And even though the GMC Hummer EV and the unremarkable Tesla Cybertruck are trying hard, the Rivian R1T and R1S are still ruling as the best electric pickup trucks and SUVs for fun. They might soon be able to strengthen their defenses because word in the Rivian community is that a big update will come out early next year. The best thing about it is that it’s said to have a speed model with 1,000 horsepower that can do wheelies. From “a reliable source,” a member of the Rivian Forums says they know about Rivian’s plans and that the R1 line will be updated in 2024. It looks like better aerodynamics are on the way, and one user says that Rivian will put efficiency over speed in the next version. There are rumors that the better R1 can go the same distance on a smaller battery. This could mean higher profits, lower costs, or both. The inside will be completely redone, with massage seats as an option and better handling. However, this doesn’t mean Rivian would only care about efficiency because the piece also talks about a new model called “Ascent” designed for peak performance. The prototype might be able to do wheelies like the Hummer EV could before engineers turned it off for safety reasons. Rivier may be able to do the same thing. It’s said to have 1,000 horsepower. Afterward, they say they “may have gotten some of the facts mixed up” and that the Ascent may still have the four-motor engine. The person who spread the story said the Ascent could use Rivian’s cheaper dual-motor setup. Rivian supporters say this could be the quad-motor performance model that was already revealed. According to the company, this car would have four motors and the new “Max Pack” long-range battery. This configuration is not currently available for use. Also, the dual-motor or smaller batteries could not make the 1,000 horsepower that was promised. The Rivian R1 will have to deal with more competition for electric trucks and SUVs as standard automakers get ready to make EVs, even if it doesn’t get an update. GM has just started making the Chevrolet Silverado EV on a small scale. The ramp-up time has been pushed back until late 2025. The 2025 Ram 1500 REV, which will replace Stellantis, is set to come out in 2024 and have a range of 500 miles. It won’t be widely available for a few years either, and because some models are expected to weigh more than 9,000 pounds, it won’t stress the same benefits. The Tesla Cybertruck started pre-production this year so it may be available to customers soon. However, its release date has been pushed back several times, making it hard to say when it will be available. Rivian wouldn’t say anything about the report that the R1 model will be updated in 2024.
