Rivian stands out among automakers that only use electric vehicles as one of the few outsourcing electric motors
Among the EV-only automakers, Rivian has tried to differentiate itself from the brand with rugged and premium components. But there’s something else that sets Rivian apart, according to new analysis by IHS Markit.
Rivian is the only EV-only automaker that has outsourced its electric motors, according to the company, which in a recent blog post noted that this was done to help accelerate the launch of its semi-autonomous vehicles. Download Rivian R1T. Rivian plans to move into its own engine design phase, along with a series of changes includes a heat pump and 800 volt electrical architecture.
Automakers outsourcing electric motors (via IHS Markit)
For now, however, Rivian is taking a different approach than the likes of Tesla and Lucid. For those automakers, proprietary, in-house engine designs are at the heart of promote efficiency.
The internal engine is also more closely aligned with traditional automotive industry practices. According to IHS Markit, about 90% of internal combustion engines are currently sourced. Engine development has long been a source of pride for automakers, and engine characteristics are an important part of many of the brand’s identities. Think BMW’s inline-6 or Chevrolet’s small displacement V-8.
IHS Markit predicts that electric motor development strategies will also center around sourcing over the next decade.
2022 Rivian R1T
Currently, Volvo’s parent company Geely is listed as outsourcing nearly all the engines for electric vehicles, but both Volvo and Polestar announced that they have developed a derived engine.
Then there are companies that do it the other way around – like General Motors. The automaker says it designed new generation of electric motor but won’t build them directly.
That certainly leaves space for vendors like Bosch, Magna, Nidec, Toshiba, GE and many more — including some names you may already have associated with internal combustion engines, like Yamaha.
