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About the Rivian R1S
The Rivian R1S was first revealed in 2019 and finally introduced as a 2021 model. It is available in base “Explore” and an upgraded “Adventure” trim package.
Both fanfare and criticism followed the 7-passenger R1S and it’s truck-halved sister, the R1T, where rave reviews of astounding performance mixed with speculation about the price, service, and future of the company itself. This all formed the bittersweet stew of automotive press the internet just loves to eat and the result is that Rivian is nearly a household name.
Our take: the R1S has served to push the entire EV market ever forward in it’s quest to dominate all niches where ICE vehicles once reigned supreme, starting with the one of the largest: Full Size SUVs. It is a capable performer on road and slightly off. More than any of that, however, is the status the vehicle brings. With iconic headlights that are sure to be remembered decades from now, the current R1S and R1T are becoming highly respected names in the EV world, and for good reason. We can’t wait to see what else Rivian comes up with.
Rivian R1S Specs
| Base Dual Motor | Performance Dual Motor | Quad Motor | |
| Horsepower | 600 hp 447 kW | 700 hp 522 kW | 835 hp 650 kW |
| Torque | 600 lb-ft 813 N-m | 700 lb-ft 949 N-m | 908 lb-ft 1231 N-m |
| Standard Battery | 105 kWh | 105 kWh | 105 kWh |
| Large Battery | 135 kWh | 135 kWh | 135 kWh |
| Gasoline Engine | None | None | None |
| Electric Motors | Bosch Enduro | Bosch Enduro | Bosch Enduro |
| Towing Capacity | 7700 lbs | 7700 lbs | 7700 lbs |
| 0 to 60 mph | 4.5 seconds | 3.5 seconds | 3.0 seconds |
| 1/4 Mile | – | – | 11.9 seconds @ 111 mph |
| Cargo Volume (cu-ft) | 17.7 – 88.2 | 17.7 – 88.2 | 17.7 – 88.2 |
Rivian R1S FAQ
What vehicles compete with the Rivian R1S?
- BMW i7
- Tesla Model X
Does the Rivian R1S have a gasoline engine?
Heck no! The R1S is fully electric. It does not require gasoline to power the vehicle and does not emit exhaust gasses.
Rivian R1S Batteries
Drive Battery | 12V Battery | Key Fob Battery
Drive Battery / Traction Battery
Drive Battery Chemical Makeup
Rivian has committed themselves to Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) batteries as of 2023. Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries contain a cathode made of Iron Phosphate (FePO4). They have many benefits, including reduced risk of thermal runaway (big fires), a longer overall life-cycle, lower raw material cost, and a faster charging speed than more traditional lithium ion (Li-ion) batteries.
LFP batteries do have some drawbacks when compared with when compared with lithium-ion batteries; lower energy density, increased weight, and additional complexity. All of these drawbacks, the R1S easily overcomes.
Drive Battery Specs
Rivian features two different battery specs for the R1S, the Standard Battery and the Large Battery. Both feature 400v architectures and both are made from Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP).
| Battery | Standard Battery | Large Battery |
| Battery Type | Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) | Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) |
| Battery Energy | 105 kWh | 135 kWh |
| Battery Voltage | 400V | 400V |
| Battery Range | 260 miles 418 km | 328 miles 528 km |
| Battery Manufacturer | Samsung SDI | Samsung SDI |
Drive Battery FAQs
How much do Rivian R1S replacement drive batteries cost?
Nobody will likely have to replace their Rivian R1S battery for another 8 years or so, due to the battery warranty included with the sale of the vehicle.
That said, Rivian uses 2170 cells to power their vehicles, and so you can do a little math to estimate the price of a Rivian R1S replacement battery based on cell count. When considering the 2170 cells are nearly identical to those found in Tesla Model 3 batteries, we can make some assumptions:
| Tesla Model 3 Cell Count | 2976 |
| Tesla Model 3 Battery Replacement Cost (est) | $13,500 |
| Tesla Model 3 Price per 2170 Cell | $4.53 |
| Rivian R1S Cell Count | 7776 |
| Rivian R1S Battery Replacement Cost (est) | $35,274.19 |
Based on reported figures around Tesla Model 3 battery replacement costs, we estimate the price of a Model 3 replacement battery to be around $13,500. Given that the Model 3 battery contains 2976 cells, the price per cell is estimated to be around $4.53. With the R1S having 7776 individual cells, at $4.53 per cell, our estimated price for a replacement Rivian R1S battery is approximately $35,274.19, not including labor, shipping, and taxes.
