The Rivian R2 And R3 Most likely Will not Be 800-Volt

• Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe advised reporters that an 800-volt structure is “not as important” for small and mid-size merchandise just like the R2 and R3.
• Whereas different firms use higher-voltage architectures to supply higher cost instances, Scaringe says blazing charging speeds are attainable with 400-volt programs.
• On condition that the R2 is meant to be cheaper and, ideally, extra worthwhile for Rivian, it most likely will not use an 800-volt system.

Rivian has not but introduced whether or not its forthcoming R2 and R3 midsize automobiles will use a 400-volt structure or a costlier 800- or 900-volt system. Followers could also be hoping that the subsequent era of merchandise will transfer to a higher-voltage structure, which usually can permit for sooner charging and extra effectivity. However after sitting down with Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe, I do not suppose that is probably.

In a roundtable with reporters, Scaringe mentioned that whereas there are advantages to going 800-volt, they’re extra essential for larger batteries. Bigger packs—like these within the R1—usually tend to be voltage-constrained. However with a smaller pack like we’re anticipating to see within the R2 and R3, Scaringe says battery chemistry is a much bigger limiter than voltage.  

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Within the R2, the transfer is “simply not as important,” he mentioned. “R2 we have optimized extra round value, to verify we ship nice efficiency however [at] these value factors. I do not suppose it is as essential in a smaller automobile.

He stopped in need of confirming instantly that the merchandise could be on a 400-volt structure, however he sounded fairly satisfied that an 800-volt system wasn’t obligatory for R2 or R3. The bigger R1 will “have to transition” to an 800- or 900-volt setup, he mentioned, however did not say when. Such a considerable change is unlikely till the automobile’s subsequent redesign.

Hyundai, Kia, Lucid and Porsche have all been bullish on 800- or 900-volt architectures. Their automobiles present why the expertise is interesting: A comparatively inexpensive Hyundai Ioniq 6 can zip from 10% to 80% in simply 18 minutes. A Porsche Taycan can do it in 16. That is blazing quick. However Scaringe says that the give attention to voltage is misplaced. Whereas an 800-volt pack can ship charging speeds of 350 kW or greater, in most smaller or mid-size autos the voltage is not the limiter.  

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“We predict in the end the cost instances must be sub-20 minutes for that 10-80 time. We’re 100% aligned on that. You may get there with [400v],” he mentioned. A 450-volt charger operating at 500 amps can ship 225 kW. If a automotive with a sub-100-kWh pack might maintain these speeds, it would be able to doing 10-80% in 20 minutes. Look no additional than Hyundai for proof. Regardless of its 800-volt structure, a Hyundai Ioniq 5 or Ioniq 6 will “solely” peak round 220-230 kW. Some 400-volt automobiles just like the Tesla Mannequin 3 and Rivian R1 can hit related numbers. The Hyundais simply maintain greater speeds for longer, permitting for these ultra-fast cost instances.

However that exhibits that the voltage is not actually the issue. Many current battery packs simply can’t settle for that a lot power for lengthy sufficient to ship these types of instances. An 800-volt system would most likely assist, however cell chemistry and battery cooling is extra essential, Scaringe says. He did not point out it, however the implication is that its “4695” cylindrical sells the corporate plans to make use of within the R2 and R3 ought to have higher thermals than current batteries.  

We’ll see in the event that they’re adequate to hit the sub-20-minute cost time aim. Proper now, Rivian has solely claimed that the R2 and R3 will be capable of do a 10-80% cost in “underneath half-hour.” Attending to a sub-20 time is a a lot more durable problem. On condition that Scaringe famous it as a long-term aim reasonably than a promise, there isn’t any phrase on whether or not the R2 or R3 will get there. In the event that they do, although, it probably will not be with the assistance of an 800-volt structure.

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