Comparing Rivian‘s R1S Standard and Large Battery Packs

Interested in the upcoming R1S electric SUV from adventure-focused automaker Rivian? If so, one of the most important decisions you‘ll make is which battery pack to choose. Let‘s take an in-depth look at how Rivian‘s Standard and Large Pack options differ to help inform your buying choice.

Overview

The Rivian R1S offers two lithium-ion battery sizes:

• Standard Pack: Base option with 105 kWh capacity
• Large Pack: Upgraded 135 kWh pack for added range

Range and included package options are the primary differentiators between the two. Currently, Rivian also promises a Max Pack with over 400 mile range, but production delays have stalled its rollout.

Below we‘ll compare specs, analyize if added range merits price increases, and projected future innovations as battery tech keeps evolving.

Detailed Side-By-Side Comparisons

First, let‘s examine how the R1S Standard and Large Packs stack up across key performance metrics:

**Large Pack pricing estimates based on Rivian‘s configurator for Adventure models.

Reviewing the data above, both packs share identical charging rates – capping out at 11 kW on AC outlets and 160 kW for DC fast charging.

However, the Large Pack offers a significant 56 mile advantage in max driving range per charge. That 20% bump comes from its nearly 30 kWh extra battery capacity over the Standard Pack (135 kWh vs 105 kWh).

Now let‘s explore whether that added range justifies paying $5,500+ more, depending on the model.

Is the Added Range Worth the Cost?

On dual motor configurations, the Extra Pack tacks on a roughly 8% price increase over Standard Pack models. However, max range jumps 20% from 260 miles to 316 miles per charge.

For some buyers, that extended driving distance before recharging makes the upgrades cost well worthwhile. It minimizes range anxiety issues on road trips or adventures far from charging infrastructure.

However, Standard Pack models still deliver an EPA-rated 260 miles range. For many drivers‘ daily needs, topping up charging every 200+ miles may pose no real inconvenience.

Ultimately, it depends on your budget and preferences around maximizing distance between charging pitstops.

Use Cases Where Upgrading Makes Sense

The Large Pack‘s superior range has greatest appeal for R1S owners who:

• Take frequent long road trips
• Tow trailers long distances
• Have limited local charging infrastructure
• Simply want maximum time driving between charges

For these use cases, the Large Pack‘s 56 more miles range delivers tremendous extra value that likely merits spending extra over the base Standard Pack.

When Sticking with the Standard Pack Suffices

On the other hand, R1S buyers who:

• Don‘t take many extended trips
• Mostly stick to metro areas with ample chargers
• Want to minimize purchase costs

May find the Standard Pack fully satisfies their needs. Its 260 mile range remains extremely competitive for an electric SUV this size. Waiting longer between charges on local journeys poses little inconvenience.

For these drivers, saving $5,500+ upfront makes the Standard Pack appealing to balance range versus affordability.

Package Variances Between Battery Options

One key nuance around Rivian‘s packs involve limitations on which ones come equipped based on motor configuration and trim package selected.

Dual Motor AWD

On dual motor R1S models, buyers can choose either battery for the same package:

• Explore models can upgrade from the Standard to Large Pack
• Adventure trims include the Large Pack by default

So dual motor shoppers have flexibility switching packs if willing to pay more for extended range or certain features.

Quad Motor AWD

However with the highest performance quad motor AWD, Rivian only offers the Large Pack currently. So these buyers forfeit range flexibility in exchange for Rivian‘s torque-maximizing four motor powertrain.

What‘s Delaying the Max Pack Rollout?

Now you may be wondering about Rivian‘s promised Max Pack. Advertised to deliver 400+ miles per charge, what‘s holding up its wider availability?

Originally Rivian accepted preorders expecting to manufacturer it alongside the Large Pack in early production runs.

However, supply chain shortages stemming from the pandemic severely hampered output of their cutting-edge battery technologies.

On top of that setback, Rivian is still ramping up as an entirely new automaker bringing EVs to market. As a nascent company lacking decades of manufacturing experience compared to legacy brands, production hurdles are inevitable.

Given those challenges, Rivian smartly pivoted available battery production capacity towards their most popular existing configurations. As the Adventure Package made up a strong majority of preorders, focusing on Large Pack production for those trims made prudent business sense.

Hopefully with supply constraints easing and operations maturing, we‘ll see Rivian restart Max pack output over the next 6-12 months. Reservations holders eagerly await those 400+ mile range models to begin delivery and reviews.

For now, Rivian‘s two pack strategy still allows buyers to balance range versus sticker prices in a reasonable manner.

Recent Advancements Raising Range Expectations

While Rivian‘s current battery specs remain quite competitive, how might they evolve in the coming years?

Rapid progress around EV battery tech makes future range and charging improvements likely across all manufacturers. For context, let‘s examine two key recent innovations other automakers unveiled that may foreshadow Rivian upgrades down the road.

1. Solid State Batteries

In late 2022, Mercedes demonstrated a working prototype EV equipped with solid state batteries co-developed with QuantumScape. These next-gen batteries ditch liquid electrolytes used in conventional lithium-ion cells for solid ceramic material conductors.

Benefits over traditional li-ion batteries include:

• 30-50% greater energy density packing more range in less space
• Faster charging up to 80% in 15 minutes
• Increased safety with less risk of fires or thermal runaway
• Over 800 recharge life cycles, more than double lithium-ion

If Rivian eventually transitions to similar solid state batteries, we could expect equivalent range jumps for R1 vehicles. 300-400 mile pack capacities would then become plausible.

2. Ultra Fast Charging

In January 2023, startup Our Next Energy (ONE) debuted a proof-of-concept EV battery achieving nearly 600 miles range. Dubbed Gemini, their new chemistry also can recharge from 10-80% capacity in just 10 minutes on capable chargers.

Combining extreme range with incredible charging speed, similar advancements ported to Rivian would transform expectations around route planning and charging stops.

What Next-Generation Upgrades Might Rivian Adopt?

Given the major BR progress showcased already, within the next 2-5 years we may see Rivian implement advancements like:

Higher Density Cell Chemistries

• New battery formulas packing more range into less physical space
• Enables longer range without expanding battery footprint

Faster Charging

• Support charging at rates above 250+ kW
• Reduce typical 0-80% charging times to ~20 minutes

Semi-Solid State Batteries

• Hybrid cells with solid state components for density improvements
• Retain liquid electrolytes but gain range and lifecycle benefits

Adopting such cutting-edge battery innovations relatively early would allow Rivian models to leapfrog competitors slower to upgrade from conventional li-ion designs.

Of course, manufacturing such next-gen technologies at scale remains highly complex and expensive initially. But Rivian looks well positioned thanks to its hefty cash reserves and lack of legacy manufacturing constraints burdening traditional automakers.

Expect exciting upgrades that push range and charging limits over the coming decade!