Rivian Is Ending LFP R1 Options 😞

Why It Matters

Eliminating the LFP option raises R1 pricing and signals Rivian’s shift toward the higher‑margin R2, reshaping its competitive positioning in the premium EV market.

Key Takeaways

• Rivian discontinues dual‑standard LFP battery option for R1T/R1S.
• LFP packs offered cheaper, longer cycle life but lower energy density.
• Calibration issues caused inaccurate state‑of‑charge readings and strandings.
• Base prices rise to $80k‑$83k without LFP low‑cost variant.
• R2 launch expected to cannibalize R1 sales and improve profitability.

Summary

Rivian announced it will drop the dual‑standard LFP battery pack from its R1T pickup and R1S SUV, a move that coincides with the imminent launch of the R2 configurator. The decision eliminates the lower‑cost, prismatic‑cell option that offered longer cycle life and faster charging, but suffered from reduced energy density and recent calibration glitches that left drivers stranded with false state‑of‑charge readings.

The LFP packs were praised for their thermal stability, cheap price point and ability to charge to 100 % frequently, yet Rivian’s software initially failed to guide owners on proper charging habits, prompting over‑the‑air updates warning against dropping below 20 % SOC. Comparisons were drawn to Tesla’s Model 3 LFP version and the Porsche Taycan’s superior charging curve over the higher‑range Lucid Air, underscoring that range alone does not dictate road‑trip performance.

Pricing consequences are immediate: the base R1T now starts around $80,000 and the R1S at $83,000, up from just over $70,000 when the LFP option was available. Rivian’s average selling price hovers near $90,000, suggesting the low‑cost LFP trim was already a marginal seller.

Analysts see the move as a strategic pivot toward the R2 platform, which promises better profitability, refined suspension, additional storage solutions and higher efficiency. By shedding the LFP variant, Rivian may streamline its lineup, but it also risks alienating price‑sensitive buyers and ceding ground to competitors offering affordable battery chemistries.

Original Description

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