2026.03 12v battery details gen1

[impulsoren]

I have been reading the threads about the new update but have not seen any discussion about the 12v battery monitoring updates for gen 1. Rivian claims this update provides better 12v health monitoring, better ability to power on with low voltage, “improved control of depth of discharge”. Which I hope means fewer stranded drivers, easier jump starting, and longer battery life.

Does anyone have details on these claims yet? Might be difficult to verify any changes that were made.

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[KBabione]

We picked up our R1S in August '23 and had the 12V battery replaced proactively by mobile service in January '25 and then again this past January. I'm happy with ANY improvements to the 12V monitoring!

 

[VSG]

I picked up my R1T in Sept 2022. I have TWO 12V batteries.

Neither of my batteries has failed or needed to be replaced. When I had my tires rotated at the SC a few months ago I also had them check the battery health, and they both tested good.

The consequence of a 12V battery failure can be pretty severe, so I understand why people complain, but I really don't think a large percentage of people have a battery problem. Maybe a greater percentage than acceptable, but I would be surprised if the true number of failures (not pro-active replacements or mounting bracket recalls etc.) is greater than 10%. Likely much less.

Rivian HAS made a number of improvements in battery monitoring over the years, and now notifies you if your battery is going bad. I expect that most of the firmware changes are not customer facing, and simply improve how the BMS manages the 12V charge/discharge cycle and monitors/notifies drivers about battery health. The goal is to prevent an emergency tow to the SC for warranty replacement, and make sure any battery problems become a maintenance issue that's the responsibility of the customer.

 

[Singletracker]

I have been reading the threads about the new update but have not seen any discussion about the 12v battery monitoring updates for gen 1. Rivian claims this update provides better 12v health monitoring, better ability to power on with low voltage, “improved control of depth of discharge”. Which I hope means fewer stranded drivers, easier jump starting, and longer battery life.

Does anyone have details on these claims yet? Might be difficult to verify any changes that were made.

Yeah. I saw this in the upgrade notes and immediately thought this could be a really big deal. I, too, am curious about getting some more details on this and if it really will make a difference.

 

[Singletracker]

We picked up our R1S in August '23 and had the 12V battery replaced proactively by mobile service in January '25 and then again this past January. I'm happy with ANY improvements to the 12V monitoring!

I got my R1T in Sept. of 2023. Like you, my battery was replaced proactively, in January 2025, after I asked my SC if I qualified for a replacement. After a bit of checking, they said yup and it was replaced at my house. I had not experienced any issues at that time, but got a new battery, anyway. No battery problems prior to or since replacing it

 

[KBabione]

No battery problems prior to or since replacing it

Glad to hear it - we had issues that the SC finally determined were related to the 12V battery and another module and replaced both. We had the dreaded "Coming to an emergency stop - find a safe place to pull over" four times. We were able to drive after a full reset, but it wasn't good. Now supply chain issues have ours in the shop again, but at least we have another Gen1 Quad as a loaner.

 

[zymolysis]

I would be surprised if the true number of failures (not pro-active replacements or mounting bracket recalls etc.) is greater than 10%.

I would be surprised if it isn't at least 50%. Mine began indicating failure at about 38,000 miles (a little over 2 years of ownership).
With Gen 2, the charge circuitry may be better, so it I am specifically thinking of Gen 1.

 

[Drott]

I have an August 22 R1T with two batteries, about 46,000 miles. Never had any battery issues and then last week the app and truck notified replacement was needed. Service was quick to get me in within a few days and the replacement was done in a few hours. Unfortunately mine was not covered under warranty, but the SC did a solid and only charged for one battery. Very glad to have received the notification rather than be stranded unexpectedly.

 

[Robot Overlord]

I got my R1T in Sept. of 2023. Like you, my battery was replaced proactively, in January 2025, after I asked my SC if I qualified for a replacement. After a bit of checking, they said yup and it was replaced at my house. I had not experienced any issues at that time, but got a new battery, anyway. No battery problems prior to or since replacing it

I bought my 23 R1T in December last year and had it in to the SC in early January this year for a comprehensive inspection. I asked them about the dual 12V batteries too. They acknowledged the hadn’t touched them with the previous owner. When I picked it up they simply said the tested good so they didn’t replace them. My three-year battery warranty expires on March 3rd. I have an appointment this Wednesday at a different SC so I’m thinking I’ll ask them to check the battery health again.

 

[zymolysis]

I bought my 23 R1T in December last year and had it in to the SC in early January this year for a comprehensive inspection. I asked them about the dual 12V batteries too. They acknowledged the hadn’t touched them with the previous owner. When I picked it up they simply said the tested good so they didn’t replace them. My three-year battery warranty expires on March 3rd. I have an appointment this Wednesday at a different SC so I’m thinking I’ll ask them to check the battery health again.

Yeah, I asked them to check my battery health just before I hit 36,000 miiles. Rivian said it was fine. Less than two months later it wasn't.

 

[azbill]

I would be surprised if it isn't at least 50%. Mine began indicating failure at about 38,000 miles (a little over 2 years of ownership).
With Gen 2, the charge circuitry may be better, so it I am specifically thinking of Gen 1.

My batteries also got replaced at 38k miles. Got a message in the app. Fortunately Rivian replaced them under warranty for me, even though I was slightly beyond the 36k miles.

 

[Oldsmobile_Mike]

I also have the two batteries in mine. Had zero issues for 2.5 years until a software bug prevented the vehicle from sleeping, which killed the 12V batteries around last summer. As soon as I saw the "replace 12V" indicator I submitted a ticket, Rivian said they could send a tow or I could drive over (since the vehicle was still operational). It was a nail-biting drive to my nearest SC but proceeded without issue, and they replaced my batteries while I waited.

As someone else mentioned, I'm happy with any improvements to the 12V monitoring. Would also like to see architecture improvements or improved consumer tools & documentation to make them more easy for "the average owner" to replace them. But as "right-to-repair" laws continue to die in committee, I don't think we'll get much traction on that.

 

[tcbrady23]

Random question - how do you know if you have more than one 12V battery?

 

[godfodder0901]

Random question - how do you know if you have more than one 12V battery?

Look under the cowl. Early Gen 1 is 2 12v, later Gen 1 and all Gen 2 is a single 12v.

 

[KBabione]

Look under the cowl. Early Gen 1 is 2 12v, later Gen 1 and all Gen 2 is a single 12v.

Change your own cabin air filter while you're looking...

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