The Rivian R1S, like many modern electric vehicles, is a technological marvel designed to deliver both performance and luxury. However, as with all software updates, sometimes changes made behind the scenes can lead to unexpected issues. Recently, a post in the “Rivian Electric Vehicles Discussion” group on Facebook caught the attention of many Rivian owners. Andrei, a member of the group, shared his experience after installing the 2024.51 software update on his Rivian R1S. Andrei's post shed light on two key issues that have since sparked discussions: an unusually loud heat pump noise and an increase in energy consumption. His post resonated with many owners, particularly those who were grappling with similar experiences.
Andrei writes, “Has anyone noticed a difference in heat pump noise levels after installing the 2024.51 update? Mine used to be extremely loud while preconditioning the cabin on cold days, but today it's just humming along. The cabin temperature was about 41°F, with the outside temperature hovering around freezing. I’m not sure if being plugged into a charger had any effect on it, I’ll continue monitoring. Or perhaps they adjusted the RPMs. Here are before/after videos for reference. Another thing I noticed is that it’s pulling 7.5 kW vs. 7.3 kW before while using the portable charger.”
As Andrei pointed out, the update seems to have affected the noise levels of the heat pump during the cabin preconditioning process. This change, which previously sounded more like a rumbling compressor, now only produces a slight hum. While this may sound like a positive change for some, others are noting an unexpected side effect: increased energy consumption. Andrei observed a 0.2 kW increase in energy use when charging, which, though seemingly minor, might have significant effects when compounded over time, especially with prolonged use in colder weather.
What Are Heat Pumps and Why Do They Matter in EVs?
Heat pumps are crucial components in electric vehicles, particularly in colder climates. They help regulate the temperature inside the cabin, drawing heat from the outside air and transferring it inside. This system is highly efficient compared to traditional heating systems, using less energy to warm up the interior during cold conditions. For electric vehicles, where energy efficiency is paramount, this technology is a key player in managing battery life and driving range during winter months.
However, as Andrei’s post highlights, the heat pump in some Rivian vehicles has caused concerns among owners, particularly after the latest software update. The sudden increase in noise levels, as well as the unexpected increase in energy consumption, has led many to question the implications of the update on their vehicles' overall performance.
By the way as Car and Driver reports, "There's also a new-for-2025 heat pump design that promises to be more efficient and warm the cabin quicker in cold weather."
In fact, noise from heat pumps is a common issue across many electric vehicles. As temperatures drop, the increased demand on these systems can make them noisier as they work harder to extract heat from the air. However, the issue Andrei experienced may be tied to adjustments in the heat pump system made by Rivian through software updates or even hardware changes. As Andrei pointed out, the noise has now changed from being “extremely loud” to a more subdued hum, which could indicate that the heat pump’s RPMs or performance parameters were altered.
How Other Rivian Owners Are Reacting to Similar Issues
Andrei isn’t alone in noticing changes to the heat pump system after the 2024.51 update. Many other Rivian owners have chimed in with their experiences, which provide additional insight into the situation.
Stephen A. Humphries shared his experience, writing, "It has happened a couple of times, including once or twice while driving slowly. I attribute it to a false temperature reading at the charging port. I stop charging and/or turn the cabin air off. Definitely try to do something to shut the systems down and avoid leaving the exterior fan/pump running at full speed for hours. It is disconcerting." Stephen’s comment highlights a potential cause for the issue: a false temperature reading at the charging port. This could be leading the system to misinterpret the cabin’s temperature, prompting it to run the heat pump at a higher level than necessary.
Another user, Nicole Shields, weighed in with her own experience, saying, "Yes! We noticed it was super loud with battery temperatures above 104°F same noise. Once the battery drops below 104°F, the noise returns to the normal charging sound. We have a service appointment scheduled." Nicole’s observation points to the relationship between battery temperature and heat pump noise. When battery temperatures rise above a certain threshold, it seems the heat pump works harder, which could explain the increased noise levels. This could be something worth noting for Rivian owners in colder climates, as battery temperatures are likely to fluctuate more dramatically in these conditions.
