Rivian R2 will use LG batteries made in the US

LG Energy Solution announced on Thursday that it will supply Rivian with 3 cylindrical battery cells for use in the r2electric compact crossover, which Rivian previewed in May.

The battery cells are in the 4695 format (46 mm in diameter and 95 mm in height) and are supplied from a factory in Arizona.

The battery format is similar to what BMW plans to use for the Neue Classe family of EVs in the future. This format provides superior energy density compared to prism cell designs used by other car manufacturers and also provides the benefits of packaging.

LG Energy Solution also supplies battery cells to Tesla, Hyundai and General Motors, and said its supply contract with Rivian would last 5 years and total 67 gigawatt hours.

The battery cells will debut in R2 and form part of the Rivian MSP (Midsize Platform) structural battery pack that supports Rivian's R3 and R3X models. In R2, the platform supports powertrain configurations with 1, 2, and 3 electric motors.

R2's reveal, Rivian quoted some versions of the crossover as having a range of over 330 miles and a time of 0〜60mph of less than 3 seconds. All R2s can be charged at the Tesla Supercharger station thanks to the standard NACS charging port.

R2 is expected to start production in 2026 at Rivian's plant in Normal, Illinois, and Rivian has previously announced a starting price of aboutー45,000.

Production of the smaller R3 will soon follow, with a more rugged R3X version arriving first.