Had to replace 12v battery on Gen 1

[irvineboy]

Don’t hit two years and got the message that 12v battery had to be replaced. Warranty covered it. He says they are covered for 36 months or 36k miles whatever comes first. The new one is covered for 24 months. Heard that the original manufacturer of 12v battery, which he didn’t disclose, had some issues. He also said most EV owners underestimate how long these batteries last cause it’s not like combustion vehicles where they regenerate. When I asked him how much this would cost out-of-pocket since I’m anticipating changing it once every two years now he said about $518. Owners going through these every two years?

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[Hereforthesnacks]

I’ve never changed a 12V battery on an EV in 12 years.

Not sure that all EVs replace batteries every 2-3 years…

 

[sfvR1S]

R1S is my 5th EV. Previous 4 were 3 year leases and none required 12v replacement.

Rivian did proactively replace the 12v during the 7,500 mile service, but I didn't have any issues before or since.

 

[wavrdn]

You can replace them yourself, for about a quarter of the price you were quoted. Soonish makes a post relocator to allow a normal battery of the same size as OE to be used. There's a couple videos on YouTube for how to replace, and there's a service menu option to clear the 12V codes. The single battery Gen1 are easier.

I expect to have to replace every few years, mine was just replaced under warranty a few months ago.

 

[NY_Rob]

...He also said most EV owners underestimate how long these batteries last cause it’s not like combustion vehicles where they regenerate.

Not directed at you @irvineboy, but what the heck does that even mean?
On the Rivian the 12V battery is charged by the DC to DC converter, on an ICE the battery is charged by an alternator. They both supply DC electrical energy to the battery, the battery doesn't care where that energy comes from as long as it's within the correct voltage range and within current spec. They really should consider putting a muzzle on Rivian SC employees because the amount of disinformation flowing from them is really sad.

 

[Ecupip]

Most Rivian Gen1 owners are getting 2-3 years out of a battery(s).

You must have a later-generation Gen1 with a single 12V battery. Otherwise, Rivian would charge almost $800 to change the dual battery setup.

 

[SwampNut]

Mine is on the fourth set of 12v batteries. Early gen 1, VIN 10,000.

 

[NY_Rob]

Mine is on the fourth set of 12v batteries. Early gen 1, VIN 10,000.

Each new set gets a new 24mo warranty starting form the date the SC installs them?

 

[irvineboy]

Each new set gets a new 24mo warranty starting form the date the SC installs them?

Yes they said anything that the service center installs gets 24 months warranty from installation.

 

[irvineboy]

Mine is on the fourth set of 12v batteries. Early gen 1, VIN 10,000.

What? Did they say this is normal? Is you’re the one or two set of 12v?

 

[SwampNut]

What? Did they say this is normal? Is you’re the one or two set of 12v?

they didn’t say anything about it. It’s the fourth set of two batteries, one set lasted six months.

 

[Greg Chick]

Here is what I think, the 12v batteries in my R1T were warrantied by Rivian at 12K miles, they contacted me and said they need to do it. They came to my house, over 150 miles from the closest SC and did it.
During the next 3 yrs, I read here in this Blog that when the 12v battery goes out, you are brick! (SOL). If the 12v battery is dead, the vehicle can not even be unlocked to drag it on a tow truck Etc.
So, the warranty was up on the batteries last month and my R1T warranty was almost expired, I took it in to SC and bought 2 new 12v batteries. The SC charged me just over $500 parts n labor. So I wanted to avoid an out of warranty brick experience, towing alone is more than $500. As well knowing it is my my responsibility to maintain my vehicle, simple math says replace the damm things before warranty is expires. These batteries are Lead Acid, not LION, they do not last 5 yrs, or more.
I thought the SC people were easy to deal with and nice, I avoid being a brick, and hope to live happily ever after, or at least, (another 3 yrs.).

I could have done it myself, but I have faith in, and love for, the Rivian SC in Burbank and El Segundo Ca. It is almost Valentines Day l'm considering flowers for my R1T because it is going to drive me to a nice resturant for dinner this Sat. night, (Valentines Day).

 

[1stPlace]

I have a '22 Gen 1 and have not had to replace my 12V. YMMV

Luckily, these vehicles have software that is able to monitor the voltage and capacity so if there is a need to replace the 12V, at least there is the possibility you will find out before it's dead via notification in the car. I've also heard of Rivian service proactively reaching out when they see a potential issue. I have not had that feature on a vehicle before, personally.

 

[tmbm50]

I've stated elsewhere that my Model X went thru its 12v every year. Sometimes closer to 9 months.
I'd wager that any car (ICE or EV) with cameras/sentry running down the battery every few hours all night long and all day at work would have the issue. So ot because it's an EV, but because EV's are doing more during non-running time period.

There's a reason Tesla went to a small LFP in newer models.

 

[SwampNut]

I've stated elsewhere that my Model X went thru its 12v every year. Sometimes closer to 9 months.
I'd wager that any car (ICE or EV) with cameras/sentry running down the battery every few hours all night long and all day at work would have the issue. So ot because it's an EV, but because EV's are doing more during non-running time period.

There's a reason Tesla went to a small LFP in newer models.

It's interesting how much this varies by person or specific car. I have a friend with an X and zero work ever. I think it's around five years old now. But he drives little and it's on the EVSE at all times while at home.

I had one battery in my 2019 Model 3, which we had until 2024.

Also it's worth noting once again that there seems to have been a run of bad Rivian batteries around early-mid 2025. My replacement in September happened around six months into a replacement in March.

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