Rivian Automotive Inc. has acknowledged a software calibration issue affecting the range estimation on its Dual Standard lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) vehicles, the company confirmed in a customer email sent on Monday. The problem can cause range readings to become less accurate, particularly when the state of charge drops below 20%.
The company said a fix for the issue will be included in the upcoming over-the-air (OTA) update 2025.38.30. In the meantime, Rivian recommended that owners charge their vehicles to 100% more frequently over the next few weeks to allow the range estimator to recalibrate.
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The email clarified that the issue is related to software rather than the battery itself. “This is a software calibration problem, not a battery failure,” Rivian said in the message. However, some owners reported that communication about the issue had been inconsistent, with some receiving notices and instructions while others were unaware until experiencing range-related problems firsthand.
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One user recounted an incident in which an R1S vehicle appeared to have over 20% charge before suddenly shutting down during a family road trip, leaving them stranded for several hours. The vehicle ultimately had to be transported from Jacksonville to Orlando, and the driver rented a gasoline car to continue the trip.
Analysts and owners have said that uneven communication can undermine consumer confidence, particularly when it involves basic usability and safety. Rivian has made progress in recent years, but incidents like this highlight the importance of clear, universal messaging when addressing vehicle software issues that directly affect drivers’ experience.
