Rivian R2 EV’s LG battery boosts storage capacity sixfold | Digital Trends

The Rivian R2, the EV maker’s much-anticipated inexpensive electrical SUV, can be powered by U.S.-made batteries promising to retailer six instances as a lot vitality as these at the moment used.

South Korea’s LG Power Options introduced it will likely be supplying LG’s 4695 cylindrical batteries to Rivian as a part of a five-year settlement.

Inside the first 12 months of manufacturing, the batteries can be manufactured at LG’s standalone plant in Arizona earlier than being delivered to Rivian’s Regular, Illinois, plant to be used within the R2 mannequin, the corporate mentioned in a press release. Each LG and Rivian reaffirmed their dedication to the Biden administration’s Inflation Discount Act (IRA). Underneath the IRA, EVs whose key elements are made within the U.S. are eligible for a $7,500 tax incentive upon buy or signing of a lease settlement.

The bigger dimension of LG’s 4695 cylindrical battery guarantees to supply each lengthy vary and a excessive degree of security, whereas that includes six instances the capability of present 2170 cylindrical batteries, LG says.

The LG battery additionally aligns properly with Rivian’s plans to cut back its manufacturing prices, and can assist hold the R2 on observe to be the EV maker’s most inexpensive mass-market mannequin. Rivian mentioned it expects the battery pack meeting processing to enhance by roughly 45% in comparison with the R1’s platform.

Earlier this 12 months, Rivian made the R2 out there for preorders with scheduled deliveries resulting from begin within the first half of 2026. With a beginning worth of $45,000, the R2 is being promoted by Rivian as its first actually accessible EV mannequin, corresponding to Tesla’s “Mannequin 3 second”. Pricewise, nevertheless, it’s competing with the likes of the Tesla Mannequin Y and the Hyundai Ioniq 5.

The R2 guarantees acceleration of 0 to 60 mph in underneath 3 seconds and an estimated vary of over 300 miles. It’s full of expertise permitting for automated driving and likewise carries unusual options, akin to a rear window that folds down to offer an “open-air expertise”.