You can continue your activities at home during power outages with your own power supply. An electric vehicle (EV) can come in handy if you don't have a generator. One emerging EV brand is Rivian. Many consumers are wondering if a Rivian vehicle can supply electricity for homes. We've researched this question, so keep reading to learn more.
In order for a Rivian to supply power for your home, you need a V2H bi-directional charging connector compatible with the vehicle so that it can transfer power. But Rivian's charging station port does not currently have a bi-directional charger slot. You also need a home integration system to convert the electric current from the car to your home.
You should check the specifications of the Rivian and your home's power requirements before you set up the connections. Although you cannot fully use the vehicle to supply power to the whole household, you can use the ports to plug in your small devices. Read further if your Rivian can supply the power of your home.
Using Rivian As A Power Supply For Homes
Rivian is a new name in the electric vehicle scene. Although the company started in 2009, it only went public in 2021. By going public, it became the third most valuable car manufacturer in the world.
You can use Rivian as a household power supply. Rivian, like other electronic vehicle producers, states that all their car models have V2G (vehicle to grid) and V2H (vehicle to home) capabilities.
These features allow the vehicle to store power and push back electricity to the grid or a building. You can rely on a Rivian or other electrical vehicle during blackouts or power outages.
Rivian is a high-end, fully electric adventure vehicle. The brand only has two models in circulation to date, a pick-up truck and an SUV model. Listed below are the battery pack options and the corresponding EPA projected ranges for those models:
- R1T/Pick-up truck model
- Standard (estimated 260+ miles, 105 kWh)
- Large (estimated 314+ miles, 135 kWh)
- Max (estimated 400+ miles, 180 kWh)
- R1S/SUV model
- Standard (estimated 260+ miles, 105 kWh)
- Large (estimated 316+ miles, 135 kWh)
For the R1T model, you can improve its range by mounting additional batteries in the bed. It is also easy to remove Rivian batteries.
In the current EV market, Rivian offers the largest battery pack compared to its rivals. The battery shows an impressive performance on and off track.
Moreover, the battery can store high energy, ranging from 100-200 kWh. Rivian users are wondering how they can benefit from the electric vehicle's stored power.
Drawing Power From Rivian
With the developments in car manufacturing technology, using Rivian as a power supply for your home is still a developing area. Yet, some used special connectors to derive electricity from the vehicle.
Although there is progress, consumers will have to wait because Rivian is continuously improving its features to expand its charging capabilities.
Before the company can launch the feature on a full scale, there must be regulatory approval. So, it might take time to use the battery's potential fully.
You will need hardware to set up the Rivian as a power supply. You can learn more about this below.
Bi-Directional Charger
Before you can power your home using the vehicle, you need a V2H or vehicle-to-home bi-directional charger. This charger allows electricity to flow in and out of the battery.
You can use the battery's power during the day to reduce the power surge in the grid and charge your vehicle at night or off-peak hours.
You can use a Wallbox bi-directional EV charger with your Rivian. It has a standard CCS port that's compatible with Rivian and most electric vehicles in North America.
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However, most V2Hs are incompatible with Rivian's combined charging system (CCS) port.
Home Integrating System
To address this concern, you need a home integrating system that converts high-current DC to the AC power that homes use.
The system connects the main power panel of the vehicle to your home's power meter and disconnects your home's power from the grid. Keep in mind that this additional device is costly.
Hiring a licensed electrician to install the necessary connections and hardware is also very important. You will need some wiring to accommodate the additional electrical load while maintaining optimal charging speeds.
Existing Ports In Rivian
The Rivian R1T has four 110-volt outlets, while the R1S only has two. Both Rivian models have three cylindrical 12-volt outlets.
Today, owers have used the vehicle by plugging in their devices from the existing ports. You can use this for outdoor purposes, such as lighting Christmas lights. One urologist in Texas used the vehicle as a power source to complete a surgical operation.
How Long Can Rivian Supply Power To Your Home?
The number of days depends on the battery capacity and household consumption.
The average American household consumption is 30 kWh. If the usable power of the Rivian battery is approximately 180 kWh, it can supply power for about six days. That will help you get through almost a week without electricity.
The battery capacity is only estimated because it might not be fully charged when you want to use it. If the outages are long, you can minimize usage at home.
Rivian can supply power, but this does not mean that it can run the whole house. You'll be able to can do basic, small-scale activities such as charging phones, turning the refrigerator on, or using your desktop computer.
How Long Do Rivian Batteries Last?
Rivian has an intelligent battery management system that learns how you use the vehicle. The system optimizes performance and extends the battery's life. The system also learns your driving and charging patterns for a more efficient driving experience.
Rivian batteries will last up to eight years—the equivalent of 175,000 miles. You can benefit from Rivian's powerful, large-capacity battery with proper use.
Will Using A Rivian As A Home Power Supply Affect Its Range?
The range of the Rivian battery stays the same when supplying electricity to your home. There is no movement, driving, or load-carrying involved. According to their site, the following activities and specifications affect the battery range:
- Heating and air conditioning
- Tire and wheel size
- Weight of the load when towing
- Accessories that affect aerodynamics and weight (e.g., Camp Kitchen, cargo crossbars)
Although supplying electricity is important, you should not abuse the battery. You can check the Rivian app to get information about battery updates.
Can A Rivian Charge Other Electric Vehicles?
The Rivian Waypoint charging station and wall chargers can charge Rivian-to-Rivian and other electric vehicles. Other EVs are compatible with the Rivian chargers if they also have the same standard CCS charging port.
In the case of the portable charger, only Rivian owners can access the Rivian Adventure Network through the charging points.
The charging points are available nationwide to other EVs using a J1772 plug or J-plug. The J-plug is the standard for electronic vehicles in North America. Only Tesla does not support the J-plug, but the connection is still possible with a J-plug connector adaptor.
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In Summary
There is a possibility of using Rivian as a home's power supply. However, Rivian has not yet established the charging feature on a complete scale.
Rivian's research and development departments are working to expand charging capabilities. Likewise, Rivian owners are exploring ways to use the battery because of its large capacity to supply power for days.
Users need a V2H connector and home integrating system to transfer stored electricity to a household. You will also need to hire a licensed electrician to install the connections.
There are already accounts of outdoor usage of Rivian, with the power supplying energy for lighting and even a full medical operation. Furthermore, the battery is not harmed when you use it as a power supply.
With a promising outlook, it may be possible in the future to use Rivian conveniently as a home power supply.
Discover more about electric vehicles from these posts:
3 Types of Electric Vehicles (What Every Driver Needs to Know)