Rivian has applied to certify its 2025 model year R1T and R1S with the EPA, and the document reveals some big changes in store.
After seeing some camouflaged Rivians roaming around recently, we’re finding out information about what updates the company will make for the 2025 model year, with a document that was posted to Rivianforums.com.
The biggest changes relate to the battery and the addition of a heat pump, which helps efficiency in cold weather.
Rivian has four battery options – Standard, Standard+, Large, and Max. The Standard pack is still quite large at 106kWh, giving around 270 miles of range to the R1T and R1S when configured.
But 106kWh is still a lot of batteries, and is definitely quite a chunk of change to add to a car. Rivian’s R1 vehicles aren’t cheap, starting at $70k, and the company is further looking for ways to save cost as it works towards profitability.
So it looks like next year’s truck will shift to a lower-capacity lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery. LFP batteries offer a number of advantages over NMC batteries, including cost, durability, and less conflict minerals which can make sourcing difficult. However there are a few downsides, like cold-weather performance and energy density.
LFP has lower energy density than NMC does, which means that in a world where everyone thinks range is the only number that matters and bigger always means better, manufacturers have hesitated to switch, particularly on higher-end vehicles. Although some of that is mitigated by LFP’s greater durability, which means manufacturers recommend that LFP batteries can be charged to 100% every day, whereas other EVs typically charge to 80-90% on a daily basis.
But given the cost and other advantages, we’re starting to see more LFP batteries in entry-level vehicles, keeping costs down (and/or margins up, as the case may be).
We’re not sure which option Rivian will opt for here. It could lower prices on next year’s model to induce demand, but it can also use this as an opportunity to save on costs and help get its margins up. If EPA range goes down (as it likely will due to lower total energy – but the new battery is also 152lbs lighter), it will likely have to offer some price cut to satisfy customers.
Other battery packs will likely remain the same, though perhaps with a few more miles due to other efficiency changes coming to the vehicle.
One change that might affect range is a change in wheels, as the document shows that Rivian is introducing new 22-inch aerodynamic wheels, and seemingly eliminating the 21-inch wheel option. We don’t know what the design will look like, but aerodynamic wheels can be a big efficiency gain (though larger wheels usually detract from efficiency slightly too).
Even more efficiency is brought with the addition of a heat pump, which was one of the few oversights on current R1 models. While those of us in California have no need for one of these, Rivians are popular in areas which see a lot of cold weather, and in the cold, EVs use a lot of heat to warm the cabin. Since EVs don’t have access to waste heat from the engine, that all has to be generated electrically. Heat pumps are 3-4x more efficient at generating heat than standard resistive heating coils are, which makes them a great way to improve cold weather efficiency – especially important for an “adventure truck” like the Rivian.
Rivian is continuing to use CCS for its onboard charge port instead of NACS, at least for 2025. Rivian has started shipping NACS adapters to owners so that their cars can be used on Tesla’s Supercharger network, with the eventual understanding that the cars would get NACS ports themselves. Rivian originally said that its cars would have NACS starting in 2025, but that timeline seems to have been pushed back. Current Rivians can charge at peak 220kW, though the upcoming LFP battery will have a lower peak of 210kW.
Beyond the charging and efficiency changes, the new model year will apparently have a new base trim of some sort (which we have no details on), and will relocate the AC compressor to reduce vehicle noise and vibration.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links.More.
Ava Community Energy just rolled out a new program in California that pays EV and plug-in hybrid drivers for charging their cars when electricity on the grid is cleaner and cheaper.
The new Ava SmartHome Charging program, launched in partnership with home energy analytics platform Optiwatt, offers up to $100 in incentives in the first year. And because the program helps shift home charging to lower-cost hours, Ava says drivers could save around $140 a year on their energy bills.
EV and PHEV owners who are Ava customers can download the Optiwatt app for free, connect their vehicle, and let the app handle the rest. The app uses an algorithm to automatically schedule charging when demand is low and more renewable energy is available, typically overnight or during off-peak hours.
“Ava is on a mission to provide 100% clean energy to our customers by 2030,” said CEO Howard Chang. “This new program helps us get there by giving people an easy way to charge on more renewable energy while simultaneously saving money.”
Advertisement – scroll for more content
Drivers who enroll get a $75 bonus for joining, and can earn an extra $25 per year if they stay enrolled. Optiwatt shifts charging to off-peak times, and it takes into account the customer’s individual schedules and preferences.
Casey Donahue, who founded Optiwatt, says this program is a win for everyone. “We can move a lot of energy use to cleaner, more affordable times by using smart algorithms and the growing EV base,” he said. “That benefits every Ava customer.”
The program is available to most EVs and plug-in hybrids. All it takes is signing up through the Optiwatt app (iOS, Android, or web) and completing a quick verification process. Savings and rewards start right away.
The Oakland-based not-for-profit public power provider aims to enroll at least 5,000 vehicles by the end of 2025. The company says this program is the first step in a broader virtual power plant (VPP) strategy. It’s powered by Lunar Energy’s Distributed Energy Resource Management System (DERMS) platform, Gridshare, which will help Ava coordinate energy from EVs, home batteries, and more.
Ava Community Energy was founded in 2018 and now serves 2 million people in Alameda County, California, and the cities of Tracy, Stockton, and Lathrop.
To limit power outages and make your home more resilient, consider going solar with a battery storage system. In order to find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check outEnergySage, a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. They have hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high-quality solutions and save 20-30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and you share your phone number with them.
Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisers to help you every step of the way. Get startedhere. –trusted affiliate link*
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links.More.
