Cold weather driving efficiency - Gen 2 LFP vs. NMC?

[evthree]

Hey all-
Curious about whether there is a driving efficiency difference (miles/kWh) between the Gen 2 Dual Standard (LFP) battery and the Gen 2 Max (NMC) battery in cold weather.

I realize that there is a range difference based on the different kWh sizes of the two batteries, but wondering if driving efficiency (miles/kWh) is similar or different between the battery chemistries.

Thanks for any insights, all! Love the value of my DS LFP. Slightly more winter range anxiety than I have had with past EVs (Model 3 and Model Y), and I am trying to understand how much of that is specific to the LFP battery vs. Gen 2 battery heating/efficiency generally.

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[DuoRivians]

LFP batteries have its advantages, but doing well in really cold weather isn’t one of them

https://www.large-battery.com/blog/nmc-vs-lifepo4-battery-low-temperature/

 

[NY_Rob]

https://www.rivianforums.com/forum/threads/lfp-battery-in-cold-climate.55272/post-937974

 

[evthree]

LFP batteries have its advantages, but doing well in really cold weather isn’t one of them

https://www.large-battery.com/blog/nmc-vs-lifepo4-battery-low-temperature/

Thanks for the link. I have read similar summaries, and they are always helpful.

That said, what I am specifically wondering about is LFP vs. NMC based on the way that Rivian implements and manages battery temps in the Gen 2 R1S.

For example, if I am averaging 1.8 miles/kWh in 20 degree (Fahrenheit) temps in my LFP Dual Standard, would I be getting substantially better efficiency if I had opted to pay $25K more for the Max battery?

I understand that the available capacity may decrease more with LFP, but I am specifically wondering about driving efficiency with whatever capacity exists.

Has anyone seen any data on that?

 

[Gen2R1T2025]

I see about 10 to 20% drop in winter efficiency compared to summer for my duty cycles. 2025 Gen 2 R1T DS. Lifetime Aggregate is around 2.9

 

[Audiotek]

My configuration is a 2023 Gen-1 R1S Quad Large Pack (NMC chemistry O.G. version). 22 inch Pirelli Scorpion Tire set to 48 PSI

I returned from Schenectady NY to central New Jersey on Saturday 1.24.2026.

Outside temp minus -20 degrees Fahrenheit

Travel distance 189 miles

RIS miles used 265

Used driver+ w/ conserve mode.

Driver+ Set speed 74mph

Longest stretch 113 miles in a mostly straight line

Height setting- auto

Ride feel - soft

Summary is that I used 29% more battery miles to travel the actual distance .
This rhymes with what others have reported in terms of a ~(30%) efficiency hit in cold weather.

Bottom line is for my R2 reservation my battery must be a large Pack or Max Pack with NMC chemistry.

 

[evthree]

I knew that coming in, and am generally happy with my purchase decision. Just trying to learn more specifics about how/why LFP underperforms NMC in cold weather as implemented by Rivian in the Gen 2 R1S. Thanks.

 

[VandalSibs]

For example, if I am averaging 1.8 miles/kWh in 20 degree (Fahrenheit) temps in my LFP Dual Standard, would I be getting substantially better efficiency if I had opted to pay $25K more for the Max battery?

Are you warming up your vehicle before you leave for a trip where efficiency matters that much (more than just some errands around town)? Even warming up the cabin while the vehicle is plugged in at home will warm up the battery a bit, helping out.

 

[beatle]

On longer winter trips with a preheated cabin and a recently charged/warm battery, I use about 10-12% more energy to go the same distance. I have an NMC pack though. On short trips it's more like 100% more:

https://www.rivianforums.com/forum/threads/mileage-loss-in-cold-what’s-realistic.55147/#post-935857

 

[evthree]

Are you warming up your vehicle before you leave for a trip where efficiency matters that much (more than just some errands around town)? Even warming up the cabin while the vehicle is plugged in at home will warm up the battery a bit, helping out.

I warm cabin/seats ahead of time always, and sometimes have it plugged in (and charging/warming) ahead of a drive when I need the range. Mostly curious about apples to apples LFP vs. NMC.

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