Ohmmu Announces BT19 Sodium 12V Batteries for Rivians: Thoughts?

[xinaes]

I got an e-mail announcement today from Ohmmu that they're selling sodium 12V batteries, which are replacing the LiFePO4 battery they used to sell. They say shipping of the sodium batteries are beginning later this month.

I'm already at 3 years + 4 months into my ownership of my 2022 R1T, and I'm still on my original OEM 12V AGM batteries (2 battery configuration). I've never had any 12V battery issues with them, but I'm fearful that it's only a matter of time before one or both die at the worst possible time. Since it's past their warranty (12V battery warranties are only 3 years or 36,000 miles, whichever is earlier, and is separate from the rest of the vehicle warranty), I don't want to be in a bind and be forced to pay $775 (!!!) for a Rivian OEM AGM replacement that'll only last another 3 or 4 years.

I had held off buying Ohmmu's LiFePO4 batteries for the Rivian on account of hearing some Rivian customers complaining of it messing up their cars (due to LiFePO4 battery charge curves being different than the AGMs and what the Rivian car expects?), but it appears these new Ohmmu sodium batteries wouldn't have these problems.

However, being that these sodium batteries are new to the Rivian ecosystem, I'm wondering if anyone have any words of wisdom or caution before I pull the trigger? I've heard some Rivian owners who've bought Ohmmu's LiFePO4 and had issues with them were sent sodium battery replacements from Ohmmu; anyone know if those replacements were problem-free?

Ohmmu's e-mail announcement text below:

BT19 Sodium 12V Batteries Coming Soon for Rivian R1S & R1T!

Power your Rivian adventures with the new High-Performance BT19 Sodium 12V Battery from Ohmmu which has been engineered for the Rivian R1S and Rivian R1T.

Designed as a direct OEM replacement, this advanced Sodium Nickel Chloride Battery (a blend of NaNiCl2) delivers greater efficiency, durability, and performance than traditional sealed lead-acid batteries—while requiring no firmware changes or modifications during installation.

Built for modern EV systems, the Ohmmu Sodium 12V Battery offers higher usable capacity, improved electrical stability, and significantly longer lifespan—up to three times that of conventional lead-acid batteries. This translates to more reliable accessory power, better voltage stability for electronics, and fewer battery replacements over the life of your vehicle.

Weighing just 6 lbs per battery, the lightweight design improves efficiency while maintaining robust performance.

The battery is compatible with both single-battery and dual-battery Rivian configurations, accommodating model changes introduced around March 2023. Earlier builds use dual 12V batteries, while newer builds operate with a single battery alongside a capacitor system.

With Climate-Proof Sodium Cells, it ensures reliable charging and operation in extreme weather environments. Backed by a 3-Year Full-Replacement Warranty, the Ohmmu battery provides peace of mind and long-term reliability for Rivian owners seeking a premium low-voltage power solution.

Compatible with Rivian R1S / R1T - Sodium 12V Battery

Upgrade your Rivian's power system with the Ohmmu BT19 Sodium 12V Battery. Designed as a direct OEM replacement, it ensures compatibility with both single and dual battery configurations. This advanced battery offers enhanced efficiency and a lifespan up to three times longer than conventional batteries, ensuring reliable accessory power and vehicle electronics stability.

Shipping Mid-March 2026!

Sponsored

 

[Time2Roll]

Looks like the lithium option is discontinued. I like the low temp compatibility of the sodium more than the lithium heaters.

https://www.ohmmu.com/product-page/compatible-with-rivian-r1s-r1t-single-or-dual-sodium-12v-battery

 

[chrismc]

Their website is devoid of any actual technical specifications for their Sodium batteries. I’d approach their claims skeptically, they don’t have the best track record for being trustworthy.

 

[Gen(R3)Xer]

I got an e-mail announcement today from Ohmmu that they're selling sodium 12V batteries, which are replacing the LiFePO4 battery they used to sell. They say shipping of the sodium batteries are beginning later this month.

