Rivian is researching solid-state batteries as it readies the long-awaited R1T pickup and the R1S SUV for the production line.
A look at Rivian’s careers page reveals that the electric car manufacturer has five open positions for engineers to work on solid-state battery technology. All of these positions are out of the company’s Palo Alto, California offices.
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In one of the job listings for a senior manager of cell solid state manufacturing engineering, Rivian says the manager will “join a team developing the next generation battery cells for Rivian” as well as building and managing “a comprehensive team working on manufacturing solid state batteries.” Another key role of the position will be to “work with technology partners to define and deliver solid state battery cell line(s).”
Like most other current electric vehicles, the R1T and R1S will use lithium-ion battery packs but it’s clear Rivian is looking well into the future and wants to be at the forefront of solid-state battery development. Unlike lithium-ion batteries, solid-state batteries lack the combustible liquid electrolyte and use solid electrolytes instead. This improves the battery’s capacity while also allowing for significantly faster charging.
Many car manufacturers are developing solid-state batteries and according to some, Toyota is leading the race and already has over 1,000 patents involving solid-state batteries. The Japanese automaker is said to be so far advanced with the technology that it is expected to unveil a prototype vehicle with a solid-state battery pack this year before beginning production in the coming years.
