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Rivian, Kia, and Mercedes see huge jump in new car registrations – a sign of what’s to come?

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S&P Global Mobility released its latest round of US data on new EV registrations for November 2023, and some surprising new trends are popping up – with very modest gains by Tesla and Ford, compared to bigger moves from smaller EV players Rivian and Kia, as well as luxury EVs from Mercedes and BMW.

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Rivian preempts NHTSA accelerator pedal recall with software solution

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The software Over-the-Air (OTA) fix has already been installed on 85%, and counting, of the affected 7800 early Rivian R1T and R1S vehicles. It will save the automaker from requiring owners to visit service centers or deploy mobile service units. At the same time, it will satisfy the NHTSA recall, though Rivian will offer owners a hardware replacement accelerator if desired.

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Rivian CFO teases a new cheaper, simplified battery pack structure for R1 EVs coming in 2024

Rivian battery pack

Rivian’s chief financial officer Claire McDonough shared some very interesting tidbit and excellent insight to the American automaker’s end of year goals and where it is headed in 2024. One juicy piece of information she gave the public during a recent interview is that Rivian is developing a new simplified battery pack structure different from the Standard pack, that will eventually make its way into new R1 EVs. Here’s the latest.

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It looks like Rivian’s 400+-mile ‘Max pack’ is coming very soon (U:here!)

Rivian has added the “Max pack” option to its R1S configurator, and added “Max pack” as a filter criteria to its R1 shop, suggesting that vehicles with the massive 400+-mile pack will be shipping soon.

Update: Oct 3: Rivian has made it official, the Max pack is here, and deliveries have started for Max pack R1Ts.

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As pickup competitors loom, Rivian turns to family fun SUVs and lower costs

Rivian R1S Motorcycle

Although it isn’t obvious, Rivian is the midst of a big transformation right now. Until recently, almost all of its sales have been in its high end, 4-motor pickup trucks. However, the company announced in its latest earnings call that it was switching its mix of output to favor its 7-seat R1S SUV which has much less competition currently and on the horizon. It is also spinning up 2-motor versions of its R1 vehicles which will cost significantly less with very little performance cost. Add to that a cheaper LFP battery pack due later this year and R2 models starting at $40,000 to be unveiled next year, and you’ve got an entirely different focus.

Coincidentally, ahead of getting my own R1S in 1-8 weeks, Rivian gave me a loaner to help my vacationing extended family get around town…

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Rivian to recall over 12,700 EVs due to airbag deployment issue

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American EV automaker Rivian has begun informing certain 2022 R1T and R1S customers of a recall filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) last week. The voluntary recall affects over 12,700 Rivian EVs and pertains to a sensor in passenger seatbelt system that may cause a reduced, or complete lack of deployment in the passenger airbag.

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Rivian’s latest software update boosts range of R1S and even more so in R1T

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Rivian’s online configurator now reflects a myriad of changes for new customers, including the absence of previous add-on options like a full-size spare tire. On a positive note, those who own or purchase Rivian R1T or R1S with the AWD quad motor and large battery pack, should see an increase in range. Rivian fans rejoice, additional range is always welcomed news.

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