Rivian is one of the most popular new automakers that’s entered the electric vehicle market. Since then, the brand has had ups and downs, but a few things have kept customers interested. The R1T pickup truck and R1S SUV are capable, attractive-looking EVs that get the job done. While they aren’t a Ford or Ram, it matches them in some ways. Now, for the first time, Rivian is teasing dual motors in its R1T pickup and R1S SUV, which will produce 600 and 700 horsepower. Less than the quad-motor setup, but will this secondary powertrain make the Rivian 2023 models more affordable?

New, cheaper dual-motor Rivian coming next year

According to CarBuzz, only one powertrain is currently available for the Rivian R1T truck and R1S SUV. It’s a quad-motor setup with 835 horsepower, which might sound overkill for many people. Not to mention, it’s also the biggest reason why the Rivian models are so expensive. The automaker recently took to Twitter to reveal it is working on a dual-motor setup for the 2023 model year.

“When our Dual-Motor AWD system is introduced for R1T and R1S next year, you’ll be able to choose a standard version capable of 600 hp and 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds, or an enhanced version that increases horsepower to approximately 700 hp and 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds,” Rivian said.

In comparison, the quad-motor versions of the Rivian models take about three seconds to reach 60 mph from 0. For what it’s worth, the power decrease doesn’t significantly impact speed. Only losing a half-second with the 700 horsepower version isn’t something many owners would even notice during everyday driving. The 600 hp version, however, is a little more noticeable, increasing its 0-60 mph time by about 1.5 seconds.

600- and 700 horsepower Rivian: Towing and battery

More details revealed on the Rivian website show that both variants of the dual-motor Rivian R1T and R1S will still have an 11,000-pound tow rating. Additionally, buyers can choose from a standard battery pack, good for over 260 miles of driving per charge, or a larger pack offering 328 miles of EPA-estimated range with the quad-motor setup. Although unconfirmed by the automaker’s site, the dual-motor setup with the larger battery pack will likely provide even more driving range.

Unfortunately, the third battery pack said to be even larger, is delayed until 2024. CB says it will provide owners more than 400 miles of driving range. Moreover, the shorter R1S SUV will be unable to accommodate the larger battery pack due to its length. Furthermore, reservation holders received an email from Rivian stating that customers may no longer pair the max battery with a quad-motor setup.

How much are dual-motor Rivian R1T and R1S?

Finally and most importantly, the 2023 Rivian R1T and R1S with a less potent but more affordable dual-motor setup already have a price. The R1T pickup truck starts at $67,500, and the R1S SUV starts at $72,500. However, those with an early reservation may have gotten a lower price, which the automaker honors. Previously, these prices were for the quad-motor versions of the EVs, but the automaker raised prices due to material costs. Having a cheaper but less powerful option in the Rivian lineup is a positive for many buyers.

Unfortunately, it has not been made clear yet when the dual-motor variants will become available. Reservation holders can look forward to a notification from Rivian about the subject. We expect them to become available sometime in 2023. Buyers without reservations already will likely have to act fast because Rivian models are in high demand.