Rivian is making waves in the electric vehicle (EV) market with its latest tri-motor configuration for its trucks and SUVs. The company is now shipping these models, offering an extra power boost over the dual-motor version. This new setup features an impressive 850 horsepower powertrain, utilizing Rivian’s in-house Enduro motors—one in the front axle and two in the rear.

The Tri-Motor Powertrain

The tri-motor setup is part of Rivian’s newly redesigned Gen 2 models, which initially launched with just a dual-motor configuration. According to Inside EVs, these 2025 Rivian models are the first from the company to feature a tri-motor setup, as the previous generation only came in dual and quad-motor setups. Rivian plans to start shipping its Gen 2 quad-motor version early next year.

Range and Pricing

Between the front and rear motors sits Rivian’s new Max battery pack, capable of taking the vehicle up to 405 miles on a single charge in conserve mode or 371 miles for all-purpose driving. The R1T Ascend Tri-Max starts at $99,900, making it a competitive option in the market.

Comparison with Tesla’s Cybertruck

Tesla‘s Cybertruck, currently the top-selling all-electric truck, also offers dual and tri-motor options. However, the latter “Cyberbeast” model has a higher starting price of $113,990 compared to the Rivian. The EV market has seen a year-over-year uptick in sales, but electric trucks are still a small fraction compared to EV cars and SUVs.

Rivian’s Future Plans

Rivian is adding more configurations to attract more customers and boost sales. The company needs cash flow to stay afloat as it prepares to produce its lower-cost R2 SUV in 2026, followed by the R3 and R3X. Rivian is getting some help from Volkswagen‘s investment on this front.

EVXL’s Take

Rivian’s move to offer a tri-motor configuration is a significant step forward in the EV market. It shows the company’s commitment to innovation and meeting customer demands. As the EV market continues to grow, it’s exciting to see manufacturers like Rivian pushing the boundaries of what electric vehicles can do. For more on Rivian and other EV manufacturers, check out our articles on Rivian and Tesla.

What do you think about Rivian’s new tri-motor setup? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below.

Photo courtesy of Rivian.