Electric vehicle (EV) batteries have seen significant advancements in the past decade, with increased performance and affordability driving the surge in popularity of cleaner cars. Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe believes that there is still room for improvement in this area. In a recent interview on the Plugged-In Podcast, Scaringe shared that Rivian’s primary focus is on enhancing the charging capabilities of EVs without compromising their range. The goal is to reduce the time needed for public charging, making EV ownership more convenient, especially for long trips and individuals without access to home charging facilities.
One of the challenges in achieving faster charging speeds is balancing energy density. While it is possible to develop batteries that charge quickly, they may not have the capacity to store enough energy for extended driving range. This dilemma explains why most EVs in the US require 20 to 40 minutes for a substantial charge. Scaringe emphasized the importance of finding the right equilibrium between fast charging and energy density in Rivian’s battery development efforts.
Chinese companies have made significant strides in fast-charging technology, with BYD unveiling cars capable of charging at 1,000 kilowatts. However, the trade-off for rapid charging is a reduction in battery longevity. Scaringe highlighted that fast-charging can diminish the durability of the battery cells, potentially leading to a loss of up to 25% of the original capacity after 1,000 charge cycles.
To address these challenges, Rivian is exploring various strategies, including tweaking battery chemistry with silicon anodes and optimizing packaging to enhance cost-effectiveness. The company’s upcoming R2 crossover utilizes larger cells assembled in a single layer, reducing costs significantly. Scaringe underscored the importance of minimizing overhead costs associated with battery production to enhance overall affordability.
While new battery technologies like solid-state batteries have generated excitement, Scaringe cautioned that commercial readiness remains a significant hurdle. Achieving mass production reliability is crucial for any new battery technology to make a substantial impact in the EV market. For now, high-nickel cells and lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) batteries are expected to remain dominant, with Rivian leveraging both in its EV lineup.
Scaringe praised LFP batteries for their durability and cost-effectiveness but noted that trade barriers could limit their adoption in the US. Despite the potential benefits of emerging battery chemistries, scalability remains a critical factor for widespread adoption. Rivian’s CEO emphasized the importance of developing battery technologies that can be produced at scale to meet the growing demand for EVs.
In conclusion, Rivian is focused on advancing EV battery technology to enable faster charging speeds without compromising energy capacity. By striking a balance between performance, durability, and cost-effectiveness, the company aims to drive innovation in the EV industry and make electric mobility more accessible to a broader audience.