Has 2024.43 improved charging curve?

[steilkurve]

Hey folks. Seriously considering an R1T Dual Max. Mostly for towing. Now, I've seen the Out of Spec R1 charging videos where the speeds were underwhelming. The release notes of the latest software update call out charging improvements. Are they addressing speed at all? Appreciate the feedback. Nic

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[Hereforthesnacks]

There is only so much software can do for this issue.

 

[steilkurve]

Understood. Needs cell/pack architecture changes for a massive difference. But latest release notes state charging improvements. Do we know what they are? Has anyone experienced improvement in charging curve/speed?

 

[Budman]

I've had both a Gen 1 and Gen 2 R1T. In my experience and testing they charge nearly the same. I wrote an extensive post on it here;

https://www.rivianforums.com/forum/...-pack-efficiency-and-charging-analysis.37135/

I have not tried charging after the latest update but I'm not expecting big changes. I feel the OOS crew over exaggerated the issue,

 

[DD4ST]

I just finished a trip and found the charging highly variable and dependent on the charger brand and battery SOC, for two. I have a G1 R1T max pack. My fastest charge was on EA at nearly 200 kWh. My RAN charges were both high, near 200 kW and closer to 110 kW. FPL Evolution charges never got above 126 kW, and a few others stayed barely over 100 kW. This was a drive from Florida to Texas so winter weather was not much of a factor. I also noticed that the Rivian ramps up over a few minutes and then maxes out to about 40% when it starts dropping. Then it sort of hits the 150 kW rate, then 125 kW rate, then close to 100 kW around 60-70%. Above 70% it drops more. Around 80-85% (I did not go above 85%), it dropped as low as 62 kWh. I learned a lesson here. In a traditional ICE vehicle we are trained to try to keep fuel in the tank and top off for max range. Extra fuel stops make the trip longer in time. In an EV topping off is not only detrimental to the battery but takes a LONG time. This means the shortest trip in time is better achieved by running to a low SOC (10-20%), then charging to a mid-level Like 50-70%. Caveat: these were only my general observations not a rigorous test.

BTW, my Audi eTron has a much flatter charging curve, maxing at 150 kWh past 50-60%. I suspect this is because Audi reserves a lot more battery buffer and why Audi says charge regularly to 80% while Rivian says 70%.

 

[COdogman]

I would take Kyle’s criticisms with a grain of salt. He has had overly harsh criticisms of Rivian’s charging from the very beginning. I feel like most owners wish it had a better curve but are ok with it. IMO there are too many outside factors to simply blame it on Rivian. Weather, battery temp, charger network all have a say….

 

[steilkurve]

I would take Kyle’s criticisms with a grain of salt. He has had overly harsh criticisms of Rivian’s charging from the very beginning. I feel like most owners wish it had a better curve but are ok with it. IMO there are too many outside factors to simply blame it on Rivian. Weather, battery temp, charger network all have a say….

Yes, there’s perhaps a bit of dramatization in the video names and characterization of what he’s noticing. That’s how they get views.

 

[steilkurve]

In a traditional ICE vehicle we are trained to try to keep fuel in the tank and top off for max range. Extra fuel stops make the trip longer in time. In an EV topping off is not only detrimental to the battery but takes a LONG time. This means the shortest trip in time is better achieved by running to a low SOC (10-20%), then charging to a mid-level Like 50-70%.

Interesting you say that. In trying to determine the best EV truck for my use, I’ve been plotting long towing trips with different vehicles on ABRP. Although it has a shorter range, the Cybertruck takes about as much time getting to the destination in a long road trip scenario as a Rivian Dual Max Gen 2. That’s because it almost doesn’t matter that you’ve got the biggest battery. Charging it full takes too much time. More efficient time-wise to do multiple short charging sessions when the charging curve will be at its peak.

 

[Tejkalra]

I had gen1 QM. never had any issue with charging. I know we are talking about charging curve and all. But I never looked at it while on trips (300-450 miles trip only). Just plugged it and went to take a break or eat and unplug and on my way. More you go in technicalities more complicated it becomes. Now I have Gen2 Tri motor. Didn't took it to any trip so far. So don't know what's the difference in charging.

 

[SeaGeo]

Reddit

Here's a comparison. It's better in some ways.

Kyle's experience was also not particularly consistent with what I've seen.

 

[DD4ST]

The Reddit comparison is sort of consistent with what I experienced. I also saw in several cases sudden changes in speed vs a gradual reduction. Also, on my trip I forgot to mention most charges took 30-40 minutes (Max Pack). But I found those times usually about right to stretch your legs, look in a few stores, and get on the road. I’ve found these forced “breaks” actually make the trip more enjoyable and less tiring.

 

[Electrified Outdoors]

I've had both a Gen 1 and Gen 2 R1T. In my experience and testing they charge nearly the same. I wrote an extensive post on it here;

https://www.rivianforums.com/forum/...-pack-efficiency-and-charging-analysis.37135/

I have not tried charging after the latest update but I'm not expecting big changes. I feel the OOS crew over exaggerated the issue,

Pretty much sums up my opinion and observations.

The OOS video I wouldn’t put too much stock in. It’s more difficult to get reliable and consistent results when ambient temps are low (which was the case with the OOS video).

Like was said above don’t expect earth shattering changes via software updates. At best they might be able to tweak the curve on. 10 to 80% charge and shave off a minute or two.

Rivian has competitive charging speeds especially when you consider the size of the battery.

I do believe long term Rivian needs bigger pack and 800v charging capability on R1. Mainly to make them better for towing and also V2H or V2G. These are adventure trucks after all.

Imagine this:

R1T with a 200 kWh pack and 800v 350 kw charging capability. Rivian already has the best efficiency of any EV pickup truck.

A 200 kWh pack would give them a 500 mi EPA most likely and only sacrificing some towing capability. Imagine a 500+ mi EPA range and 10,000 lbs towing capacity.

Rivian time to be the class leader!

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