Driver+ and Cruise Control Unsafe Motor Temps?

[biglet]

I've observed that when I use adaptive cruise control and Driver+ on long road trips, there will be a stretch where those modes cause the motor temps to consistently climb. They'll climb to 270+ before I disengage them, after which the temp gradually drops back to normal operating temps. Has anyone else experienced this? I opened a service ticket but they told me this was expected behavior, which sounds suspect. I'm going to let the temp climb to completely unsafe operating temperatures next road trip, but I'd prefer not to if anyone else has experienced this.

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[240vPlug]

Rivian really should publish something to keep folks from being concerned over this. Saying its expected without any explanation isn't helpful on Rivian's part.

In colder temps the motors (apparently the front motors) will create waste heat to condition the battery. This is more efficient than using resistive heating. A lot of folks have posted about this. Tesla does this with their vehicles as well. Nobody really knows all the details of this function as Rivian hasn't publicly disclosed it....but basically the coolant is heated in the motors and then sent along to the battery to warm it up. What we see, now that we can see motor temps, is a rapid rise in temps in front motors, then a rapid decline as the heated coolant is moved into the battery.

 

[biglet]

In my case it's not being used to heat the battery though. It's not during the part of the trip where I am going to a fast charger and the battery is being prepped. Nor does the battery temp increase. The battery stays steady around 70 degrees, while the motors climb close to 300.

 

[elektrode]

Happened to me today. The only context given was the map told me the truck was preconditioning the battery for DC charging. It raised the battery a full 20 degrees from 56 to 76.

But ORANGE sure does raise some anxiety.

 

[Throwdown]

Now yall know why this data wasn't provided before, they should lie about temps the way Porsche does for all the neurotic people out there. All late model porsches do a dance of running the engine coolant temp between 190f and 230f but the gauge stays at 194f of 200f depending on year and model. My biggest question since the battery doesn't have its own dedicated heater is why they aren't circulating the coolant through the motors when they are warm like that to bring the battery and keep it around 85f, that's where it's the most efficient. All it would take is a 12v coolant pump running. Seems like a waste to not have the battery at the optimum temp for basically free

 

[SunDevil2213]

I've observed that when I use adaptive cruise control and Driver+ on long road trips, there will be a stretch where those modes cause the motor temps to consistently climb. They'll climb to 270+ before I disengage them, after which the temp gradually drops back to normal operating temps. Has anyone else experienced this? I opened a service ticket but they told me this was expected behavior, which sounds suspect. I'm going to let the temp climb to completely unsafe operating temperatures next road trip, but I'd prefer not to if anyone else has experienced this.

How much did you worry about this before you could see the motor temps? Then I'd say worry the same amount now as you did then.

 

[W1SE]

I've observed that when I use adaptive cruise control and Driver+ on long road trips, there will be a stretch where those modes cause the motor temps to consistently climb. They'll climb to 270+ before I disengage them, after which the temp gradually drops back to normal operating temps. Has anyone else experienced this? I opened a service ticket but they told me this was expected behavior, which sounds suspect. I'm going to let the temp climb to completely unsafe operating temperatures next road trip, but I'd prefer not to if anyone else has experienced this.

Here is the general rule I have stated before, if there is not a warning on the driver screen then all is normal. The info on the infotainment screen is just that, infotainment.

 

[Smeek]

In my case it's not being used to heat the battery though. It's not during the part of the trip where I am going to a fast charger and the battery is being prepped. Nor does the battery temp increase. The battery stays steady around 70 degrees, while the motors climb close to 300.

Just because the temperature of the battery isn't increasing doesn't mean the battery isn't being warmed. I think it's reasonable to assume it's just trying keep the battery at a steady temperature.

But if the car isn't given you any errors, you are probably just over thinking it with all the new data available and you (and all of us) not really fully understanding how it all works.

 

[LL75]

I really think Rivian needs to get rid of the battery and motor temperature monitors. It only causes more phone calls to the service centers !

 

[COdogman]

Rivian should change the design of the gauge view. Remove the red for hot and add a non-threatening pink unicorn that shoots out of the graphic when the motors get above 200.

 

[vandy1981]

Rivian really should publish something to keep folks from being concerned over this. Saying its expected without any explanation isn't helpful on Rivian's part.

Ford has a non-numerical battery and motor temp gauge and it doesn't really change much unless it's out of spec.

I used to criticize them for not reporting the temperature. After seeing all of these Rivian motor temperature posts I understand why Ford made that decision.

 

[SparkyR1t]

I tend to agree that motor temps probably not necessary for the average drivers. . Admit the screen looks cool but what is the real value of the data. Perhaps just display data if there is a reason to be concernd such as a true overheat condition beyond design parameters.

 

[240vPlug]

It's good to have for those of us who tow. Perhaps adding a graphic that either shows or states that it's conditioning the battery would be helpful. For example, Rivian hides the battery temps when your DC Fast Charging.

 

[Mike2325]

Here it is again, when the motor Temps were available I knew the chicken little's would be up Rivians backside. This feature will be going away, guaranteed, and I don't blame them.
If there was an issue with the temperatures, I'm sure the truck would send out a warning on the display.
You people should be paying attention to the road and stop complaining for no reason.

 

[R.I.P.]

I really think Rivian needs to get rid of the battery and motor temperature monitors. It only causes more phone calls to the service centers !

That would cause even more angy calls. Some of us very much want to see actual data, and understand that if the gage is at/below the red line then all is normal. Enjoy watching your systems at work people, and stop freaking out already.

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