Rivian abandoned the tank turn but trademarked "Front Dig Mode" last month to give a short turning radius to compete with four-wheel steering.
Rivian Applied Patent for Its "Front Dig Mode"
In 2019, when Rivian was another EV company, it teased "tank turn," in which a new R1T truck drove in, spun, and drove off. Rivian may create "Front Dig Mode," which twists more closely and may be easier for EV drivers. However, it might also damage many trails.
Even while Rivian seemed to have temporarily given up on the tank turn, it doesn't imply it didn't start again from scratch. A similar function termed "Front Dig Mode" looks to give a small turning radius to match prospective rivals with four-wheel steering, according to a patent application made by Rivian last month.
Dirty B and the Rivian Forums published the patent that Rivian submitted on July 19. The patent highlights that technologies and processes may be utilized to front-drive an automobile. Front dig mode is initiated when the vehicle's speed is below a threshold, and at least one front wheel is spinning too fast.
It gives the front wheels forward torque. Inner rear wheel rotation also encounters resistance. The outer rear wheel also gets torque.
Rivian vehicle uses its torque to drive several wheels and effectively spin the EV. The whole front and the rear outer wheel are forced forward (of the turn direction). The inner rear wheel spins backward to provide resistance, which causes the electric vehicle to move in a tight circular motion.
As with many patents, Rivian could only seek protection for front dig mode and not be planning to include it in their cars.
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Rivian Made a $1.71 Billion Loss in Second Quarter of 2022
Based on $364 million in sales, Rivian, the famous electric car manufacturer-sponsored by Ford and Amazon, posted a net loss of $1.71 billion in the second quarter of 2022.
Although sluggish compared to the previous quarter, when Rivian recorded a net loss of $1.59 billion based on $95 million in sales, it is a hint that Rivian's fledgling EV company is getting more steam. The company's sales exceeded Wall Street projections by around $26 million.
The profitability report indicated Rivian still has a ways to go before it can realize its promise to change the car industry with emission-free trucks and SUVs with an outdoor adventure theme. The firm expects to use up $700 million in cash this year.
Rivian manufactured 4,401 automobiles during the quarter, a 72% increase over the preceding quarter, and delivered 4,467 vehicles, a 267% increase. The company didn't break down its Amazon-made EDV and R1T vehicles. R1S SUV deliveries will begin later this year.
To build 25,000 automobiles this year, the company must generate 18,046 over the next eight months, or 9,023 every quarter. It's feasible, however challenging. During its most recent results call, Rivian recorded more than 90,000 R1T and R1S bookings. Carmaker reports 98,000 bookings.
The business had to navigate some choppy seas to get here. Around 800 employees, roughly 6% of Rivian's 14,000 workers, were let off last month. It also cited the necessity to reduce expenses to hasten the development of new models of its electric trucks and SUVs.
Related Article: Rivian is Laying Off Around 800 Employees