US-based EV manufacturer, Rivian Automotive, has selected Tenneco to provide intelligent suspension and anti-vibration performance materials for its first two models: the R1T five-passenger pickup and R1S seven-passenger SUV. Under the terms of the deal, Tenneco will supply its CVSA2/Kinetic H2 semi-active suspension technology and Clevite NVH performance elastomers for the vehicles.
The CVSA2/Kinetic H2 electronic suspension technology provides continuously controlled damping along with hydraulic roll control, and it will be integrated with Rivian’s flexible ‘skateboard’ chassis, which also houses the vehicle’s quad-motors, intelligent battery management system and other components.
Tenneco originally developed the suspension for sports cars and hypercars, but it is now also available for performance SUV and light truck platforms. The suspension’s Kinetic roll-control system is designed to offer handling agility, comfort and off-road performance. By eliminating the need for conventional sway bars, the technology helps reduce vehicle weight and decouples single wheel disturbances, providing better contact with the road. The Kinetic interlinkage concept also consumes very little energy, helping to extend battery vehicle range.
The R1T and R1S models also will be equipped with Tenneco ’s Clevite Elastomers front and rear suspension bushings, top mounts and other parts, which combine to reduce NVH, creating smooth, quiet and comfortable ride dynamics.
“Our global engineering teams have worked closely with Rivian and other vehicle manufacturers to achieve new ride performance and NVH reduction targets for battery-electric and hybrid vehicles. We are very pleased that CVSA2/Kinetic technology has been chosen,” said Henrik Johansson, Tenneco’s vice president and general manager for advanced suspension technologies.
