Rivian CEO explains why spectacular Tank Flip mode is a no-go
The fantastic Tank Flip function that Rivian confirmed off approach again in December 2019 received loads of truck and off-road fanatics speaking, for good cause.
The mode confirmed off the potential for utilizing all 4 of the electrical motors in Quad Motor R1T and R1S electrical vans to rotate the car round and round in basically the identical house, given a floor that was the correct amount of slippery.
It was a jaw-dropping transfer that Rivian managed to program in—making use of propulsion to the wheels in reverse instructions on the left and proper sides of the car, in a really managed method, that might be subsequent to inconceivable to engineer into a traditional roadgoing gasoline SUV.
Rivian Tank Flip
In an Instagram Q&A session posted Friday, Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe nonetheless sounded excited in regards to the concept, explaining how with the instantaneous torque (in both path) of electrical motors plus an array of subtle controls and a suggestions loop, “you possibly can create a torque second the place the car rotates on its middle axis like a tank.”
However Scaringe defined (beneath) why the Tank Flip function will seemingly by no means make it right into a manufacturing truck.
Electrical vans must tread evenly, too
No, Scaringe didn’t point out attorneys or regulators placing the kibosh on it.
The reason being easy, if the scar that the truck left within the video isn’t sufficient to underscore the purpose already. The Tank Flip has the potential to be actually damaging.
Scaringe mentioned that over the past 12 months and a half, Rivian determined that whereas it might implement the Tank Flip, it’s simply not in keeping with the corporate’s messaging to tread evenly.
“It is so simply abused and so onerous to ensure that we do not tear up trails and actually do issues which might be in distinction to what we stand for as an organization,” he summed, noting that it didn’t really feel congruent with how Rivian preaches respecting the paths and never leaving ruts or harm.
This seemingly means that one other patented Rivian parlor trick, Ok-Flip Mode, can also be a no-go. However the off-road prowess of the format itself stays the promoting level. And as almost everybody who’s gone off-roading in an EV will agree, the acute finesse and precision at which electrical propulsion methods can ship torque makes off-roading much more fulfilling and fewer nerve-wracking. Rivian does already make the most of this with distinct drive modes for the R1T and R1S.
Mercedes-Benz EQG prototype
Though it’s unclear whether or not Rivian may need dibs on the thought, Mercedes has already additionally teased the thought for its upcoming EQG electrical SUV, calling it a G-Flip.
Rivian is within the strategy of beginning deliveries of its Twin Motor vans, which function the corporate’s personal, cost-saving Enduro drive unit, together with motor and discount gear. They’ll finally be utilized to Quad Motor variations, too.