I'm already at 3 years + 4 months into my ownership of my 2022 R1T, and I'm still on my original OEM 12V AGM batteries (2 battery configuration). I've never had any 12V battery issues with them, but I'm fearful that it's only a matter of time before one or both die at the worst possible time. Since it's past their warranty (12V battery warranties are only 3 years or 36,000 miles, whichever is earlier, and is separate from the rest of the vehicle warranty), I don't want to be in a bind and be forced to pay $775 (!!!) for a Rivian OEM AGM replacement that'll only last another 3 or 4 years.

I had held off buying Ohmmu's LiFePO4 batteries for the Rivian on account of hearing some Rivian customers complaining of it messing up their cars (due to LiFePO4 battery charge curves being different than the AGMs and what the Rivian car expects?), but it appears these new Ohmmu sodium batteries wouldn't have these problems.

However, being that these sodium batteries are new to the Rivian ecosystem, I'm wondering if anyone have any words of wisdom or caution before I pull the trigger? I've heard some Rivian owners who've bought Ohmmu's LiFePO4 and had issues with them were sent sodium battery replacements from Ohmmu; anyone know if those replacements were problem-free?

Ohmmu's e-mail announcement text below:

Interesting. I didn’t think sodium-ion batteries were ready for prime time yet. Cool.

 

[Time2Roll]

Sodium is definitely out and ready. Here is one with some specs:

https://coulombsolutions.com/product/12v-sodium-ion-battery/

 

[ndmiller]

There is a difference between charging parameters of lead acid, AGM, LIonand I'm sure Sodium batteries. I wouldn't expect Rivian systems are going to handle sodium battery charging the way it likes to be charged (curve, voltage start-stop, amps.).

No shade on Ohmmu, I'm sure the battery is amazing, but wouldn't put that in any car/motorcycle/boat I owned until vehicle manufacturers validate charging requirements will be met.

 

[Mellowyellow]

It's still $360 for one battery!

 

[electruck]

It's still $360 for one battery!

and $499 for 2?

 

[electruck]

I find it interesting that they are so confident in the performance of this battery that they are still cross-selling the Ancel battery monitor.

No thanks, I have no interest in being a guinea pig for the latest flash-in-the-pan from Ohhmu. Perhaps if these batteries are really all that great, Rivian will start shipping with them.

 

[Mellowyellow]

and $499 for 2?

Good catch, I didn't check the price for 2 and assumed it would just be $360 x 2. Shame on me

 

[Time2Roll]

and $499 for 2?

Need to partner with someone for the purchase.

 

[SwampNut]

You guys are hilarious. We have these known trash batteries in our vehicles and you're afraid of a new one from a company that has solved this problem reliably for other brands of EVs. Ridiculous. When my current, FOURTH set of shit batteries from Rivian die, this is my solution for sure.

 

[Time2Roll]

These batteries tend to be far more forgiving than lead-acid for charging

1) can be run down and left low on charge without worry.

2) getting the lead-acid back to tip top 100% to minimize sulfation is the difficulty. These LFP or Sodium batteries if they only get to 80% 90% they don't care. May even last longer same as the main HV battery.

 

[SwampNut]

May even last longer same as the main HV battery.

Very likely. I have no room in my life for lead-acid. The Rivian is the only thing with that garbage. The motorcycles, generator, everything have modern batteries (LFP). They simply don't care about anything and last forever. No special charging needed.

 

[electruck]

You guys are hilarious. We have these known trash batteries in our vehicles and you're afraid of a new one from a company that has solved this problem reliably for other brands of EVs. Ridiculous. When my current, FOURTH set of shit batteries from Rivian die, this is my solution for sure.

well, their first attempt at solving this for Rivian didn't work out so well and that product is no longer even being offered. why should we believe the second attempt will go any better? thank you but, in this case, I'll stick with the devil I know. sorry you've had so many battery issues but in 3 years I've only had one pro-active replacement (admittedly, one of those replacements failed within 3 days of installation and had to be replaced) and never been left with the vehicle inoperable.

in due time, after some other guinea pigs validate this new Ohhmu offering, perhaps I will reconsider. but right now I don't have a 12V problem that needs to be solved.

Sponsored