Rivian winter testing ‘Enduro’ power train here

Rivan’s dual motor “Enduro” is undergoing winter testing in New Zealand on R1S and R1T EVs.

Photos of the test vehicles have been posted on Twitter by Rivian Automotive founder and chief executive RJ Scaringe.

The Enduro drive units developed by Rivian Automotive feature inverters and electric motors and were revealed in March this year and are unlike the present four-motor powertrain with motors developed by Bosch and modified by Rivian.

Amazon’s EV delivery van already includes a single motor powertrain with an Enduro drive unit on the front axle, according to InsideEVs, which outlines other recent tweets from RJ Scaringe.

InsideEVs says the new Enduro unit will allow Rivian to cut costs and lower the price point of the R1S and R1T, as well as the R2 vehicles coming later.

Rivian’s R1T ute, R1S SUV and van were seen in New Zealand in June last year reportedly heading for the South Island’s winter testing grounds.

It’s still unknown when Rivian’s line-up may come to New Zealand and possibly Australia, but reports suggest right-hand drive versions could be in both countries in 2024 at the earliest.