2025 Gen 2 RIS heating problems and more...

[Amy P]

We recently purchased a 2025 Gen 2 RIS and have had numerous issues since day 1. We were not aware there was a new HVAC system in the 2025 model when we purchased the vehicle . Compared to the 2024 that we test drove, the 2025 is very loud when turning on the heat and it does not heat properly. We compared our 2025 directly to the 2024 and there is a definite difference in the capacity to warm the cabin, the 2024 heated immediately and maintained good cabin heat. The 2025 never got warm at the feet and took over 5 mins to warm up. I read the 2025 was supposed to be more efficient but this is definitely not the case.

Is anyone else experiencing these problems .

Other problems with the "fit and finish" include a large seat gap between the seat bottom and back (can see electronic components in the seat), plastic wheel rims not attached, frunk uneven , and many small inconsistencies that I wouldn't expect in a vehicle with this price tag.

Disappointed because I love the drive but thought I was getting a higher quality car

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[Donald Stanfield]

The 2025 has a heat pump which is more efficient than the resistive heater in the 2024 which is a good thing for range in the winter but it will take a bit longer to warm up. 5 minutes doesn't seem too out of line.

 

[Ostrichsak]

The 2025 has a heat pump which is more efficient than the resistive heater in the 2024 which is a good thing for range in the winter but it will take a bit longer to warm up. 5 minutes doesn't seem too out of line.

Newer Teslas deploy a heat pump system and it certainly doesn't take 5min to warm up. That said, Teslas "heat pump" isn't a single device but a genius system that scavenges lost heat from other components and can even specifically run motors in a lossy state intentionally to create additional heat super efficiently. I'm not sure that Rivian did something similar for their heat pump system but I'd be surprised if they didn't at least use some of that.

 

[Amy P]

The 2025 has a heat pump which is more efficient than the resistive heater in the 2024 which is a good thing for range in the winter but it will take a bit longer to warm up. 5 minutes doesn't seem too out of line.

Thanks, but it never does warm up in the foot region.

 

[Donald Stanfield]

Newer Teslas deploy a heat pump system and it certainly doesn't take 5min to warm up. That said, Teslas "heat pump" isn't a single device but a genius system that scavenges lost heat from other components and can even specifically run motors in a lossy state intentionally to create additional heat super efficiently. I'm not sure that Rivian did something similar for their heat pump system but I'd be surprised if they didn't at least use some of that.

Rivian was doing the motor thing in Gen 1 as part of their battery heating system.

 

[good2go]

I drove my R1S today for 6 hours in 10 to 15 degree weather. There was a point where I was super cold, had the temp at 74. Feet and knees were cold, hands were cold. Was getting terrible range.

from the app I hit the fan icon, and all of a sudden it was heating well. No problem rest of the day.

I have no idea what that icon turns on, but it worked great. It also seems like you have to be in auto. If the system is not on auto, it seems to not heat up.

I also crank the heat when charging to heat more of the cabin material. I also am going to look at adding insulation under the steering wheel behind the dash.

 

[Ostrichsak]

Rivian was doing the motor thing in Gen 1 as part of their battery heating system.

The motor thing? I wasn't aware Rivian deployed any sort of a heat pump on previous vehicles.

 

[Donald Stanfield]

The motor thing? I wasn't aware Rivian deployed any sort of a heat pump on previous vehicles.

Running the motors to generate extra heat that gets pumped into the battery pack.

 

[Zoidz]

The motor thing? I wasn't aware Rivian deployed any sort of a heat pump on previous vehicles.

The "motor thing" has nothing to do with heat pump vs. no heat pump. Tesla, Rivian and other EVs, as well as industrial machines (contrary to popular belief, this is not some Tesla genius discovery and invention) will run an electric motor in a lossy manner to generate heat in the windings and rotor. That heat gets absorbed into the coolant loop where it passes through the cabin heater core, creating cabin heat.

You can go to the Rivian drive train information screen and watch the motor temperatures rise rapidly above 200 F when you turn the heat on in a Rivian, or start driving on a cold day. That heat, as well as heat from the PTC Heater (Gen 1) or Heat Pump (Gen 2) is what heats the coolant loop and ultimately warms the cabin, the battery, etc.

 

[RJM77]

Thanks, but it never does warm up in the foot region.

My Gen 2 passenger side never emitted warm air. It's been fixed and we're happy with the HVAC now.

 

[Ostrichsak]

The "motor thing" has nothing to do with heat pump vs. no heat pump. Tesla, Rivian and other EVs, as well as industrial machines (contrary to popular belief, this is not some Tesla genius discovery and invention) will run an electric motor in a lossy manner to generate heat in the windings and rotor. That heat gets absorbed into the coolant loop where it passes through the cabin heater core, creating cabin heat.

You can go to the Rivian drive train information screen and watch the motor temperatures rise rapidly above 200 F when you turn the heat on in a Rivian, or start driving on a cold day. That heat, as well as heat from the PTC Heater (Gen 1) or Heat Pump (Gen 2) is what heats the coolant loop and ultimately warms the cabin, the battery, etc.

I didn't say it was a "Tesla genius discovery" but Tesla was first to put a heat pump system of that complexity (using lossy-state motors to that extent as well as other useful innovations all combined to work together) into mass-production cars, to give credit where credit is due. The other poster didn't give much detail on the "motor thing" so I was just trying to get clarification on what they were referring to. It sounds like whatever system Rivian is using can use some optimization based on what others are saying here.

 

[Electrified Outdoors]

Hi Amy, check to verify the climate control is in "auto" mode and that the heat/AC toggle is activated. If both of those are activated you can try resetting or rebooting the truck using the process in my video below. If after rebooting it still doesn't produce heat after 5-10 minutes then you may need to schedule service.

Also, you can try moving the temperature to "HI" to see if that produces heat.

How to reboot the Rivian

 

[Osyras]

We got a gen2 last week and I find it heats up way faster than a gen1, like withing a few minutes vs like 10 on the gen1. My only complain is the lackluster heated seats. they are barely warm across tho board.

 

[Phazor]

Heat was very weak prior to the most recent update. It improved a little but I still find the heater weak as compared to my prior Teslas. Living in Florida it's not a big problem for me but I can understand how folks living in colder climates are struggling with it.

 

[AJ Smith]

My Gen2 R1S has the same issue Amy reports in the floor / foot box area. Before the recent update it provided either no heat or slight cold air. Now it provides slight warm air - very weak - have to reach under dash and put hand right on vent to feel any airflow - and my feet and legs freeze in MN weather. Definitely inadequate and worse than any auto I’ve ever experienced. Rest of heating seems to work fine. Unfortunate because cold feet are a real bummer. I had into service and they say it’s working fine. It may be working as designed but it’s not good.

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