The Rivian R2 And R3 In all probability Will not Be 800-Volt

• Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe informed reporters that an 800-volt structure is “not as essential” for small and mid-size merchandise just like the R2 and R3.
• Whereas different firms use higher-voltage architectures to offer higher cost occasions, Scaringe says blazing charging speeds are potential with 400-volt methods.
• Provided that the R2 is meant to be cheaper and, ideally, extra worthwhile for Rivian, it in all probability 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 dearer 800- or 900-volt system. Followers could also be hoping that the following technology of merchandise will transfer to a higher-voltage structure, which usually can enable for quicker 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 necessary for greater 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 an even bigger limiter than voltage.  

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Within the R2, the transfer is “simply not as essential,” 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 necessary in a smaller automobile.

He stopped wanting confirming immediately that the merchandise can be on a 400-volt structure, however he sounded fairly satisfied that an 800-volt system wasn’t crucial 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 know-how is interesting: A comparatively reasonably priced 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 increased, in most smaller or mid-size automobiles the voltage is not the limiter.  

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“We expect finally the cost occasions have to 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 working at 500 amps can ship 225 kW. If a automotive with a sub-100-kWh pack may maintain these speeds, it might 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 comparable numbers. The Hyundais simply holds increased speeds for longer, permitting for these ultra-fast cost occasions.

However that exhibits that the voltage is not actually the issue. Many present battery packs simply can not settle for that a lot power for lengthy sufficient to ship these types of occasions. An 800-volt system would in all probability assist, however cell chemistry and battery cooling is extra necessary, 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 present batteries.  

We’ll see in the event that they’re ok to hit the sub-20-minute cost time objective. Proper now, Rivian has solely claimed that the R2 and R3 will have the ability to do a 10-80% cost in “below half-hour.” Attending to a sub-20 time is a a lot harder problem. Provided that Scaringe famous it as a long-term objective quite than a promise, there is not 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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