Rivian, in its first Investor Day following the Volkswagen partnership announcement, revealed details about its upcoming bidirectional charging capabilities for its R1T pickup trucks and R1S SUVs.
During the event, Rivian disclosed that both the first and second-generation R1T and R1S vehicles can support bidirectional charging up to 24 kW with a dedicated wall charger mount. Additionally, the upcoming R2 vehicles are expected to handle bidirectional charging up to 11 kW, showcasing Rivian’s strategic integration of advanced features into its vehicle designs.
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Rivian has announced a future release of a bidirectional charger, along with a software update enabling Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) with a peak rate of around 24kW, compatible with both Gen 1 and Gen 2 R1 models.
The upcoming Rivian R2 will feature a bidirectional charging system peak… pic.twitter.com/RFuoyLHZOS
— Rivian Updates (@RivianUpdates) June 27, 2024
The announcement marks a significant development for Rivian owners, who had speculated about bidirectional charging capabilities in their vehicles for some time. Rivian’s decision to potentially unlock this feature via a software update for existing R1 models could introduce new possibilities for home energy management and emergency power backup solutions.
Rivian hinted at a potential commercial strategy for bidirectional charging, suggesting that the wall charger mount required for vehicle-to-home applications might be offered as an optional accessory. This approach could align with Rivian’s broader strategy to monetize advanced features and accessories tailored to its electric vehicle lineup.
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Moreover, Rivian’s move into bidirectional charging underscores the technological exchange facilitated by its partnership with Volkswagen. With Volkswagen investing $5 billion in Rivian, both companies stand to benefit from shared advancements in software and zonal electronics platforms, enhancing their competitive edge in the rapidly evolving EV market.
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RJ Scaringe, CEO of Rivian, emphasized the collaborative nature of the partnership, hinting at reciprocal benefits for both Rivian and Volkswagen Group as they navigate the future of automotive innovation.