Rivian is implementing cost-saving methods for its upcoming R2 SUV, specializing in decreasing inner wiring considerably in comparison with the R1 fashions. The design of the drive unit additionally emphasizes minimalism, with elements just like the inverter cleverly built-in to boost effectivity.
Profitability is essential for automobile startups, and Rivian has achieved a gross revenue for the second consecutive quarter this yr. Nonetheless, to take care of momentum, the R2 SUV is about to launch within the U.S. within the first half of subsequent yr, priced round $45,000, competing straight with the Tesla Mannequin Y within the electrical mid-size crossover market.
To create a worthwhile and gratifying electrical SUV with out compromising driveability, Rivian is adopting progressive options that decrease manufacturing prices whereas boosting revenue margins. An illustration shared by CEO RJ Scaringe on social media successfully highlights the variations between the wiring harness of the R2 and the up to date R1 fashions.
Rivian states that the R2’s wiring harness is 44 kilos lighter and options 2.3 miles much less wiring, together with a 60% discount in in-line connectors. The entrance harness represents a considerable redesign, constructing on the R1’s earlier updates that had already decreased wiring by 1.6 miles. The variety of Digital Management Models (ECUs) within the R2 may even drop from 17 to seven, simplifying the meeting course of.
Moreover, Scaringe famous that the R2’s electrical motor inverter may have 41% fewer elements in comparison with the Enduro drive unit used within the R1S and R1T. By integrating the drive unit mount into the inverter lid and using the inverter chassis for oil cooling, Rivian is making important strides in price effectivity.
For the R2’s physique, the corporate plans to make use of giant high-pressure die castings, much like Tesla’s megacasting method. The R2 will encompass simply three castings within the rear, in stark distinction to the R1’s roughly 50 stampings and over 300 joints. Whereas this simplifies manufacturing and meeting, it might complicate future crash repairs.
Rivian has begun assembling validation models at a “pilot scale” utilizing principally manufacturing instruments. The corporate offered 51,579 automobiles final yr, together with the R1S, R1T, and Business Van. Nonetheless, this yr noticed a drop in gross sales within the first quarter, with 8,640 EVs delivered.
To compete successfully, Rivian must escalate its gross sales quantity. The R2 is anticipated to play a pivotal position, with the present manufacturing facility in Regular, Illinois, being upgraded to assemble as much as 155,000 automobiles yearly. Furthermore, a brand new manufacturing facility in Georgia is projected to succeed in an output of 400,000 automobiles per yr when totally operational.
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