Ali Ali shared his thoughts on the matter, writing, “Oh boy, I just got the update on my Gen2 R1S and hope it reduces the heater noise. Mine sounds like a muffled compressor inside the cabin. I would turn off the heater and drive with a jacket on.” Ali’s comment reflects a frustration that many Rivian owners might feel when their vehicles are not performing as expected. The hope that the software update would reduce heater noise is not uncommon, but it’s clear that this is a case where the update may have had unintended side effects for some owners.
The Impact of Software Updates on EV Performance
Rivian, like many other automakers, regularly pushes software updates to improve vehicle performance, address bugs, and introduce new features. However, as seen in the experiences of Andrei and others, these updates don’t always go as planned. In some cases, changes that are intended to optimize performance or efficiency may inadvertently affect other systems in the vehicle, such as the heat pump or charging performance.
It’s important for Rivian owners to understand that while software updates are typically intended to enhance their vehicles, they may also introduce unexpected changes that could impact the driving experience. This is particularly true when it comes to high-tech components like the heat pump system, where even small adjustments to settings or parameters can lead to noticeable differences in noise levels and energy consumption.
For example, as discussed in a recent Torque News article about charging in cold temperatures, issues related to the heat pump and energy consumption can be exacerbated by freezing conditions. In such cases, it's important to monitor energy usage and keep an eye on the system's performance to ensure its functioning as expected.
Additionally, Rivian owners should be aware of the possibility of ongoing issues that may require further updates or service appointments. As noted by other users in the discussion group, some of the problems could be related to temperature readings or sensor malfunctions, which could potentially be fixed with another update or hardware adjustment.
The importance of monitoring your vehicle’s performance and understanding the intricacies of battery life cannot be overstated. Just like any other piece of technology, EVs require ongoing attention to maximize their longevity and efficiency, and even a small issue could lead to bigger consequences down the road.
What Should Rivian Owners Do Next?
For Rivian owners experiencing similar issues, it's important to remain patient and keep monitoring the situation. If you notice significant changes in your vehicle’s performance, such as an increase in energy consumption or unusual noise levels, it’s a good idea to reach out to Rivian support for advice or to schedule a service appointment. As highlighted by comments from other users, issues like this may be tied to temperature readings, sensor malfunctions, or even the need for additional updates.
As always, keeping your vehicle up-to-date with the latest software is essential for ensuring optimal performance. However, it’s also crucial to stay informed about how updates might affect your vehicle, especially in terms of energy efficiency and system behavior. If you're interested in learning more about how to maintain your EV’s battery health, this article on how to avoid ruining your electric car’s battery will provide valuable insights.
The Moral Lesson
In the fast-evolving world of electric vehicles, it’s essential to remain adaptable and open to the possibility that not all software updates will work as intended. Whether it’s unexpected noise from the heat pump or changes in energy consumption, being proactive and engaged with your vehicle’s performance will help you get the most out of your EV experience. Remember, even when things don’t go as expected, there's always a solution to be found with the right approach.
Engaging Questions for Readers
- Have you experienced any changes in your Rivian R1S or R1T after the latest update? How did the heat pump noise or energy consumption change for you?
- What steps did you take to address any issues you encountered after the update, and were you able to find a solution? Share your experiences with us in the comments section below!
Narek Hareyan is a young automotive journalist with experience in a golf cart dealership and an interest in the automotive industry. Follow Narek on X for daily news coverage about cars.
Comments
Slow your urgency to update…
Permalink
Slow your urgency to update to avoid unwanted issues. These issues need to be worked out before there deployments. Rivian support needs to issue notification out to the end-users before deploying the updates.
Slow your urgency to update…
Permalink
Slow your urgency to update to avoid unwanted issues. These issues need to be worked out before there deployments. Rivian support needs to issue notification out to the end-users before deploying the updates.