American electric automaker Rivian is developing a mid-cycle update for its flagship models, the R1S SUV and the R1T pickup. As per the leaked documents, these 2025 Rivian EVs will come with a standard lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery and heat pump.
Rivian to use smaller and cheaper battery packs
Rivian has submitted an application to the EPA for the 2025 model year R1T and R1S. Rivian Forum member Dark-Fx shared the document with the online community, revealing a major change in its battery pack.
As per the document, the standard 2025 Rivian R1S & R1T will feature a lower-capacity lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery to save costs. It has a 92.5 kWh usable capacity, a notable decline from the software-locked 10 kWh.
LFP batteries have a wide range of benefits over NMC batteries, such as cost reduction, durability, and mineral abundance.
However, they deliver weaker old-weather performance and lower energy density. Nonetheless, OEMs claim that durable LFP batteries can charge to 100% every day compared to other battery chemistries that usually only charge to 80%- 90% daily.
New heat pump boosts efficiency
Rivian also indicated a new heat pump for its flagship electric SUV and truck in the filing.
The new heat pumps improve electric vehicles’ efficiency in cold weather. For context, EVs utilize a tremendous amount of heat to warm the cabin in the cold. Considering that EVs do not have waste heat from the engine, they generate heat electrically.
Heat pumps are three to four times more efficient in heat generation compared to standard resistive heating coils, making them a better approach to enhance cold weather efficiency.
Apart from the introduction of LFP batteries and a heat pump, Rivian is also equipping the 2025 Rivian R1S and R1T with new 22-inch aerodynamic wheels. These will likely replace the prior 21-inch wheel configuration.
NACS adoption
Rivian will still integrate the CCS port instead of Tesla’s NACS, at least until 2025. The American EV maker has already started shipping NACS adapters, which enable its owners to access the Tesla Supercharger network.
Rivian originally planned to integrate the NACS port in its next-gen models starting in 2025. However, it seems to have delayed this plan.
Current Rivian EVs can charge at a peak of 220kW, while the new LFP battery will yield a lower peak of 210kW. The 2025 Rivian R1S & R1T will also come with a new base trim and move the AC compressor to lower noise and vibration.
