Streamed from the official YouTube channel Out of Spec BITS .
RIVIAN IS FIXING MY BIGGEST ISSUE WITH THEIR DUAL-MOTOR POWERTRAIN!
Out of Spec BITS
Content Quality Score
EV Channels Review
The hosts discuss a significant refinement coming to Rivian's dual-motor powertrain, specifically addressing the clunky and annoying clutch engagement/disengagement that occurs when transitioning between light and hard throttle. This issue, particularly noticeable in the R1S and R1T dual-motor variants, stems from the system's strategy to engage the rear motor via a mechanical clutch to improve efficiency and meet EPA range targets. While Rivian's software lead, Wasim, has publicly acknowledged the feedback and promised a fix, the exact implementation remains uncertain. The review highlights that while Gen 2 Rivians offer a smoother experience than Gen 1, the issue persists and compromises the driving experience, forcing owners into less comfortable modes like 'Snow Mode' or disabling stability control to achieve a consistent AWD feel. The hosts praise Rivian for listening to owner feedback and improving their vehicles, but express frustration that consumer-focused comfort and performance are often sacrificed for range figures, suggesting a need for more customizable drive profiles.
Vehicle Specs
| Brand | Rivian |
|---|---|
| Model | R1 |
| Trim | Dual-Motor |
| Drivetrain | AWD |