Rivian to offer paid upgrades for extra power and range

04 March 2025

Rivian is preparing to introduce a new way for its customers to enhance their vehicles. Starting with the 2025.06 software update, owners of the second-generation R1T and R1S models will have the option to pay for increased power. Later this year, those with the Large+ battery pack will also be able to unlock additional range.

The initial offering focuses on boosting the performance of the Dual Motor trim. Currently, buyers can add the Performance Pack for $5,000, which increases power from 533 horsepower (397 kW) and 610 lb-ft of torque to 665 horsepower (495 kW) and 829 lb-ft of torque. This upgrade also includes two new drive modes, Sport and Soft Sand. The power boost will be available as a paid software unlock, but Rivian has not yet confirmed pricing details for this software upgrade. The company will offer various payment options, including a one-time fee, a subscription, or a trial period.

Following the power upgrade, Rivian will offer the ability to unlock extra range for vehicles equipped with the Large+ battery pack. This battery pack is essentially the same as the Max pack, but its range is limited by software. According to Wassym Bensaid, a Rivian executive, this range unlock will be the next feature available after the Performance Pack upgrade. The exact amount of extra range and the cost of the unlock are still to be determined.

Rivian's idea to offer paid upgrades is apparently driven by the potential to streamline production. The company claims that building vehicles with uniform hardware across the range, and then offering custom software will greatly reduce manufacturing complexity and improve their bottom line. Essentially, Rivian wants to produce one vehicle with many performance settings, rather than manufacturing many separate models.

This controversial approach has already sparked debate among both potential and existing Rivian truck owners. Some argue that if a vehicle is capable of a certain level of performance or range, it should be available to the buyer without additional fees. The other side points out that this is no different than improving an ICE-powered vehicle by means of tuning and performance upgrades.

The trend of paid software upgrades is growing in the EV industry. For Rivian owners, this means the ability to fine-tune their EVs to meet their specific preferences. The costs and specific details of these upgrades are still forthcoming, and then there's the question of consumer expectations and the future of vehicle ownership. Interesting times ahead - expensive, but interesting.

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