Rivian R1S gets 410-mile range on sizeable Max battery pack with questionable efficiency

Rivian's R1S electric SUV was recently upgraded to a dual-motor setup using Rivian's in-house Enduro motors that have long promised better efficiency than their Bosch counterparts. Rivian has also been teasing the arrival of the Max battery pack for the R1S — a battery option that delivers up to 400 miles (~643 km) of range in the R1T.

Now, Rivian has revealed that the incoming Max battery pack for the R1S will deliver up to 410 miles (~659 km) of range, per EPA testing. As with every other electric vehicle, wheel size and tyre tread can make a big difference to range, so Rivian has also handily provided a breakdown of what to expect with its different wheel and tyre options.

Currently, the Rivian R1S Max and Large battery packs stack up as follows, when it comes to range:

• Max pack with 21-inch wheels = 410 miles (~659 km). 
• Max pack, 22-inch = 380 miles (~611 km).
• Max pack, 20-inch AT = 355 miles (~571 km).
• Large pack, 21-inch = 352 miles (~566 km).
• Large pack, 22-inch = 341 miles (~548 km).
• Large pack, 20-inch AT = 307 miles (~494 km).

While the Rivian R1S somewhat operates in a class of its own as one of the few electric SUVs with a considerable focus on off-road performance, it's worth mentioning that Rivian traditionally takes a brute-force approach to range. Instead of focussing on efficiency and aerodynamics to achieve high range numbers, Rivian simply increases the battery size — an approach that creates its own problems, especially in regard to charging duration and vehicle weight.

As The Verge reported, the Rivian R1T Max battery pack has a capacity of 180 kWh, meaning the R1S will likely feature the same capacity. That means every mile of range will require more time at the charger.

Buy a Seweder EV Charging Cable Garage Door Pass Through Protector on Amazon.