Electric Cars

Rivian has significantly upgraded its commercial electric vans, the Electric Delivery Van (EDV) and Rivian Commercial Van (RCV), by introducing enhanced battery and powertrain options. These advancements are designed to extend the vehicles' operational range and improve performance, allowing them to serve a wider array of delivery routes, particularly in more rural or challenging terrains. The new models are already being deployed, underscoring Rivian's commitment to innovation in the electric commercial vehicle sector.

Previously, Rivian's commercial vehicle segment, largely dominated by a substantial order from Amazon, has been a leading force in America's electric van market. The latest enhancements further bolster the appeal of these versatile electric vehicles. Among the key improvements is a higher-capacity battery pack, which boosts the driving range by approximately 30% compared to earlier standard-range versions. Additionally, a new dual-motor all-wheel-drive (AWD) option has been integrated, featuring an electric motor on the rear axle. This configuration not only enhances overall performance but also improves the van's capability on less-than-ideal road conditions.

Rivian detailed these new offerings in its third-quarter earnings report, stating that the new variants are specifically tailored to broaden route coverage, particularly into more rural networks. The AWD setup and the larger battery pack are crucial for achieving this expanded reach. According to EPA filings, the 'Large' battery pack boasts a usable energy capacity of 129 kilowatt-hours, a considerable upgrade from the 'Standard' pack's 90 kWh. This larger battery is exclusively available for the long-wheelbase versions of the van. The AWD option, also limited to the 700 body version, pairs two Enduro motors to deliver an impressive combined output of 710 horsepower (530 kilowatts).

The Large battery pack utilizes lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cells, similar to the Standard model. With this larger capacity, the front-wheel-drive EDV 700 model is projected to achieve around 220 miles of range, representing a 37% increase over the standard-range variant, based on EPA certification data. The EDV 700 with the Large battery and AWD is expected to provide approximately 200 miles on a full charge. While official final range figures for these new configurations are still pending, the initial estimates are promising for logistics companies looking for greater efficiency.

It's important to note that the increased battery capacity and the addition of a rear electric motor do impact the vehicle's weight. The 129 kWh battery adds roughly 1,000 pounds, and the rear-mounted electric motor contributes an additional 450 pounds. Consequently, a fully-equipped long-wheelbase Rivian van has a curb weight of 8,677 lbs and a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 10,000 lbs. In contrast, the entry-level short-wheelbase model, equipped with the Standard battery and front-wheel drive, weighs approximately 7,000 lbs with a GVWR of 9,500 lbs.

All Rivian vans are equipped with 19-inch wheels and a CCS1 charging port, capable of accepting up to 100 kW from a DC fast charger. For AC charging, the electric delivery vans can draw up to 11 kW from a 240-volt, 48-ampere Level 2 charger. Rivian has also announced plans to offer NACS charging adapters, providing flexibility for vans to utilize NACS fast chargers. This adaptability is critical as charging infrastructure evolves. The company's sales figures reflect its market dominance, with Rivian selling 15,685 EDVs and RCVs from January through September, making it the top-selling electric commercial van in the United States.

These strategic upgrades significantly enhance Rivian's electric commercial vehicle lineup, offering expanded range and improved traction for a variety of operational needs. The introduction of larger battery capacities and an all-wheel-drive option addresses critical requirements for businesses seeking reliable and versatile electric fleet solutions. This move is poised to further solidify Rivian's leadership in the rapidly growing electric delivery market and meet the diverse demands of commercial logistics.

The ALSO TM-B electric bicycle, a groundbreaking model for its innovative pedal-by-wire system, faces unexpected challenges when its battery depletes. This e-bike fundamentally redefines cycling by replacing traditional mechanical connections between pedals and the rear wheel with copper wires, effectively creating an electrically driven experience. An early owner, Aaron Draczynski, deliberately depleted his TM-B's battery to understand its behavior in such a scenario, revealing a unique "Infinite Turtle Mode" and other operational quirks. Unlike conventional e-bikes that become heavy, standard bicycles when power runs out, the TM-B transforms into a kinetic energy generator, where pedaling directly powers the rear wheel, offering a surprisingly functional but demanding solution on flat terrain.

As the battery charge dwindled, the TM-B progressively reduced its power assistance, a designed conservation measure. Starting from 31%, assist levels steadily decreased, leading to an eventual complete cessation of electric assistance at 4% charge. Beyond the expected power reduction, the bike began exhibiting unusual behavior, including seemingly random gear shifts in manual mode, despite lacking physical gears. These are simulated electronically to adjust pedaling resistance. Upon reaching the lowest power state, the "Infinite Turtle Mode" activated, characterized by an infinity symbol on the display. This mode functions by converting the rider's pedaling effort directly into electrical energy to propel the bike, akin to a crank-powered flashlight. While effective on flat surfaces, where it felt comparable to pedaling a regular bike in fourth gear, this mode proved extremely arduous on inclines, making even slight hills a significant challenge due to the inability to electronically select easier virtual gears. This highlights a critical limitation of a purely drive-by-wire system, especially when facing varied terrains without battery support.

Beyond performance limitations during low battery, a more concerning issue emerged: significant overnight battery drainage and a "Bike issue detected" error. Draczynski observed his TM-B's battery drop from 70% to 18% over two days while stored unplugged in his garage. This drain culminated in an error message indicating a battery issue, preventing normal charging and battery ejection. A physical reset button beneath the frame was required to restore functionality. This suggests potential software or connectivity issues, possibly exacerbated by poor cellular signal in the garage, causing the bike to continuously search for a connection and drain its battery. This real-world test provides invaluable insights into the complexities and potential vulnerabilities of advanced e-bike technologies, emphasizing the need for robust power management and fail-safe mechanisms in innovative designs.

The journey of innovation often uncovers unforeseen challenges, and the Rivian ALSO TM-B's experience with a depleted battery serves as a poignant example. It demonstrates that while technological advancements can offer revolutionary riding experiences, careful consideration of practical scenarios, such as power loss, is paramount. This highlights the ongoing evolution required for cutting-edge designs to seamlessly integrate into daily life, ensuring reliability and user confidence. Ultimately, the quest for progress is not just about creating new possibilities but also about refining them to be resilient and accessible for all.