. This might require a redesign of the board, etc. but if the Input/output connections remain the same, there's no need to make it publically known.

 

[AllInev]

It's likely there will be module level revisions that we don't see or know about. Rivian has already stated that they will start building motors in-house. It's unlikely they will publicize that as a change/revision. They have also stated that they have the ability to change circuit board design/components since some or all of the design is done in-house. As an example, Rivian could be using an Infineon chip for the body control circuit board, and change to an NXP chip due to Infineon chip shortages. This might require a redesign of the board, etc. but if the Input/output connections remain the same, there's no need to make it publically known.

One of the R1 chipsets I'd like to see upgraded between now and 2023 is the one driving the central display (navigation, entertainment, etc). There's only so much OTAs can fix and improve. It's still too early (not enough data) for us to know if the current chipset is up to snuff for what we and Rivian expect of it --e.g., lagless scrolling, map manipulation, route planning, etc. Perhaps the Rivian software team can squeeze a bit more out of the current chipset?

 

[Trekkie]

maybe minor updates between 2022 and 2023 models but no major changes.

 

[Lil'Dave]

Heat pump is a possibility as it wasn't ready to go at launch. Who knows if it will be ready to go for the 2023's lol.

Like any product, running engineering changes will definitely happen. Suppliers change, design changes, etc.

We got our MY (09/2020) and there were already multiple changes that took place before we took delivery (different tail lights, interior switches) and several after we took delivery (dual pane windows, heated steering wheel, etc). Tesla definitely differs from a traditional automaker so might not be a good benchmark.

 

[kurtlikevonnegut]

The smaller battery pack is supposed to be announced early 2022 so I'll be interested to see what the stats on it are (officially). If it's 250+ miles and wouldn't affect delivery I'd probably end up going that route, especially if it brings the price down $10k. I'd much rather have a smaller battery with Adventure Trim, paint and wheels, and accessories than the large battery with Explore, base paint, wheels and no accessories for the same cost.

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