The most important Rivian battery pack, dubbed the Max pack, is now entering production, but with less capability than original discussed.
When it announced the Max pack about two years ago, Rivian mentioned a gross capability of 180 kwh. But this past week, Rivian confirmed to Automotive and Driver that it’s largest pack has a gross capability of just 149 kwh.
Since then, Rivian has also confirmed that number to Green Automotive Reports in addition to something even perhaps more meaningful: why it is not 180 kwh.
Rivian R1T, green, vs. Rivian R1S, silver
Briefly: The Max pack utilizes a brand new battery cell, in the identical form factor utilized by Rivian’s 135-kwh Large pack and without gaining mass—so with its greater efficiencies it could truly be definitely worth the $10,000 premium.
“This efficiency was reached by our engineers who developed a proprietary battery management system that optimizes and increases the usable battery energy from a new edition of our 2170 battery cell with advanced chemistry that enables for each higher energy density and better absolute energy,” explained Rivian, in a response provided to Green Automotive Reports. “That is as an alternative of adding more cells or modules to an existing battery pack, which might add more mass to the vehicle itself.
Rivian on Friday again confirmed that the overall (gross) capability of its Large pack is 135 kwh. Usable capability, Rivian has emphasized up to now, may vary over time because it improves the electrical trucks’ performance and efficiency via over-the-air updates.
“Our vehicles’ range is driven by many aspects across energy storage, drive unit efficiency, aerodynamics, and more,” said a Rivian spokesperson to Green Automotive Reports Friday, in response to a question about current usable capability. “As you realize, we improve vehicle software through over-the-air updates, meaning we proceed to optimize vehicle efficiency and range no matter when a customer takes delivery of their Rivian.”
More miles per kwh for Max pack?
Without knowing usable capability—and assuming it’s in regards to the same ratio of the pack capability as for the Large pack—that implies the Max pack models are literally improving efficiency and more miles per kwh.
The Max pack is out there in each the R1T electric pickup truck and R1S SUV, but only with the recently-launched Dual-Motor powertrain. As revealed recently, the Max pack R1T and R1S have been EPA-rated at 410 miles and 400 miles respectively. Dual-Motor trucks with the Large pack were recently rated at as much as 352 miles.
2023 Rivian R1T
Allowing that three-row, 400-mile R1S Max pack
Deliveries of R1T Max pack models are already underway; R1S Max pack deliveries are scheduled to begin later this fall—with its third row and cargo areas now likely not impacted by the Max pack.
That wasn’t originally the case. Earlier on in these trucks’ gestation, Rivian had suggested that packaging on Max pack R1S versions could be a bit different and forgo the three-row layout.
Rivian has from the beginning used a distinct thermal strategy than other EV makers—allowing it to package more energy into less space. And it’s offered a battery warranty that beats Tesla and other EVs.
Now it’s clear they don’t seem to be done with these ideas and the longest-range trucks may represent improved thermal engineering. There’s surely more backstory to yet to return.
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with additional reporting by Bengt Halvorson
This Article First Appeared At www.greencarreports.com
