Cells a structural core for Rivian’s future EVs As Rivian confirmed earlier this year with their reveal, the R2, R3, and R3X are all set to be built around the same next-generation architecture, focused around a structural battery pack with these 4695-format cylindrical cells. Rivian confirmed to GCR that LG does not have explicit exclusivity as the cell supplier for the R2 lineup. The 67 gigawatt-hours calculates out to about 700,000 vehicles split over five years, assuming nearly 100 kwh per vehicle. So it’s unclear from this initial plan whether R3 and R3X might see some of these cells, too, in the interest of flexibility, or to what degree those somewhat-more-affordable LFP cells might enter the mix. Rivian R2 LG noted that “within the first year of production” batteries for the R2 will be made at the standalone plant in Arizona. “This large-scale order from Rivian for 4695 batteries marks a key milestone for LG Energy Solution in expanding its client base within the cylindrical battery segment,” David Kim, the battery firm’s CEO, said in its release on the agreement. Rivian and LG noting IRA impact Made just two days after the U.S. Presidential election, the LG announcement mentioned the positive impact of Biden administration EV policy and its Inflation Reduction Act in leading to the Arizona manufacturing push. “The supply agreement with Rivian is expected to further strengthen LG Energy Solution’s presence in the U.S. 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,” stated the battery supplier. Rivian R3X The EV maker further pointed to the U.S. sourcing as “aligning with Rivian’s focus on U.S. domestic manufacturing and IRA compliance.” Rivian reported some additional good news on Thursday. It produced 13,157 vehicles and delivered 10,018 in the third quarter of 2024. Although production has been held back by a component for its Enduro motor unit shared between its R1 models and its van platform, it confirmed that it’s on track for its 2024 delivery outlook of 50,500 to 52,000 vehicles. Tags: