On Christmas Day EV startup Rivian released this video of a unique feature available on their upcoming R1T pickup and R1S SUV: Tank Turns. Rivians have four electric motors, one per wheel. So it’s just a bit of software to make the left wheels turn one way and the right wheels turn the other. Make 360-degree turns in place. Could be mighty handy down the end of some muddy forest trail. Real bad idea on pavement, though, you’ll probably break things.
Can your off-road vehicle do this?
By the way, Rivian also announced another major funding round of US$1.3 billion led by T Rowe Price, bringing their total for 2019 to US$2.85 billion. That’s expected to get them to production by late 2020. Investors include Ford, who’s using a Rivian skateboard chassis for a future truck, and Amazon, who needs delivery vans. Rivian is happening.
Rivian says the software detects when the tires have too much traction (as on pavement) and won’t allow tank turns in those circumstances.
I wonder if bonus features like tank turns, front trunks, and remote interior preheating/precooling will be what coaxes mainstream buyers into EVs. I know a guy who wasn’t even considering Teslas for his new ride until he found out about Dog Mode; he’s now a Model 3 owner.
I still think the Rivian logo looks too much like the Renault logo.
I’ve been driving for over 40 years. I don’t believe that I’ve ever been in a situation where I’ve ever actually needed this technology. If I ever manage to drive for another 40 years, I can’t imagine that I’ll ever need this technology. My feet get cold. I need a more powerful foot heater.
No.
Do I care? No.
Ship something, then do your peacocking.
Real artists ship!
My National Guard unit (in the 1980’s) was equipped with M60A3 tanks that were designed in the early/mid fifties. They could be made to pivot about without any fancy software; when you moved the steering bar to full lock it would apply the brakes on one side of the tank and direct all of the power to the other side. Yes, if you do this on any kind of hard surface it will make a big mess. You had to be careful not to use too much throttle when performing one of these maneuvers as it was fairly easy to disable the track, in which case you were left with a big steel box.
Sort of.
Stop grandstanding and start delivering product for Joe public to decide for themselves. I am sick of all the rivian hot air with no clear plan for delivery..
Hey,
I’m the CEO of Rivian Automotive, R.J. Scaringe, and I see by reading this that you are a bit skeptical about Rivian’s plans for the future. Well then, Joe public, you may come down to my office whenever you like, and I’ll explain everything step by step and show you our factory. Maybe then you’ll belive. You know, I once was a car guy like you. I went to all the local car shows, got involved in the car community, and when the nternet became available, I used that too. I didn’t discover this website until just two years ago, but it is a very good one, with excellent writers. Oh, and Joe, listen up. Have you ever tried starting a company? It’s harder than you think. So why don’t you stop making my dream company look bad just because I’m doing something you’d never even dream of doing. I’ve saved up money for years, made connections with people, and held fundraisers to get this far, and all people like YOU say is “I bet he won’t make it.” You try starting a company someday, and see how you feel when somebody does that to you. Some people are jerks, you know that?! Just saying.
Hey R J
I,m Joe Public. As a petrol head i’m am glad to see people like you trying to make a difference as the motor industry surely needs it. As for visiting your office, i,m sure you have more urgent things to do and I.m stuck in the southern tip off Africa where we are unlikely to see your product any decade soon.
The point is that consumers want your product now and not more media hype and corporate action news.
Best of luck
Joe Public
Am I the only person who noticed the misspelled words ? Hmmm…
I see this as more party trick than feature, but I have to admit that its cool.
An off-road counterpart to Tesla’s Ludicrous Mode.
Yeah, OK. Sorry (specifically for indirectly calling you a jerk). I get a carried away whenever people criticize my company (Lord knows I get enough of it), but you are forgiven for your unhelpful comment. I don’t have any trips planned for South Africa, nor to I plan to make any, but if I ever happen to be down there, I’d like to come see you.
Best wishes,
the Rivian CEO