- Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe advised reporters that an 800-volt structure is “not as crucial” for small and mid-size merchandise just like the R2 and R3.
- Whereas different firms use higher-voltage architectures to offer higher cost occasions, Scaringe says blazing charging speeds are potential with 400-volt techniques.
- Provided that the R2 is meant to be cheaper and, ideally, extra worthwhile for Rivian, it most likely will not use an 800-volt system.
Rivian has not but introduced whether or not its forthcoming R2 and R3 midsize vehicles will use a 400-volt structure or a costlier 800- or 900-volt system. Followers could also be hoping that the subsequent technology of merchandise will transfer to a higher-voltage structure, which generally can enable for sooner charging and extra effectivity. However after sitting down with Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe, I do not suppose that is doubtless.
In a roundtable with reporters, Scaringe stated that whereas there are advantages to going 800-volt, they’re extra vital for larger batteries. Bigger packs—like these within the R1—usually tend to be voltage-constrained. However with a smaller pack like we’re anticipating to see within the R2 and R3, Scaringe says battery chemistry is a much bigger limiter than voltage.
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Within the R2, the transfer is “simply not as crucial,” he stated. “R2 we have optimized extra round price, to ensure we ship nice efficiency however [at] these worth factors. I do not suppose it is as vital in a smaller car.
He stopped in need of confirming immediately that the merchandise could be on a 400-volt structure, however he sounded fairly satisfied that an 800-volt system wasn’t vital for R2 or R3. The bigger R1 will “must transition” to an 800- or 900-volt setup, he stated, however did not say when. Such a considerable change is unlikely till the car’s subsequent redesign.
Hyundai, Kia, Lucid and Porsche have all been bullish on 800- or 900-volt architectures. Their vehicles present why the know-how is interesting: A comparatively inexpensive Hyundai Ioniq 6 can zip from 10% to 80% in simply 18 minutes. A Porsche Taycan can do it in 16. That is blazing quick. However Scaringe says that the deal with voltage is misplaced. Whereas an 800-volt pack can ship charging speeds of 350 kW or increased, in most smaller or mid-size automobiles the voltage is not the limiter.
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“We expect finally the cost occasions have to be sub-20 minutes for that 10-80 time. We’re 100% aligned on that. You will get there with [400v],” he stated. A 450-volt charger operating at 500 amps can ship 225 kW. If a automobile with a sub-100-kWh pack may maintain these speeds, it would be able to doing 10-80% in 20 minutes. Look no additional than Hyundai for proof. Regardless of its 800-volt structure, a Hyundai Ioniq 5 or Ioniq 6 will “solely” peak round 220-230 kW. Some 400-volt vehicles just like the Tesla Mannequin 3 and Rivian R1 can hit related numbers. The Hyundais simply holds increased speeds for longer, permitting for these ultra-fast cost occasions.
However that exhibits that the voltage is not actually the issue. Many present battery packs simply can not settle for that a lot vitality for lengthy sufficient to ship these kinds of occasions. An 800-volt system would most likely assist, however cell chemistry and battery cooling is extra vital, Scaringe says. He did not point out it, however the implication is that its “4695” cylindrical sells the corporate plans to make use of within the R2 and R3 ought to have higher thermals than present batteries.
We’ll see in the event that they’re adequate to hit the sub-20-minute cost time objective. Proper now, Rivian has solely claimed that the R2 and R3 will be capable to do a 10-80% cost in “below half-hour.” Attending to a sub-20 time is a a lot more durable problem. Provided that Scaringe famous it as a long-term objective quite than a promise, there is not any phrase on whether or not the R2 or R3 will get there. In the event that they do, although, it doubtless will not be with the assistance of an 800-volt structure.
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