An Owner Of A Brick

[Acoustic71]

There are reports (multiple!) in this forum that Rivian is calling clients to replace their 12V proactively. So they know about it and they're doing something about it.

I'm assuming Rivian is replacing 12V based on availability, area, accessibility of mobile services, etc, etc.

I was one of those lucky folks. Rivian Service called me on a Thursday, and Mobile Service came out on Friday afternoon. Replaced my dual 12v batteries and did a full multi-point inspection. Color me VERY happy.

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[mudito]

I was one of those lucky folks. Rivian Service called me on a Thursday, and Mobile Service came out on Friday afternoon. Replaced my dual 12v batteries and did a full multi-point inspection. Color me VERY happy.

neat!

 

[Rividiculous]

Where is the 12v? Who has dual 12vs and who doesn’t?

OP, I’m hoping you get your R1 back quickly! Glad the pickup went well at least.

 

[s4wrxttcs]

Debbie Downer has entered the chat.

That comment was in a defense of EVs.

EV's are getting a terrible reputation largely because of quality issues.

Either with the vehicles themselves or with chargers.

I felt like the OP's comment was unfair to EV's.

The majority of EV's don't have major 12VDC battery issues like Rivian has repeatedly had.

 

[Electrified Outdoors]

Front wheels will free-wheel, but the rears will be locked up without a special device to release the parking brake. Tow truck drivers usually have enough experience that it's not a problem.

Might be worthwhile to have this handy just in case: https://assets.ctfassets.net/2md5qh...0a1e/R1-tow-operator-guide-en-us-20240621.pdf

Man this sucks. I’m sorry this happened.

they can put it on Dollie’s or jump start it.

 

[jwanderson88]

If it is a 12V battery, is that covered by the warranty or is it a normal maintenance item? If it isn't covered, then towing it to the service center wouldn't be covered. What are other people's experiences with a dead Rivian/battery?

 

[godfodder0901]

If it is a 12V battery, is that covered by the warranty or is it a normal maintenance item? If it isn't covered, then towing it to the service center wouldn't be covered. What are other people's experiences with a dead Rivian/battery?

There is a 3-year warranty on the 12v. If you are within this period, you'll be good.

 

[jwanderson88]

Okay, so 12V battery maintenance isn't a big deal. In an ideal world where things make sense, a Rivian (or any EV) would never be "bricked" by a faulty battery. The Rivian/EV would be able to detect in advance that the battery is faulty and it would be serviced in a timely manner without a lot of drama. Since a dead car is really the worst-case scenario, then more effort should be made to prevent it. It would be better for Rivian, the owner, and everybody else. Why isn't this happening?

First of all, the Rivian would always have to be able to tell that a battery is on the verge of failure. That must be possible. Then you'd get a message that the battery needs to be serviced immediately and the car would refuse to go. This needs to be taken more seriously. It would be a warning. You could indicate to the car that you understand the situation and then you could take it for service. That way there would be no dead cars because of the 12V battery.

 

[Mark_AZR1T]

... Since a dead car is really the worst-case scenario, then more effort should be made to prevent it. It would be better for Rivian, the owner, and everybody else. Why isn't this happening?

The challenge here is that, unfortunately, there’s no dependable way at present to predict when a standard 12V automotive battery is nearing the end of its life. It’s a limitation we’re all contending with! In my case, Rivian was able to replace mine right in my garage, which made things a bit easier.

 

[jwanderson88]

Having experienced this myself, I'm saying that this isn't the way to handle an ordinary maintenance problem. Maybe the batteries need to change. They could have self-diagnostic capability. We can go to the moon, why not be able to tell if a battery is about to go bad. A false alarm is better than battery failure.

 

[godfodder0901]

The challenge here is that, unfortunately, there’s no dependable way at present to predict when a standard 12V automotive battery is nearing the end of its life. It’s a limitation we’re all contending with! In my case, Rivian was able to replace mine right in my garage, which made things a bit easier.

Here is some research on a novel voltage-only battery SOH algorithm. I have dual voltage monitors on my R1T and planned on implementing something like this in the future.
content (vt.edu)

 

[Mark_AZR1T]

Here is some research on a novel voltage-only battery SOH algorithm. I have dual voltage monitors on my R1T and planned on implementing something like this in the future.
content (vt.edu)

The problem is voltage can drop from 12.8 to <5 without any warning, which is typical of modern 12v automotive batteries. This is especially true in hot climate areas. In AZ you can be running perfectly at 12V+ with zero signs of imminent failure and the next moment, dead battery.

 

[godfodder0901]

The problem is voltage can drop from 12.8 to <5 without any warning, which is typical of modern 12v automotive batteries. This is especially true in hot climate areas. In AZ you can be running perfectly at 12V+ with zero signs of imminent failure and the next moment, dead battery.

Yeah, but hopefully the dual real-time voltage monitors would be able to see that before the proverbial shit hits the fan...

 

[MaikeruRIV]

Sorry new here, would something like this help the issue with the Batteries?
https://voltageboosterpro.com/product/og/

 

[mudito]

Sorry new here, would something like this help the issue with the Batteries?
https://voltageboosterpro.com/product/og/

Most likely it wont.

Based on the evidence we have as of today, the Car will shut itself down to protect the HV Battery in case there are excessive 12V Charging events/duration (we don't know how much is excessive).

So, upping the voltage would maybe charge the AGM a bit better, but a broken AGM will still be drained as fast. Also, we don't know how much a device like this would impact the DC-to-DC charger as it will alter current during the process. That might just complicate things further.

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