Where do I purchase a Rivian R1S replacement drive battery?
Rivian – Likely the best place to find a replacement drive battery for the R1S is Rivian themselves. While Rivian does not have dealerships, they do have an app that allows you to summon a service technician. If you don’t have the Rivian App, take a look at the Rivian Service website for more information.
eBay – Another vendor where you might find gently used batteries for the Rivian R1S is eBay. Cars that have been wrecked or written off as a total loss can still have good batteries.
Check eBay for Rivian R1S Drive Batteries
Where is the drive battery located in the Rivian R1S?
The drive battery in the Rivian R1S is located under the center of the vehicle, covering much of the space between the front and rear wheels. It can be accessed from the bottom of the vehicle.
Drive Battery Charging
Rivian R1S Charge-Port Location
The charging port on the Rivian R1S is located in the corner of the vehicle, just forward of the left front wheel. To open, simply push the area of wheel trim with the 3 embossed lines near the charger door, and the door will lift up and rotate out of the way by itself.
Rivian R1S Charge-Plug Type
The Rivian R1S uses a CCS type connector to fast-charge its drive battery. The Rivian R1S can also hook up to conventional “j-plug” J1772 type adaptors for Level 1 and Level 2 charging.
Top-rated J1772 Connectors on Amazon
Level 1 Charging – How long does the Rivian R1S take to charge on a 110v AC outlet?
Each Rivian comes with a mobile charging cord, typically found in the “frunk” of the vehicle. You can plug this into your standard home 120v wall outlet.
| Standard Battery | 60 hours |
| Large Battery | 72 hours |
Level 2 Charging – How long does the Rivian R1S take to charge on a 208-240v AC charger?
On a level 2 wired 240v home-charging source, the Rivian R1S is capable of about 20-25 miles of range per hour, reaching full charge in approximately 10-14 hours, depending on the size of the battery powering the vehicle.
| Standard Battery (@ 25 miles / hour) | 10 hours 24 mins |
| Large Battery (@ 25 miles / hour) | 13 hours 6 mins |
How to Choose a Level 2 Home Charger for Your Rivian R1S
There are many considerations when it comes to selecting the right Level 2 charger for your Rivian R1S , take a look at our guide on selecting a home charger to arm yourself with the information you need to make the right choice.
Level 3 Charging – How long does the Rivian R1S take to charge on a public DC fast charger?
On a level 3 charging source, Rivian claims the R1S is capable of charging up to 120 miles of range in approximately 20 minutes, or 360 miles per hour of charging. The standard battery charges to full range in about 43 minutes. The large battery charges to full range in about 55 minutes.
As of late 2023, Rivian vehicles are also able to utilize Tesla’s Level 3 “Supercharger” network (see below).
| Standard Battery 260 miles range @ 360 miles / hour | 43 minutes |
| Large Battery 328 miles range @ 360 miles / hour | 55 minutes |
Can I charge my Rivian R1S at a Tesla Supercharger?
Yes! But there are some things to know first.
First, the Tesla Supercharger must contain the “magic dock”. This allows you to charge non-Tesla vehicles using the Supercharger.
Second, you must have the Tesla App. This allows you to unlock the magic dock at the Tesla Supercharger, which supports the CCS fast-charging plugin type found on the Rivian R1S. This also allows you to pay for the charging itself.
Once you pull up to a Tesla Supercharger location, simply follow the instructions in the app and it will guide you through the process of charging your vehicle. If you need help, check out the Tesla App Support Page for assistance.
12V Battery
Rivian R1S 12V Battery Location
The Rivian R1S has two 12V lead-acid batteries, both located just behind the frunk of the vehicle, under the cowl. It is said that later Rivian R1 vehicles may be moving to a single battery around 2023-2024.
Rivian R1S 12V Battery Upgrade
The Rivian R1S 12V batteries can both be upgraded to lithium to take advantage of all that lithium batteries offer over conventional lead-acid batteries; light-weight, longer-lasting, faster charge, more environmentally friendly, and money saved in the long term.
Rivian R1S 12V Battery Size
The Rivian R1S has two 12v batteries to power some of the vehicle’s low-voltage electrical systems, including the drive battery controller, the main ECU, and the dash lights. These two batteries are absolutely critical to the operation of the R1S and keeping them in good health and in good working order is paramount.
