Rivian’s LED headlights are not generating enough heat to melt snow and ice off in cold climates, according to some drivers on the Rivian Forums (via The Drive).
Drivers are reporting that the ice buildup on Rivian’s LED headlights is causing less light output in wintry conditions, which can be a dangerous factor for some drivers.
Additionally, although many headlights now use LEDs, some are better- or worse-designed to be able to handle ice and snow.
The vertical configuration of Rivian’s headlights also are not conducive to letting stuck snow and ice melt away and come off, especially compared to some that include headlight sprayers with washer fluid to clean them, or heating elements that can route extra heat toward the lens of the light.
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LED headlights do have some benefits, however, like the significantly reduced energy they use to stay lit. But they don’t heat up enough to melt snow and ice. This problem isn’t limited to Rivian, but even Tesla’s LED headlights don’t melt snow and ice. You could try spraying your headlights with Rain X or some other sort of slippery treatment to wick away rain and snow.
Still, those in warmer winter locations with wet and sticky snow have had to either rig their own solutions for the issue or search for the very few aftermarket solutions available.
Last month, Rivian was forced to recall 13,000 vehicles over a loss of steering control, after delivering just 6,584 vehicles in the third quarter.
Rivian also delayed its Max Pack R1T electric pickup to spring 2023 a few weeks ago, according to an email sent to pre-order holders.
