Rivian R1T: Choosing Between Dual and Quad Motor Configurations

So you‘ve decided to go electric with your next truck purchase. The Rivian R1T has likely caught your eye with its unique styling, high-end interior appointments and focus on adventure. As you explore your options, one key decision is whether to go for the Performance Dual Motor or Quad Motor configuration.

I‘ve analyzed both variants in detail to help you determine the best Rivian to suit your specific needs. As an electric vehicle specialist, I’ll use my insider knowledge to compare specs around critical areas like horsepower, range, torque vectoring and more. My aim is to arm you with everything required to feel 100% confident in choosing the R1T that fits your lifestyle.

Let‘s start with a high-level overview so you understand exactly what you‘re choosing between…

Dual vs Quad Motor: At a Fundamental Level

The Rivian R1T pickup rides on the company’s flexible skateboard platform, housing the battery pack, drive units and other critical components. Both the Dual and Quad Motor configurations take advantage of Rivian’s proprietary quad-motor drive unit. But there are some fundamental differences:

Dual Motor

The Performance Dual Motor vehicles contain one electric motor on the front axle and one electric motor on the rear axle. Total power output comes to around 700 horsepower and 700 lb-ft torque. This delivers admirable performance in a more cost-effective package.

Quad Motor

R1T models labeled Quad Motor add a second electric motor to each axle, bringing the total to four. That enables a power bump to around 835 horsepower and 908 lb-ft torque. Quad Motor models also unlock more advanced torque vectoring capabilities as discussed later.

Now that you understand the basic motor architecture differences, let’s explore how they impact various aspects of these trucks in the real world.

Horsepower, Torque and 0-60 MPH Performance

First up, pure power and acceleration…

As expected, those extra motors in the Quad Motor configuration output considerably more power – roughly 135 more horses and 208 additional lb-ft of torque. That allows the 0-60 mph sprint to drop a staggering 1.5 seconds between models.

Clearly the Quad Motor will scratch any itch for neck-snapping acceleration in your electric truck. But some drivers may find the Dual Motor provides more than enough grunt for most needs, while benefiting range as discussed next.

Range and Battery: Quad Motor Trades Miles for Power

Rivian uses the same battery pack chemistry and technology in both R1T configurations. But opting for the Quad Motor forces some range compromises:

First key item – only the Dual Motor offers configuration with Rivian‘s extended range 180 kWh battery, pushing max distance to 316 miles on a charge. That extended pack cannot be equipped on Quad Motor trucks.

Additionally, despite using the same 135 kWh pack as the Dual, Quad Motor models take roughly a 10% range hit. More motors and horsepower draw extra electricity even when not utilizing full output. So just understand Quad Motor configuration places some compromises on total driving distance.

Torque Vectoring – Dual Impresses, Quad Dominates

A signature capability Rivian vehicles employ is so called "torque vectoring" – shifting torque between motors and wheels to maximize grip and control. How do the configurations stack up here?

Dual Motor

Thanks to a motor powering each axle, Performance Dual Motor trucks can actively shift torque from front to rear as needed. When sensors detect front wheel slippage for instance, torque gets pushed rearward for superior handling. Really helps driving stability in all road conditions.

Quad Motor

With two independent motors per axle, Quad Motor variants take things to the next level. Torque can shift totally inventively from front left to rear right if required. That across-the-board control pays major dividends off-road allowing torque to route just to wheels with grip.

If you frequent rocky, slippery or uneven terrain, Quad Motor configuration offers clear advantages. The torque vectoring simply operates on another plane beyond any other production truck.

Charging Speeds – Room for Improvement

Rivian utilizes the industry standard CCS charging connector on their vehicles, with support for both Level 2 AC charging and DC fast charging. Speeds are respectable if not class-leading:

• Level 2: Up to 22 miles of range per hour
• DC Fast Charge: Up to 140 miles in 20 minutes (200+ kW peak)

Those fast charge figures trail slightly behind Ford‘s F-150 Lightning or GMC‘s Hummer EV. As an emerging player, Rivian still has room to grow supporting faster 800+ volt architectures and 270+ kW charging.

But for now, there is no difference charging-wise between dual and quad motor variants. Both configurations offer the same plug types, onboard charger specs and DC fast charge curves.

Service Plans and Battery Warranty

A standout from Rivian is they back both R1T configurations with exceptional warranty coverage:

• Bumper-to-Bumper: 5 years / 60,000 miles
• Battery & Drivetrain: 8 years / 175,000 miles

I particularly applaud that 8 year battery coverage when competitors often ratchet back liability on their most expensive component. It signals faith from Rivian on pack durability.

Also note Rivian‘s battery warranty considers capacity degradation. You‘re covered for unusual cell capacity loss beyond what‘s expected even as batteries experience gradual depletion over time.

So if long-term protection gives you peace of mind, Rivian has you covered better than most. Identical generous policies apply whether you select dual motor or quad motor.

Which R1T Is the Right Match?

Now, circling back to the key question at hand – given your needs and priorities, which Rivian R1T configuration should you choose? Let’s quickly summarize some key takeaways:

Performance Dual Motor

• Maximizes driving range – up to 316 miles
• Reasonable power output – 0-60 in 4.5 seconds
• Qualifies for extended 180 kWh battery upgrade
• Lower starting price – $73K vs $87K base Quad Motor
• Ideal for road-focused daily driving and long highway trips

Quad Motor

• Insane torque and acceleration – 0-60 in 3.0 seconds
• Advanced torque vectoring with 4 independent motors
• King off-road with individual wheel control
• Excels for adventures away from tarmac
• Some range compromise from added performance

I hope this detailed technical breakdown gives you great confidence selecting the best Rivian R1T configuration for your specific transportation needs. Please drop me any outstanding questions in the comments section below!