Proactive replacement of 12v battery

[Bippie]

After reading the various reports of Rivian owners being stranded when their 12v battery died, I am considering replacing mine proactively. I decided to ask Rivian to confirm if my R1S has one or two lead acid batteries. While support could not answer that question (after initially stating that all Rivians have 2 12v batteries), they suggest I let Rivian perform this service. After finally securing a service appointment, I found out that Rivian will only replace the 12v battery with a similar lead acid battery for about $300. I suspect this would be a foolish replacement. Instead, I'm considering replacing the 12v myself (well, with my handy brother's assistance) with a lithium battery. Am I making the right choice by replacing with a lithium battery in hopes of avoiding a dreaded 12v battery issue? Or are the 12v battery issues related to the build date? Maybe Rivian received a bad batch of lead acid batteries? My build date was in 11/2023 so I'm fairly certain I only have one battery. Am I overthinking this? Thanks!

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[Electrified Outdoors]

The 12v batteries are a weak spot on these trucks. With that said, you can view the state of health for the 12v in the RIDE menu. I wouldn't spend all the money to proactively replace it. I would instead purchase a good battery bank. If/when it fails you can jump the truck back to life and then replace them. The aftermarket lithium LifePo4 batteries are pretty good. One vendor claims to have heating. As long as they have a bms and provisions to warm them up when it's really cold (LFP can be damaged by charging below freezing though they can still be discharged).

Your not overthinking it as it's a valid concern. Just better to be prepared if there is a failure because even if you spend the money to replace, there's no guarantee that you won't have a failure.

 

[harkco]

What is the RiDE menu code these days?

 

[onthebrake]

I thought the oem batteries are AGM?

 

[suprteck]

What is the RiDE menu code these days?

33748

 

[shrink]

I thought the oem batteries are AGM?

They are:

https://assets.ctfassets.net/3inf9w...d0444850f1fad3/EVP_DCS_DataSheet_08312022.pdf

 

[MiguelG]

I contacted Rivian regarding these batteries. They stated they last about 3 to 5 years. Once they start going bad, you'll get an initial warning. The system will last about a week with that warning. There after you're likely to be stranded after a 2nd warning.

 

[Whale Blubber]

I was looking at this in one when considering an audio amp upgrade:

https://www.ohmmu.com/product-page/12v-lithium-battery-for-r1t-r1s

 

[Johann]

same happended to my Rivian, just got quoted $720 to get it replaced!

 

[Cycliste]

same happended to my Rivian, just got quoted $720 to get it replaced!

Like, does that include labor, and an omakase menu of sushi with a sake pairing?

 

[Johann]

They send me the estimated cost to approve the 12-volt battery replacement.

I objected to the cost because the Rivian warranty document mentions a 3-year / 36k-mile warranty on the 12-volt battery. I am still waiting for a response.

 

[Cycliste]

Seems a bit pricey without the sushi and sake even if that is for two batteries

 

[Mark_AZR1T]

Like, does that include labor, and an omakase menu of sushi with a sake pairing?

more like with hand-massaged Grade 5 Osaka Wagyu Rib Eye...

 

[electruck]

Keep in mind that many of the 12V "failures" you read about are actually just collateral damage from another problem (not saying this is always the case). You could have a 12V failure the day after replacing the battery if the vehicle fails to keep it charged properly.

 

[C.R. Rivian]

After reading the various reports of Rivian owners being stranded when their 12v battery died, I am considering replacing mine proactively. I decided to ask Rivian to confirm if my R1S has one or two lead acid batteries. While support could not answer that question (after initially stating that all Rivians have 2 12v batteries), they suggest I let Rivian perform this service. After finally securing a service appointment, I found out that Rivian will only replace the 12v battery with a similar lead acid battery for about $300. I suspect this would be a foolish replacement. Instead, I'm considering replacing the 12v myself (well, with my handy brother's assistance) with a lithium battery. Am I making the right choice by replacing with a lithium battery in hopes of avoiding a dreaded 12v battery issue? Or are the 12v battery issues related to the build date? Maybe Rivian received a bad batch of lead acid batteries? My build date was in 11/2023 so I'm fairly certain I only have one battery. Am I overthinking this? Thanks!

Carry a jump start kit. I always have (12 volts have been the weak link in ICE cars as well) and had to use it via the cables at the back (under the hitch cover) a couple years ago when early on I had a 12 volt issue in my R1T. In that instance, Rivian replaced my batteries under warranty. Luck of the draw, I had a similar issue in the first few months of owning my Ridgeline some years ago. 12 volt batteries and their infrastructure are chancy.

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