Rivian R1S 12V Battery Upgrade
The Rivian R1S 12V battery can be upgraded to lithium to take advantage of all that lithium batteries offer over conventional lead-acid batteries:
- Lighter-weight: LiFePO4 batteries are typically 1/3 the weight of their lead-acid counterparts. Less weight = more range.
- Longer-lasting – Lithium 12V batteries can have up to a 4x longer lifespan when compared to lead-acid.
- More durable – With less heft to carry, lithium 12V batteries can contain more robust packaging and often feature battery controllers to aid their function in harsh conditions
- Faster charging – Up to 4x faster charging compared to lead-acid
- More environmentally friendly – If batteries last 4x longer, they need to be replaced 4x less, leading to less waste.
- More money saved in the long term.
To upgrade your Rivian R1S 12V battery, check out one of the companies below. Several US-based company offers lithium-iron (LiFePO4) batteries for the Rivian R1S, all of which are a measurable upgrade when compared to the conventional lead-acid batteries that come from the factory.
Rivian R1S 12V Battery Terminal Maintenance
Maintaining your Rivian R1S 12V battery terminals is essential to ensuring a positive electrical contact. While the R1Ss batteries are largely protected from the elements, we recommend cleaning terminals and using a terminal protectant spray to prevent corrosion on your battery terminals formed by condensation and dust.
CRC Battery Cleaner w/ Acid Detector will neutralize acids and clean your battery terminals and surface. It also contains a chemical for detecting leaks.
CRC Battery Terminal Protector Spray is designed to protect battery terminals from corrosion, a frequent cause of difficult starting and battery failure.
Rivian R1S 12V Battery Testing, Maintenance and Repair
Battery testers are an inexpensive way to save yourself time in repairing your Rivian R1S. A healthy 12V battery will read between 12.6 and 12.8 volts when tested. Anything lower, and you may want to consider replacing your batteries or checking the battery fluid levels.
Top-Rated 12V Battery Testers on Amazon
How to charge the Rivian R1S 12V battery
You can charge the Rivian R1S 12V battery simply by charging your main drive battery. If you prefer to directly charge the 12V battery, you can use any of the chargers below to do so. Be sure to check out the instructions above to learn how to access your R1S battery.
Rivian R1S 12V Battery Chargers
| Battery Charger | Where to Purchase? |
| NOCO GENIUS 10 (12V & 6V) 10A Smart Car Battery Charger | Amazon |
| Battery Tender Junior 12V 750 mA Charger and Maintainer | Amazon |
| OptiMATE Lithium 4s 0.8A, TM-471 Battery Saving Charger & Maintainer | Amazon |
Remote Key Fob Battery
The innovative and handy Rivian R1S key fob uses a CR2450 3V lithium battery. Check out the video below to learn how to replace the battery in your Rivian R1S key fob:
The cost of a replacement battery is usually only a couple of dollars, and it’s a good idea to pick up a few extras if you have multiple key fobs.
Top-Rated CR2450 3V Lithium Batteries on Amazon
Rivian R1S Drivetrain
Dual Motor Rivian R1Ss are two wheel drive (2WD), with one electric motor available at each of the rear wheels.
Quad Motor Rivian R1Ss are four wheel drive (4WD), with one electric motor available at every wheel.
Electric Motors
The Rivian R1S features 2 or 4 electric motors, depending on option level. Each motor is mounted at each of the wheels, with dual-motor R1S vehicles being rear-wheel drive. All motors are manufactured by Robert Bosch GMBH, commonly referred to as simply “Bosch”. These are AC Permanent Magnet motors, capable of making gobs of power.
Join a Rivian R1S Community
RivianForums.com – A forum dedicated to enthusiasts and owners of the Rivian R1S and other Rivian vehicles. Learn about maintenance, news, aftermarket upgrades and more.
Reddit.com/r/Rivian/ – The largest and most active fan-run auto-enthusiast Rivian community. We discuss the electric vehicle company, Rivian Automotive, along with their products and brand (not the stock).
Reddit.com/r/ElectricVehicles – This is the Reddit community for EV owners and enthusiasts. Discuss evolving technology, new entrants, charging infrastructure, government policy, and the ins and outs of EV ownership right here.
Rivian R1S Reviews
