Rivian, the electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, may abandon its much-anticipated Tank Turn feature for the R1T and R1S models. Initially confirmed in December 2019, the feature has faced multiple delays since then. In a recent Instagram Q&A session on May 26, Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe revealed that the company is now leaning towards not offering the feature at all. According to Scaringe, the decision is rooted in environmental considerations, as the Tank Turn feature has the potential to cause significant damage to trails and the surrounding ecosystem.
Scaringe explained that while Rivian possesses the technical capability to implement Tank Turn, its usage can be easily abused and may result in trail erosion and other forms of environmental damage. This conflict with the company’s core values, which emphasize responsible off-roading and minimizing the ecological impact of their vehicles, led to the reevaluation of the feature. Rivian’s messaging urges customers to respect trails, avoid leaving ruts, and minimize their footprint.
The Tank Turn feature, as outlined by Scaringe, enables the vehicle to rotate on its center axis, akin to a tank. By harnessing the instantaneous torque of the electric motors and employing advanced controls and feedback systems, Rivian’s Quad Motor R1T and R1S trucks can apply propulsion to the wheels in opposing directions on either side of the vehicle. However, the feature’s implementation requires a sufficiently slippery surface for optimal performance.
While the removal of the Tank Turn feature is under consideration, Rivian has not addressed the fate of another related feature called K-Turn Mode. This mode, which facilitates tight U-turns by independently controlling each wheel’s torque, may also be affected by the company’s environmental concerns.
Although Rivian’s decision not to pursue Tank Turn may be disappointing to some enthusiasts, the EV industry is witnessing other automakers embracing similar capabilities for their upcoming electric SUVs. Notably, Mercedes-Benz plans to include a comparable feature called “EQG Turn” in its EQG model, while BYD intends to offer a turning feature named “Yangwang U8” on their forthcoming electric SUV.
As Rivian weighs the environmental consequences against the potential benefits, the company’s commitment to sustainable and responsible practices appears to be the guiding factor in determining the fate of the Tank Turn feature. Ultimately, Rivian aims to strike a balance between delivering innovative features and preserving the natural environment.