- The batteries bound for the US Rivian R2 models will come from Arizona
- LG will supply Rivian with 67 gigawatt hours over five years
- The 4695 format is set to be shared with R3, R3X
The next generation cylindrical Rivian R2 SUV battery cells it will appear LG Energy solution and its In Arizona plant, battery supplier and US EV maker confirmed on Thursday.
The agreement, LG says, will last for five years and is for a total of 67 gigawatt hours of power and capacity for the R2 models in the North American market. Although it didn't specify a launch date, the R2 is expected to go on sale in 2026.
The Rivian R2-bound cells, which are 46 mm wide and 95 mm tall, are the same size that BMW has committed to—rather than Tesla's 4680 cell format (46 mm x 80 mm), which is reportedly compatible with more. manufacturing challenges, or the original 18650 format (18 mm x 65 mm). LG noted that the size allowed high energy densityimproved site efficiency, and improved safety.
BMW cylindrical battery cell
Rivian confirmed to Green Car Reports that the deal is specific high nickel cellsusually referring to NCA or NCM lithium-ion batteries and not the lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) cells that are becoming more popular in cost-based EV models—such as the Ford Mustang Mach-E versions, and future ones. the next generation Chevy Bolt EV.
The $45,000 Rivian R2 will be a true first a large EV market from the US electric car maker, and it could be a model that makes the fledgling company financially stable. It will initially be built in Normal, Illinois, near R1T, R1S, and EDV (van) models.
Once production has begun, production of R2 may be switched to a future Georgia plant which will begin making cars in 2027—eventually including the Rivian R3 family, and its hot-selling R3X counterpart.
Rivian R3X
Cells are the structural core of Rivian's future EVs
As Rivian confirmed earlier this year with their reveal, the R2, R3, and R3X will all be built on the same next-generation, single-core platform. structural battery pack with these cylindrical cells of the 4695 format.
Rivian confirmed to GCR that LG does not have exclusive rights as a mobile phone provider for the R2 system. The 67 gigawatt hours calculates, assuming roughly 100 kWh per car, to about 700,000 cars spread over five years. So it's not clear from this preliminary plan whether R3 and R3X might recognize some of these cells, too, in the interest of flexibility, or how much those less expensive LFP cells might fit into the mix.
Rivian R2
LG noted that “within the first year of production” the R2 batteries will be manufactured at a private factory in Arizona.
“This large order from Rivian for 4695 batteries is an important milestone for LG Energy Solution in expanding its customer base within the cylindrical battery segment,” said David Kim, CEO of the battery company, in a release on the agreement.
Rivian and LG are aware of the impact of the IRA
Made just two days after the US Presidential election, LG's announcement cited the positive impact of Biden's EV management policy and his Inflation Reduction Act in leading to a manufacturing push in Arizona. “The supply agreement with Rivian is expected to further strengthen LG Energy Solution's presence in the US market and its plans to actively respond to the IRA by developing and supplying competitive battery cells in a timely manner while expanding into new markets,” the battery supplier said. .
Rivian R3X
The EV maker also pointed to the US acquisition as “consistent with Rivian's focus on domestic production in the US and IRA compliance.”
Rivian reported some good news on Thursday. It produced 13,157 vehicles and delivered 10,018 in the third quarter of 2024. Although production is being split between its Enduro car unit, with R1 models and its van platform, it has confirmed it is on track for delivery in 2024. an estimate of 50,500 to 52,000 vehicles.