Rivian has recently released a new software update that brings several charging-related improvements to their R1T and R1S electric vehicles. One of the key features of this update is the ability for owners to manually precondition the high-voltage battery pack for DC fast charging. This means that owners no longer have to rely on the car’s built-in navigation system to prepare the battery for fast charging. With manual preconditioning enabled, a banner will indicate whether the battery is warming or cooling, and when the process is complete.
The new software update, version 2025.18, also includes a revamped Energy App with two main sections. The Energy Monitor Tab displays a detailed energy graph that shows how much electricity each system used during a specific period. The Charging Tab now features a smart charging level reminder, which is especially useful during long road trips. If a destination is set in the navigation system, the car will notify the driver when to unplug to ensure there is enough charge to reach the destination without needing to charge to 80% or higher.
In addition to these features, the update also improves charging speeds for some versions of the R1S and R1T. First-gen models with the Max Pack battery will see reduced charging times from 10% to 80%, while second-gen models with the Max Pack and Standard Pack batteries will also benefit from faster charging speeds. Gen 2 cars with the Large Pack battery will experience an improved peak charge rate of 215 kilowatts and shorter charging times for 10% to 80% top-ups.
Rivian credits these improvements to optimized battery temperatures achieved through individual cell enhancements. The company conducted simulations with real-world conditions and validated the changes with real vehicles to ensure performance improvements. While these updates may not be groundbreaking compared to Tesla’s long-standing features, they demonstrate Rivian’s commitment to enhancing the user experience for their electric vehicle owners.
Looking ahead, Rivian plans to introduce further updates, including a newly designed wall charger and vehicle-to-home functionality. This feature will allow R1S and R1T owners to power their homes using their car’s battery packs. With continuous improvements and innovative features in the pipeline, Rivian is setting the bar high for the electric vehicle industry.