Rivian to source batteries from Samsung SDI
US electric car start-up Rivian Automotive has selected Samsung SDI to supply the battery cells for its first two models, the R1T electric pickup and R1S electric SUV. Rivian has not yet disclosed further details on the volume and duration of the supply contract.
While the deal has now been announced by Rivian, the collaboration has been going on for a while: the electric car start-up has already been cooperating with Samsung throughout the development process of the battery cells.
“We’re excited about the performance and reliability of Samsung SDI battery cells combined with our energy-dense module and pack design,” said RJ Scaringe, CEO of Rivian. Rivian did not disclose further details on the cells themselves.
According to InsideEVs, there is a chance that Rivian will use round cells in the 2170 format – the form factor that Tesla also uses for the Model 3/Y. InsideEVs further speculates that the order is likely to be for a few gigawatt hours “initially”. No details are given in the article about the cell chemistry that Rivian is sourcing from Samsung
Rivian will offer both its R1T (pickup) and R1S (SUV) models with three battery options: 105 kWh, 135 kWh and 180 kWh. Initially, a ‘Launch Edition’ will be built, all of which have been sold, and will be available exclusively with the 135 kWh battery (for more than 480 kilometres of range). The larger battery for 640 kilometres is to be offered from the beginning of 2022, the launch date for the smaller battery is yet to be announced.
Incidentally, the deal with Samsung SDI is only confirmed for Rivian’s own two models. It is not yet clear whether the Samsung cells will also be used in the Amazon delivery van based on the Rivian platform.
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