2024 Rivian R1T Dual-Motor Performance Max First Test: Is the High-Capacity Battery Worth The Cost?

Where does the Rivian R1T Dual-Motor Performance Max Pack fall within the electric pickup’s assortment of powertrain options? Until recently, choices were limited to Dual-Motor AWD and Quad-Motor AWD and either the Standard, Standard+, or Large battery pack. Now, Rivian has tossed one more $10,000 upgrade into the ring—the Max battery pack.

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What Is the Rivian Max Battery Pack?

The Max battery is structurally identical to the 135-kWh Large pack, differing only in its chemical makeup. The updated cell chemistry is said to yield a 149-kWh capacity without adding any mass to the vehicle. The Max battery is only available in the Dual-Motor R1T (and R1S SUV).

We have previously tested the Rivian R1T Performance Dual-Motor equipped with the Large battery pack. Upgrading to the Max battery brings no physical changes to the truck, but does this $10,000 bump in battery capacity equate to any differences in speed, handling, or highway range? Let’s dig in.

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Does the Max Battery Rivian R1T Go Faster?

In a straight line, there’s scarcely a difference in performance between the Large and Max battery Rivian R1Ts. With identical power and torque figures (665 combined horsepower, 829 combined lb-ft of torque) the R1T Max goes from 0 to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds to the Large battery’s 3.3, covers the quarter mile in 12.1 seconds at 109.8 mph (Large battery takes 12.0 seconds at 109.1 mph), and 60–0 braking distances are within 12 inches of each other (123 feet for the Max battery, 124 for the Large).

Compared to other electric pickups, the R1T with the Max battery is still one of the quickest. Our testing reveals that the Ford F-150 Lightning needed 4.1 seconds and the Tesla Cybertruck Dual-Motor Foundation Series needed 3.8 to reach 60 mph. Only the 835-hp Quad-Motor Rivian R1T and the 1,000-hp GMC Hummer EV 3X threw down quicker acceleration times than this two-motor R1T. TL;DR: Spending that extra 10 grand on the Max battery doesn’t make your R1T any quicker.

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Does the Max Battery Rivian R1T Handle Any Better?

Results from the MotorTrend figure-eight test—which measures acceleration, braking, and handling in one evaluation—are within tenths of a second between the Large and Max battery Rivian R1T trucks (25.7 seconds for the Large pack, 25.9 for the Max, both trucks averaging 0.72 g). Both trucks exhibited identical lateral acceleration numbers of 0.84 g, too.

Does the Max Battery Rivian Have Better Range?

EPA ratings show a combined range of 380 miles on a full charge of the 149-kWh Max-equipped R1T. This is an increase of 52 miles when compared to the 135-kWh Large battery. Does this range translate to the road?

While the EPA range rating assumes a mix of city and highway miles, the MotorTrend Road-Trip Range test uses an out-and-back real-world highway course with minimal changes in elevation. Speed stays at a constant 70 mph, and we consume 95 percent of the vehicle’s battery capacity. Because of our procedure, MT Road-Trip Range is often lower than the EPA combined range, as our figure reflects how drivers actually use their vehicles on road trips.

During our test, the Rivian R1T Dual-Motor Performance with the Max battery gave us a 264-mile Road-Trip Range, which makes it the longest-traveling Rivian we’ve tested. The Quad-Motor R1T with all-season tires covered 243 miles before needing to be recharged, and the R1T with 21-inch wheels and beefier all-terrain rubber covered 228. The Hummer EV 3X is at the front of the electric truck range race, squeezing 310 road-trip miles out of its massive 205-kWh battery.

Is the Max Battery Pack Worth the Price?

Checking the box next to the Max battery pack increases your EPA range rating from 341 miles to 380 miles. As mentioned, that choice also adds $10,000 to the final price of the truck. Opting for the larger-capacity battery also excludes you from the Quad-Motor R1T and its exclusive badging, quicker acceleration, and additional drive modes. This large step up in price comes with no increase in charging speed or even unique visual cues to flaunt your multi-thousand-dollar improvement in battery chemistry. This battery pack shines when the next charging station is just a smidgen farther down the interstate than expected and that 20-mile bump in real-world range is enough to save the day. If this is a scenario you’ll find yourself in often, then go for it.