Update on The Rivian R2 Propulsion & battery
Rivian announced a strategic partnership with LG Energy Solution (LGES) to supply U.S.-manufactured cells for its upcoming R2 vehicle. LGES will provide 4695 cylindrical batteries, which offer advanced battery technology for Rivian’s vehicles, ensuring long range and industry-leading performance. This agreement also introduces numerous supply chain innovations and reinforces domestic sourcing for battery materials. Batteries are expected to be produced at LGES’s Queen Creek, Arizona facility within the first year, aligning with Rivian’s commitment to U.S. manufacturing and compliance with the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).
The battery pack architecture for Rivian’s R2 and future R3 platforms will evolve, using a simplified structure to reduce weight, complexity, and costs while increasing energy density. Rivian anticipates a significant reduction in cost per kilowatt-hour (kWh) at the pack level compared to the R1 platform. The 4695 cell form factor, larger than that of the R1, allows for a lower cell count, enhancing manufacturability. Rivian expects batter
y pack assembly to become about 45% more efficient.
Ionic Mineral Halloysite in Utah
Ionic Mineral Technologies (Ionic MT) has leased and fully permitted the 4,000-acre Silicon Ridge halloysite property in Utah to expand its halloysite reserves—a crucial raw material for producing Ionisil™ nano-silicon anodes for next-generation, fast-charging EV batteries. Located in a geologically rich area in Utah County’s Lake Mountains, Silicon Ridge is known for thick halloysite clay beds and complements Ionic MT’s Halloysite Hills deposit, creating a robust resource base to scale up production.
The newly secured Silicon Ridge site, along with Halloysite Hills, strengthens Ionic MT’s vertically integrated position in nano-silicon anode materials, meeting the rising demand for fast-charging EV batteries and enhancing U.S. energy independence. The company has initiated trenching at Silicon Ridge as part of a strategic plan to optimize high-purity halloysite extraction for breakthrough battery technologies. Additionally, Ionic MT emphasizes sustainable practices, engaging with local communities to support economic and technological growth.
Consumer Reports Tests Charging Times for EVs
Consumer Reports’ testing of charging times for popular electric vehicles (EVs) reveals a wide range of charging speeds based on each EV’s maximum acceptance rate and the power capacity of the charging station. Here’s what they found:
Fastest-Charging EVs on a DC Fast Charger
The following EVs add over 10 miles per minute of range under ideal conditions on a DC fast charger:
- Audi E-Tron GT
- Chevrolet Silverado EV
- Genesis Electrified GV70 & GV80
- GMC Sierra EV
- Hyundai Ioniq 5 & Ioniq 6
- Kia EV6
- Lucid Air
- Porsche Taycan
- Tesla Models (3, S, X, Y)
For instance, the Hyundai Ioniq 5, with a 240 kW acceptance rate, can add approximately 11.6 miles per minute on a 350 kW charger, while older models like the 2013-2018 Tesla Model S add around 6 miles per minute.
Slowest-Charging EVs on a DC Fast Charger
These EVs add 5 miles or fewer per minute on a DC fast charger:
- Fiat 500e
- Jaguar I-Pace
- Kia Niro Electric
- Mercedes-Benz EQB
- Nissan Leaf
- Subaru Solterra
- Toyota bZ4X
The Nissan Leaf, has a maximum acceptance rate much lower than most competitors because it requires a unique CHAdeMO plug, limiting compatibility with some chargers.
Fastest-Charging EVs on a 240-Volt Level 2 Charger
On a 240-volt Level 2 charger, the following EVs add 30 or more miles per hour:
- Fiat 500e
- Hyundai Kona Electric
- Kia EV6 & Niro Electric
- Lucid Air
- Tesla Models (3, S, Y)
With a higher-amperage charger (80 amps), some of these EVs can add even more range per hour. For example, the Tesla Model 3 can add over 50 miles per hour at this level.
Slowest-Charging EVs on a 240-Volt Level 2 Charger
These EVs add 20 or fewer miles per hour on a standard 40-amp charger:
- Chevrolet Silverado EV*
- Ford F-150 Lightning*
- GMC Sierra EV*
- Nissan Ariya
- Subaru Solterra
- Toyota bZ4X
*Models with an asterisk may charge more quickly at an 80-amp charger.
EREVs Fill the Gap between PHEV and EV
The latest trend in the auto industry is the Extended-Range Electric Vehicle (EREV), a hybrid approach that combines elements of EVs and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs).
Unlike traditional PHEVs, which use gas engines for direct driving when the battery is low, EREVs drive primarily as EVs and use a gas engine as a generator to recharge the battery, extending range efficiently without directly powering the wheels.
EREVs are gaining popularity, especially among drivers concerned about battery range, and automakers are exploring this as a profitable alternative to fully electric models.
Scout Motors, Volkswagen’s new brand, recently introduced EREV models like the Terra truck and Traveler SUV, which include a “Harvester” system that boosts range from 350 to over 500 miles, offering greater utility for drivers. Other companies, such as Stellantis and Mazda, have similar models, while Hyundai plans to release an EREV in 2027 with a top range of 560 miles.
EREVs could help bridge the gap to full electrification by addressing concerns about range and limited charging infrastructure, particularly in larger vehicles like trucks and SUVs.
While not as emissions-free as EVs, EREVs may produce fewer emissions than PHEVs, which sometimes rely heavily on gas. Inspired by the technology’s success in China, where EREVs now make up 9% of all EV sales, automakers are hoping Western markets will adopt this compromise solution as a transition to a fully electric future.