R1S battery outdated already?

[Zoidz]

Tech wise, most/all vehicles are outdated before they even ship. 48 volt specs, designs, chipsets, etc. have been out there for 5 to 7 years. CT is the first vehicle to fully use it. It takes years to bring new tech into the vehicle manufacturing process. There is always something better "just around the corner".

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[lefkonj]

Your new iPhone 15 is outdated because they are already working on not only the 16 but the 17. This is life. Right now the R1S is amazing, in the future it will only get better via OTA and then the upgrades Rivian does to future releases.

 

[Supratachophobia]

Tesla is still putting 18650 based packs into their Plaid vehicles. And with the exception of slightly higher cell capacity, it's fundamentally the same pack they were installing a decade ago; 18650's / 400v / liquid thermal management.

So no, I wouldn't say the rivian is outdated. After all, quality is conformence to requirements. If it's working to expectation, it's a good choice.

 

[agentfive]

Meh - I have a 5 year old Tesla Model 3 - going strong - lots of updates etc. but it's still the most reliable car that has the least maintenance we've ever owned.

Picking up our new Max Pack R1S in Blue AWD tomorrow - not worried about it. IT will be better than 99% of the other ICE and EV stuff out there.

 

[Florida Panhandler]

Still driving my 2018 Model 3 Long Range. It was outdated in 2019. Plan to hand it dow not my teen when she turns 16 in 3 years.

cars are always outdated in one year.

 

[John C.]

One concern about updating the battery back is the availability in the future of a replacement battery pack when/if needed. Hopefully, if Rivian can make a replacement less expensively in the future, that this will be available at less cost when needed when a replacement is needed for my 2023 R1S. Worst Case scenario is that it becomes difficult to get a replacement because new battery pack design is not compatible with my vehicle.

 

[Miketz]

To be blunt, *any* EV you buy today is "outdated" in the sense that there will always be something better just around the corner. ICE vehicles have had over 100 years of continuous development and few today worry about waiting to make a purchase based on what's coming. EVs are still very much in their infancy and the EV you buy today will be the worst they will ever be.

This is what you pay for when you buy a Rivian

• • 5-year or 60,000-mile (whichever occurs first) for Quad-Motor configurations.
  • 4-year or 50,000-mile (whichever occurs first) for all other configurations.
• Battery pack system and drivetrain system limited warranty based on configuration:
  • 8-year or 175,000-mile (whichever occurs first) for Large pack battery with Quad-Motor.
  • 8-year or 150,000-mile (whichever occurs first) for Large or Max pack battery with Dual-Motor.

 

[NY_Rob]

At the risk of getting off topic, do you have any plans to upgrade the i3 to the iX? Never been a big fan of BMWs (ICE or EV, except for the i8), but really like what they've done with the styling / design of the iX personally.

Not currently, that vehicle is used by my daughter for her 50mi round trip work commute. It's perfect for her as she's single and she loves the nimble handling and super easy parking due to it's small size. If/when the i3 starts giving problems I would probably steer her towards a Bolt or Tesla as she likes smaller vehicles vs larger SUV's.

FWIW.. I did recommend the iX to our niece who loves BMW's and has kids.

 

[Zoidz]

One concern about updating the battery back is the availability in the future of a replacement battery pack when/if needed. Hopefully, if Rivian can make a replacement less expensively in the future, that this will be available at less cost when needed when a replacement is needed for my 2023 R1S. Worst Case scenario is that it becomes difficult to get a replacement because new battery pack design is not compatible with my vehicle.

Rivian has stated in the past they will not be offering a replacement battery outside of warranty issues, although I guess that remains to be seen. I expect that by that time (6 - 10 years from now) there will be third party companies, similar to tire shops, that will specialize in battery replacements. For Telsa owners, A few exist today.

 

[Zeusy Zeus]

Personally I had a horrific experience with 2 deliveries from Rivian so I’m purposely holding out until next year to see if they improve their QC. Another fear of mine was as you mentioned the technology improvements and getting a 2023 model right before the 2024 is out in a couple months (I believe a Rivian rep said January 2024 they come out). So if you’re hesitant I would just wait and request a 2024 model around the summertime unless you really need a vehicle now.

 

[zymolysis]

I’m picking up my R1S this week and I read that they are going with newer more efficient batteries soon? Is that 2024? My vehicle is already outdated?

As others have said, these are small incremental changes that will simplify construction and/or reduce cost (for Rivian). Neither the chemistry of the battery nor the size (kWh) seems to be changing. Probably the only improvement from the owner's viewpoint might be a slight reduction in weight.
It'll be several years, I would expect, before there are any substantial changes in batteries. Many companies are working on battery technology, but even the ones that will eventually pan out will take years before they show up in vehicles that are being mass-marketed.

 

[zymolysis]

I believe a Rivian rep said January 2024 they come out

Rivian changes the model year designation for vehicles when the production date is January 1 or later. That doesn't mean that there is any actual difference between it and one that had a manufacturing date of 12-31. This is in contrast to the way that most legacy manufacturers do it - introduce a new model year (with changes) in the summer or fall.

 

[zymolysis]

I cannot believe Rivian doesn’t have apple car play

Get used to it. They did that by design. RJ wants to have control of the look of your screens. And, eventually, they'll start monetizing it (charging for data access, and (most likely) a premium for some functions.

 

[zymolysis]

There is always something better "just around the corner".

And "just around the corner" always seems so much closer than it actually is.

 

[Zeusy Zeus]

Rivian changes the model year designation for vehicles when the production date is January 1 or later. That doesn't mean that there is any actual difference between it and one that had a manufacturing date of 12-31. This is in contrast to the way that most legacy manufacturers do it - introduce a new model year (with changes) in the summer or fall.

True but do we know if there will be changes? No right? So it’s safe to assume at some point there will be changes and hopefully improved QC especially since they’ve been forcing vehicles out the assembly with often times low delivery standards (from what I’ve seen).

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