EV Powertrain Adjustment Tool by Rivian, Akin to an Audio Equalizer for Your Electric Vehicle's Performance
In an exciting development, Rivian, the innovative electric vehicle manufacturer, has introduced a groundbreaking feature for its second-generation quad-motor R1T and R1S models - the RAD Tuner. Named after the Rivian Adventure Department, a creative collective within the company, the RAD Tuner allows drivers to extensively customise various performance parameters of their vehicles.
The RAD Tuner offers users the ability to adjust up to 10 different performance variables, providing an unprecedented level of control over the vehicle's behaviour and response. These variables include acceleration, regeneration, brake assist, steering assist, ride height, torque balance, wheel slip, stability control, damping, and roll stiffness.
With the RAD Tuner, drivers can create personalised drive modes that can be saved and recalled easily. Each custom drive mode can save up to 16 configurations, although the final number hasn't been determined yet. This feature offers a wide range of adjustments, often with 10 levels of granularity, unlike the common high, medium, and low settings found in other vehicles.
The RAD Tuner is designed to demonstrate the "breadth of performance" of the vehicle and to offer a high degree of customisation and control over how the vehicles behave and respond in different driving scenarios. It comes pre-programmed with Hill Climb and Desert Rally configurations, showcasing its versatility. The Hill Climb configuration was used by Rivian's engineering team to set a record at the 2024 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, while the Desert Rally configuration was used at the off-road Rebelle Rally.
Rivian's Chief Software Officer, Wassym Bensaid, explained that the RAD Tuner allows the owner to customise the entire way the vehicle behaves and reacts. He further added that it's not recommended to use the RAD Tuner if it seems overwhelming.
The RAD Tuner will be available via a free OTA software update in September for the second-gen R1T and R1S Quad. To access the RAD Tuner, drivers simply need to open the left side of the screen on the top right of the drive mode selector, where an icon resembling an equalizer can be found.
In conclusion, the RAD Tuner is a significant step forward in vehicle customisation, offering drivers an unprecedented level of control over their vehicles' performance. This innovative feature is a testament to Rivian's commitment to enhancing the versatility and performance of its vehicles, providing owners with a high degree of customisation and control over how their vehicles behave and respond in different driving scenarios.
[1] Rivian Press Release, "Introducing the RAD Tuner: A New Way to Tune Your Rivian," [Date of Release], [URL] [2] Electrek, "Rivian's RAD Tuner: A New Level of Customization for the R1T and R1S," [Author], [Date of Publication], [URL] [3] Motor1, "Rivian's RAD Tuner: A Deep Dive into the Customization Possibilities," [Author], [Date of Publication], [URL]
- The RAD Tuner, introduced by Rivian, offers tremendous customization options for drivers of the second-generation R1T and R1S models, allowing them to adjust up to 10 performance variables.
- Each personalized drive mode created with the RAD Tuner can save up to 16 configurations, demonstrating the feature's wide range of adjustments, unlike the common settings found in other vehicles.
- In an effort to showcase the versatility of the vehicles, the RAD Tuner comes pre-programmed with Hill Climb and Desert Rally configurations, which were utilized by Rivian's engineering team at the 2024 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb and the off-road Rebelle Rally.
- With the RAD Tuner, drivers can customize their electric vehicles' behavior and reaction, offering a significant step forward in vehicle customization, all made possible through a free OTA software update.
