Rivian is rolling out a significant over-the-air (OTA) software update that gives Rivian R1T and R1S owners greater control over their EV charging experience. The highlight of this update is the introduction of manual battery preconditioning for DC fast charging. This feature, available for both Gen 1 and Gen 2 models, allows drivers to prepare their high-voltage battery packs for optimal charging speeds without relying solely on the vehicle’s navigation system. Previously, preconditioning was automatically triggered only when a Supercharger was set as the destination in the navigation. Now, drivers have the flexibility to initiate the process manually, ensuring the battery is at the ideal temperature for faster charging, even when navigating using other apps or driving to frequently visited charging stations.
When the manual preconditioning is active, the system provides clear visual feedback, displaying a banner indicating whether the battery is warming or cooling, and notifying the driver upon completion. This enhanced level of control is particularly useful in colder climates where battery performance can be significantly affected by temperature. By manually preconditioning, Rivian owners can minimize charging times and maximize the efficiency of their EV charging sessions.
Software version 2025.18 also brings a redesigned Energy App, offering Rivian R1T and R1S owners more detailed insights into their vehicle’s energy consumption and charging habits. The updated app is divided into two distinct sections: the Energy Monitor Tab and the Charging Tab.
The Energy Monitor Tab provides a comprehensive energy graph, breaking down electricity usage by system over a specified period. This allows drivers to identify energy-intensive components and adjust their driving habits to improve efficiency. The Charging Tab introduces a smart charging level reminder, particularly useful for long road trips. When a destination is set in the navigation system, the car intelligently calculates the optimal unplug time, ensuring sufficient charge to reach the destination without unnecessary overcharging. This feature helps minimize charging stops and reduces the time spent at charging stations, enhancing the overall road trip experience.
| Feature | Description | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Energy Monitor Tab | Detailed energy graph showing electricity usage by system. | Identify energy-intensive components and optimize driving habits. |
| Charging Tab | Smart charging level reminder based on navigation destination. | Minimize charging stops and reduce time spent at charging stations. |
In addition to manual preconditioning and the revamped Energy App, this OTA update brings tangible improvements to charging speeds for specific Rivian R1T and R1S configurations. First-generation models equipped with the Max Pack battery will experience reduced DC fast charging times when charging from 10% to 80%. Similarly, second-generation models with both the Max Pack and Standard Pack batteries benefit from the same enhancement.
Furthermore, Gen 2 vehicles with the Large Pack battery now boast an improved peak charge rate of 215 kilowatts, resulting in shorter charging times for 10% to 80% top-ups. These performance gains are attributed to Rivian’s optimization of battery temperatures through advanced simulations and individual cell improvements. By rigorously testing these changes in simulated and real-world conditions, Rivian engineers have successfully validated and implemented these charging enhancements, providing a more convenient and efficient charging experience for their customers.
