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Significant Battery Range Loss on my 2022 R1T - Is this normal degradation?

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Mike T. · rep 0 · May 25, 5:12 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2022 Rivian R1T Launch Edition

Hey everyone,

I've had my 2022 Rivian R1T Launch Edition for about two years now, and I'm starting to get concerned about the battery range. When I first got it, I was consistently getting close to the advertised 314 miles on a full charge. Now, even with careful driving and optimal conditions, I'm lucky to hit 270 miles. It feels like a pretty steep drop for just two years.

I primarily charge at home using a Level 2 charger, usually to 80-90%, and only occasionally to 100% for longer trips. I try not to let it drop below 20%. Is this kind of degradation expected? I know batteries lose capacity over time, but this feels excessive. Has anyone else experienced similar issues with their early R1T models?

I'm wondering if there's a specific diagnostic I should run or if this is something Rivian service can look into under warranty. Any advice or shared experiences would be greatly appreciated!

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 25, 5:12 AM

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

Battery degradation is a natural process for all electric vehicles, but significant drops in range can sometimes indicate underlying issues or be influenced by usage patterns. Here's what to consider:

  1. Normal Degradation vs. Excessive Loss:

    • Most EV batteries are designed to retain a high percentage of their capacity for many years. A 10-15% drop over two years, while noticeable, could be within the higher end of normal depending on factors like climate and charging habits. However, a sudden or rapid drop might warrant investigation.
    • Causes: High ambient temperatures, frequent DC fast charging, regularly charging to 100% and letting it sit, or consistently discharging to very low levels can accelerate degradation.

  2. Diagnostic Steps:

    • Check Software: Ensure your R1T's software is fully up to date. Rivian frequently releases updates that optimize battery management and range estimations.
    • Recalibrate BMS: Sometimes, the Battery Management System (BMS) can get out of sync. A common owner-reported method to 'recalibrate' is to charge the vehicle to 100% and then drive it until the battery is very low (e.g., under 10%) before recharging fully again. Do this a couple of times. Note: This should be done sparingly, as frequent deep discharges are not ideal for long-term battery health.
    • Monitor Charging Efficiency: Use an energy meter on your Level 2 charger to see how much energy is being delivered versus what the car reports. Discrepancies could point to charging system inefficiencies.
    • Rivian Diagnostics: While there isn't a standard OBD-II code for 'battery degradation' in the traditional sense, Rivian's internal diagnostics can provide detailed battery health reports. A service technician can pull this data.

  3. When to See a Shop:

    • Persistent Issues: If the range loss continues to worsen rapidly or if you experience other battery-related warnings (e.g., 'Battery System Fault'), schedule a service appointment immediately.
    • Warranty Check: Rivian's battery warranty typically covers significant capacity loss (e.g., below 70% of original capacity) within a certain timeframe and mileage. It's worth discussing your concerns with Rivian Service to see if your vehicle qualifies for a diagnostic under warranty.
    • Software Updates: If you suspect a software glitch affecting range estimation, the service center can perform a deeper diagnostic and force updates if necessary.
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