The Grand Cherokee is due for a refresh, and we just got our first look at it. Jeep claimed “the next chapter in the story of America’s best-selling full-size SUV begins” after releasing the first official images of the updated model. When will we see the Jeep Grand Cherokee as an EV?
2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee first look
Days after revealing the new Compass, Jeep is teasing another refreshed model, its best-selling Grand Cherokee.
Although it was the best-selling full-size SUV in the US last year, the Grand Cherokee is due for an update. The latest model was launched in 2021, but Jeep added a two-row version in 2022.
It remained Jeep’s top seller in the US last year with over 216,000 models sold, but sales were down 12% compared to 2023. It was also one of the best-selling plug-in hybrid (PHEV) vehicles, with over 27,500 4xe models
Advertisement – scroll for more content
Jeep is giving us our first official look at the updated 2026 Grand Cherokee, inside and out. The first image previews the front end, which features new LED headlights and a revamped seven-slot grille, similar to the new Compass.
The interior is restyled with a simplified setup and other minor infotainment and climate control display adjustments. The preview also shows an added passenger screen.
When will Jeep launch the Grand Cherokee EV?
Jeep will continue to assemble the updated SUV in Detroit. The new 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee will be available as a two-row, three-row L, and a plug-in hybrid 4xe, but when will we see an EV version? The outgoing 4xe model is already one of the top three selling PHEVs in the US, so a fully electric version would make sense.
As part of its 2023 agreement with the UAW, Jeep revealed plans to launch the Grand Cherokee EV in 2027. It was scheduled to be built at the Detroit Assembly Complex, but plans have likely changed since then.
New Jeep Compass EV (Source: Stellantis)
Jeep’s new Compass will be available as an EV, but only in Europe. At least for now. Stellantis halted operations at its Brampton Assembly plant earlier this year, where the Compass is built, as it “reassesses its product strategy in North America.”
For those in the US, Jeep currently offers one EV. The Wagoneer S (pictured on the left above), Jeep’s first global electric SUV, starts at $65,200 and has a range of up to 294 miles.
Later this year, Jeep is expected to launch the Recon EV (pictured on the right above), a rugged electric SUV like a Wrangler.
Jeep is currently offering employee pricing plus an extra $1,500 cash allowance on top of the $7,500 EV tax credit on 2025 Wagoneer S models. If you’re looking to snag some savings, you can use our link to find Jeep Wagoneer S models in your area today.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links.More.
Can Kia’s first electric sedan live up to the hype? After launching the EV4 in Korea, we are finally seeing it in action. A new test drive of the EV4 gives us a closer look at what to expect as Kia prepares to take it global. Here’s how it went down.
Kia EV4 test drive: The good, the bad, and the ugly
Kia claims the EV4 will “set a new standard in electric vehicles” with long-range capabilities, fast charging, and a sleek new design.
The electric sedan features a unique, almost sports-car-like profile with a long-tail silhouette and added roof spoiler.
Kia claims it is “the new look of a sedan fit for the era of electrification.” Despite its four-door design, the company is calling it a new type of sedan.
Advertisement – scroll for more content
The design is not only eye-catching, but it’s also super efficient. With a drag coefficient of just 0.23, the EV4 is Kia’s most aerodynamic vehicle so far, enabling maximum driving range and efficiency.
Kia opened EV4 orders in South Korea in March, starting at about $29,000 (41.92 million won). It’s available with two battery options: 58.2 kWh and 81.4 kWh. The entry-level “Standard Air” model, powered by the 58.2 kWh battery, is rated with up to 237 miles of driving range.
Kia EV4 sedan Korea-spec (Source: Hyundai Motor)
The “Long-Range Air” variant starts at 46.29 million won ($31,800) and has a driving range of up to 331 miles (533 km) in Korea.
With charging speeds of up to 350 kW, the EV4 can charge from 10% to 80% in around 29 minutes. The long-range battery will take about 31 minutes.
Kia EV4 sedan interior (Source: Hyundai Motor)
The interior boasts Kia’s latest ccNC infotainment system with a 30″ Ultra-wide Panoramic Display. The setup includes dual 12.3″ driver displays, navigation screens, and a 5″ air conditioning panel.
With deliveries kicking off, we are seeing some of the first test drives come out. A review fromHealerTV gives us a better idea of what it’s like to drive the EV4 in person.
Kia EV4 test drive (Source: HealerTV)
Sitting next to Kia’s first pickup, the Tasman, the reviewer mentions the EV4 feels “particularly newer.” The test drive starts around the city with a ride quality similar to that of the K5, if not even better.
As you can see from the camera shaking, the ride feels “a bit uncomfortable” on rough roads. However, on normal surfaces and speed bumps, Kia’s electric sedan “feels neither too soft nor too hard,” just normal. The reviewer calls the EV4’s overall ride quality “quite ordinary” with “nothing particularly special about it.”
When accelerating, the electric car was smooth in the beginning but felt “a little lacking in later stages.” Overall, it should be enough for everyday use.
One of the biggest issues was that the rear window appeared too low. The rear brake lights also stick out, making it hard to see clearly through the rearview.
Keep in mind that the test drive was the Korean-spec EV4. Kia will launch the EV4 in Europe later this year and in the US in early 2026.
In the US, the EV4 will include a built-in NACS port for charging at Tesla Superchargers and a driving range of up to 330 (EPA-est) miles. Prices will be revealed closer to launch, but the EV4 is expected to start at around $35,000 to $40,000.
Would you buy Kia’s electric sedan for around $35,000? Or would you rather have the Tesla Model 3, which starts at $42,490 in the US and has up to 363 miles of range? Let us know in the comments.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links.More.