Summary
- Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe believes that an 800-volt architecture is not necessary for smaller models like the R2 and R3
- The focus on higher voltage systems is more important for vehicles with bigger batteries
- Scaringe suggests that battery chemistry is a bigger limiter than voltage for smaller packs
- Rivian has not confirmed if the R2 and R3 will use a 400-volt or 800-volt system, with a move to higher voltage unlikely
- Achieving faster charge times does not necessarily require an 800-volt system, with voltage not being the main factor influencing battery speed.
Article
The Importance of Voltage Architecture in Electric Vehicles
Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe recently made statements regarding the necessity of an 800-volt architecture in small and mid-size electric vehicles such as the R2 and R3. While many companies opt for higher-voltage systems to improve charge times, Scaringe believes that 400-volt systems can provide equally fast charging speeds. This suggests that the forthcoming R2 and R3 models may not utilize the more expensive 800-volt architecture.
Voltage Considerations for the R2 and R3 Midsize Cars
The decision on whether the Rivian R2 and R3 models will feature a 400-volt or 800- or 900-volt architecture has not been finalized. While some enthusiasts may hope for higher-voltage systems for faster charging and increased efficiency, Scaringe indicated that the smaller size of the batteries in the R2 and R3 makes the voltage less critical compared to battery chemistry. Scaringe hinted that optimizing cost for performance is the priority for the R2 model.
Potential Use of 400-Volt Architecture in the R2 and R3
Scaringe emphasized that an 800-volt system is not essential for the R2 and R3 models due to their smaller battery packs. While he did not confirm the voltage architecture directly, he suggested that Rivian is leaning towards a 400-volt system for these vehicles. In comparison, larger vehicles like the R1 may require an 800- or 900-volt setup in the future, although this transition is unlikely until the next redesign.
Charging Speeds and Voltage
Despite the industry trend towards 800- or 900-volt architectures for quicker charging times, Scaringe believes that voltage is not the limiting factor in smaller or mid-size vehicles. He indicated that achieving sub-20 minute charge times from 10-80% is feasible with a 400-volt system. While higher voltages can deliver faster charging speeds, battery cell chemistry and cooling play a more significant role in determining the charging capabilities of electric vehicles.
Challenges in Achieving Fast Charge Times
Rivian aims to achieve sub-20-minute charge times for the R2 and R3, although the company has only guaranteed a charge time of under 30 minutes. Scaringe highlighted the importance of battery cell chemistry and cooling in meeting their long-term charging goals. The use of advanced cylindrical cells in the R2 and R3 models may help improve thermal performance and potentially achieve faster charge times without the need for an 800-volt architecture.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while some automakers are prioritizing higher-voltage architectures for electric vehicles, Rivian’s approach with the R2 and R3 models may focus more on optimizing cost and performance with a 400-volt system. The emphasis on battery cell chemistry and cooling suggests that voltage alone may not be the key factor in achieving fast charge times. As Rivian continues to develop its electric vehicle lineup, it will be interesting to see how the company balances efficiency, performance, and charging speed in its future models.
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