
How Rivian Pulled Cost Out of the R2 Battery Pack
Rivian pulled real cost out of the R2 battery pack without touching what owners feel. The R2 team explained how in a Munro Live teardown, from the bigger cell to the structural floor.

Rivian pulled real cost out of the R2 battery pack without touching what owners feel. The R2 team explained how in a Munro Live teardown, from the bigger cell to the structural floor.

Rivian is partnering with ChargeScape to connect its EVs to utility-managed home charging programs across North America, giving owners a new way to cut charging costs while helping utilities balance demand. It is the second deal of its kind after last year's WeaveGrid collaboration, and a sign Rivian is leaning into its batteries as a grid resource.

The Rivian Adventure Network has crossed 1,000 chargers across 148 sites in North America, with new openings in Independence, Missouri and Rocklin, California, and a 98% reliability score that earns it an A rating.

The EPA posted official R2 Performance numbers, and on 21-inch wheels it matches the Model Y Performance on efficiency while beating it on range, 330 miles to 306. The 20-inch all-terrain config gives some of that back for the rugged look.

Rivian's new Stories post on Adventure Network scaling mostly recaps things R1 owners already know, with one exception. The underground work at most existing RAN sites is already done, so adding new stalls becomes a hardware drop instead of a months-long construction project.

Rivian is going bigger on its Caruso partnership, adding more than 150 DC fast chargers across Southern California along with two new showrooms opening in 2026. The chargers will be part of the Adventure Network, open to all EVs, and rolling out over the next year at properties like The Grove, Americana, Calabasas, and beyond.

Rivian's 2026.07 software update quietly improved DC fast charging in a way owners can actually feel. I pulled my 2025 R1T Tri-Motor Max into an IONNA Rechargery in Orlando today and watched it hold above 200 kW from 14% all the way into the low 50s, going from 14 to 70% in 25 minutes flat. Rivian has since confirmed thermal adjustments were made, with more on the way.

Rivian is partnering with EnergyHub to expand access to utility managed charging programs across North America, allowing owners to save on charging costs while helping stabilize the electric grid through smarter, automated charging.

A Gen 2 Rivian R1S Dual Standard owner equipped with the LFP battery and 20" AllsSeason wheels, rated at 258 miles EPA, shared real world winter data showing dramatically lower range. With efficiency of 1.35 mi/kWh and just 115 miles displayed at 85%, the numbers raise fresh questions about ongoing calibration and cold weather impact.

Months after Rivian first acknowledged an LFP battery range calibration issue affecting Gen 2 R1 Dual Standard vehicles, owners are once again receiving guidance from Rivian Engineering. Despite running the latest software, the continued outreach suggests the issue is still being actively mitigated rather than fully resolved.