Rivian’s Clever Strategy: Software-Locking Max Pack Batteries to Offer Large+ Option in 2025 R1T and R1S Models

Rivian's newest 2025 versions of the R1T and R1S are being offered with the Max Pack battery, which has its highest capacity restricted by software to a smaller available energy amount.

Initially identified by the website RivianTrackr, a newly introduced upgrade named Large+ equates in both size and cost to the original Large Pack available for the Dual-Motor versions of the R1T and R1S. This upgrade offers a usable energy storage of 109.4 kilowatt-hours, in contrast to the 141.5 kilowatt-hours offered by the fully accessible Max Pack and the 92.5 kilowatt-hours provided by the Basic Pack.

Rivian has decided to manufacture Max Pack vehicles with software restrictions to match the Large+ specification, driven by the significant demand and the goal of delivering vehicles to customers more quickly.

2025 Model of Rivian R1T

In response to the significant consumer interest and to hasten the distribution of our next-gen Dual Large models, we're enhancing the capabilities of select Max pack R1 vehicles via software updates to align with the introductory price and distance capacity (up to 330 miles) of our Large pack," Rivian representative Mikhael Farah informed Green Car Reports. "These upgraded Dual Large+ vehicles maintain all the identical power, distance coverage, and functionalities that purchasers anticipate from a Dual Large model."

On the Threads forum, RivianTrackr has posted, based on information from unnamed insiders at the company, that the Large+ battery pack can be fully charged for everyday use. This makes sense because charging to the full software-limited capacity of the Large+ battery doesn't equate to utilizing the battery's total physical capacity. Nonetheless, Rivian continues to advise adhering to its standard charging guidelines, which suggest charging to 70% for regular driving, 85% for longer journeys, and reserving a full 100% charge solely for long-distance travel.

Restrictions within the software also mean there's a chance for clients to opt-in for an enhanced battery capability in the future, though Rivian has not made any official declarations presently. Additionally, clients are unable to choose the Large+ upgrade through Rivian's online customization tool. Instead, they should proceed with choosing the "Dual Large" option and wait for Rivian to reach out regarding the upgrade to Large+.

2025 Model of the Rivian R1S

Battery packs with software-imposed restrictions are not a recent development. In the past, Tesla restricted the battery size in some Model S versions to sidestep the need for manufacturing a variety of battery sizes. Similarly, BMW reduced the fuel tank size in its i3 range-extended models to adhere to California's legislative standards.

The 2025 R1 series will see an array of enhancements, addressing current user feedback for improvements, integrating novel attributes to attract more buyers, and maintaining compatibility with the much-awaited R2 series set to launch in 2026.

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