New video reveals electric pick-up’s different driving modes and off-road settings
Electric auto-maker Rivian has provided evidence of broad dynamic envelope offered by its all-new Rivian R1T in a new video which depicts the battery-powered pick-up doing its thing on the blacktop, under tow and on dirt.
Fitted with four electric motors, the 623kW Rivian R1T features eight different driving modes as standard – four of them for on-road duties, four of them off-road.
In the official YouTube video released overnight, Rivian explains how each driving mode tailors the R1T’s torque distribution, suspension system, electronic stability control, steering calibration and brake regeneration to suit the underlying conditions.
The different applications auger well for Australia, a market that Rivian has expressed interest in but is unlikely to dabble with until at least 2024.
The video begins with the R1T in Sport mode, whereupon the hulking dual-cab EV is captured sliding between corners on-road amid a cacophony of tyre squealing and smoke.
In this setting, the hulking truck’s ride height is set to low (267mm), its air suspension is fixed in the stiffest setting and the electronic stability control threshold is increased, while braking regen is turned to standard.
With torque apportioned to all four wheels, the R1T deftly transitions between corners while executing some glorious sideways attitude.
Rivian’s talented wheelman then switches to Off-Road Drift mode upon reaching the dirt. Here, the suspension is raised to Standard (202mm) but maintains its stiffness, which stability control is deactivated and brake regen moves to high.
The result? Lurid, baja-style drifts on a high-speed dirt track. Marvellous to watch.
All Purpose mode retains the Standard suspension height and brings a Soft ride, Standard brake regen and Standard stability control. As the name suggest, this is the mode ready for a broad mix of surfaces.
Of course, too much sideways action will quickly drain the battery, which is where Conserve mode comes to the fore, bringing the lowest ride height (242mm), soft ride, high brake regen, stability control on and power only to the front wheels – the ideal mix for making the most of the R1T’s claimed 650km range.
Elsewhere, Towing mode introduces a Standard height (302mm), Stiff ride, High brake regen and stability control on. From there, Rivian provides three remaining off-road settings.
Off-road Auto brings High ride height (342mm), Soft ride, Standard brake reg and broad torque distribution to all four wheels – enabling the R1T to traverse dirt roads and mountain climbs alike.
Off-road Rock Crawl sets the ride to Stiff and turns brake regen to High as the R1T cleverly pulses its way over obstacles by apportioning independent power to each wheel.
There’s another party trick-worthy inclusion in Off-road Rally, in which Standard ride height (302mm), Stiff ride, High brake regen and reduced stability control intervention together with a rear-drive bias transform the R1T into a fun drifting machine.
Launch Edition variants of the R1T have been slated for a May-June delivery window for US customers, as anticipation continues to build for an Australian launch in a couple of years.
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Keyword: WATCH: Rivian R1T showcases off-road and drifting skills