Rivian Reveals Usable Battery Capacity for Gen 2 Vehicles

When it comes to electric vehicles, one of the most crucial specifications for any buyer is the battery capacity. It determines not just how far the vehicle can travel on a single charge, but also how efficiently it can support other energy-consuming systems like heating and air conditioning. Recently, Rivian officially shared the usable capacity of their Gen 2 battery packs, offering deeper insight into what drivers can expect.

What Does “Usable Capacity” Mean?

Before diving into the numbers, it’s essential to understand what “usable capacity” actually refers to. An electric vehicle’s battery has a total capacity, but not all of it is available for vehicle propulsion or cabin comfort. Usable capacity is the portion of the battery that is dedicated to driving and running essential systems such as heating, air conditioning, and other features that draw on power.

Gen 2 Vehicles

Rivian has unveiled the usable capacities for the three available battery packs:

• Standard Pack: 92.5 kWh
• Large Pack: 108.5 kWh
• Max Pack: 140 kWh

The Gen 2 Standard Pack comes in at 92.5 kWh, which provides ample power for everyday driving, though it’s tailored for drivers who prioritize efficiency over range. The Large Pack increases that figure to 108.5 kWh, offering a balanced option for those who want a bit more range without going overboard. Finally, the Max Pack delivers an impressive 140 kWh of usable capacity, designed for drivers who need the maximum possible range and power for longer trips and heavier loads.

Gen 1 Vehicles

For comparison, here are the usable capacities of their first-generation battery packs, which many current Rivian owners are already familiar with:

• Standard Pack: 106 kWh
• Standard+ Pack: 121 kWh
• Large Pack: 131 kWh
• Max Pack: 141 kWh

Compared to the newer Gen 2 packs, the Gen 1 packs offer slightly higher usable capacities in some configurations. The Standard Pack from Gen 1 vehicles starts at 106 kWh, higher than the Gen 2 equivalent, while the Max Pack comes in at 141 kWh, just 1 kWh above the Gen 2 Max Pack.

What Do These Differences Mean?

While the Gen 2 Standard and Large Packs have slightly smaller capacities than their Gen 1 counterparts, advancements in battery management and vehicle efficiency could mean that real-world range differences are minimal. In contrast, the Gen 2 Max Pack still offers nearly the same enormous usable capacity as the Gen 1 Max Pack, maintaining Rivian’s reputation for long-range capabilities.

Source: Reddit