Rivian Revamps All-Electric R1 Pickup and SUV, Integrates Nvidia Chips

On Thursday, the automotive company, Rivian, announced major updates to its all-electric R1T pickup and R1S SUV models, aiming to boost range, performance, and computing power for the second generation. The enhancements are driven by the integration of advanced Nvidia chips.

These improvements mark a strategic shift by Rivian to stay ahead in the competitive electric vehicle market. The use of Nvidia technology is set to deliver superior performance metrics and enhanced efficiency, solidifying the R1 lineup’s reputation for innovation and cutting-edge design.

Rivian’s 2025 R1 pickup and SUV may appear similar to their predecessors on the outside, but significant changes have been made under the hood. The company announced that over half of the hardware components have been replaced, and the batteries and electrical systems — essentially the “brains” of the models — have been completely re-engineered.

In a statement, Rivian CEO and founder RJ Scaringe said, “We continue to evolve our flagship R1 vehicles, offering quality and performance without compromise. Our revamped R1S and R1T push the technical boundaries further, creating our most capable products to date.”

One of the highlight features of Rivian’s newly updated 2025 R1 pickup and SUV is their enhanced computing power. According to the company, the new system offers a tenfold increase in performance compared to the previous editions, setting a new benchmark for efficiency and capability in their electric vehicles.

The recent system upgrade features dual Nvidia DRIVE Orin processors powering the “Autonomy Compute Module,” which enhances driver-assistance capabilities. A premium version of this system will offer an expanded range of features, including the ability for hands-free driving for short durations. However, Rivian emphasizes that drivers must remain attentive and keep their focus on the road at all times.

These enhancements to Rivian’s flagship R1 pickup and SUV models are efforts to boost sales prior to the launch of its more affordable R2 line, which is expected to start at around $45,000 in early 2026. Facing a slowdown in sales during a slow in the electric vehicle landscape, the company has laid off staff, cut operational costs, and optimized its Illinois plant for greater efficiency. The company has also pressed pause on the construction of a new $2.25 billion facility in Georgia to save capital, as part of a broader strategy to navigate current market challenges and support future growth.