Rivian Charging Issue: Hot Handle Message and Reduced Power

Rivian Mom · 2025-06-04T11:36:22+00:00

Last night, when I reached my Rivian truck after work, my iPhone displayed a message. I captured a screenshot to show what happens if you avoid signing back into the app. The Phone as a Key (PAAK) feature still works without logging in again. If you're in an area with poor cell service, don’t try to sign in. Instead, keep using the app and PAAK until you’re somewhere with a good signal and can access your password. The screen’s text explains this, but some users still get confused. This is a quick tip for PAAK users to avoid trouble.

Rivian Mom

Active Wheeler

Wednesday at 11:19 AM

Something odd happened during my last two charging sessions with my Rivian. I got a message saying, “Charging reduced due to a hot handle,” and it dropped to 6 kWh instead of the usual 9.6 kWh at 42 amps.

I’m in Miami, Florida, charging in my garage where it’s about 85°F. I use a wall-mounted EV Cube charger with a J1772 extension cable whenever I park farther away. The battery stays between 100°F and 108°F, and the truck’s air conditioning runs often, keeping the area warm.

The extension cord, charger cord, and charger itself don’t feel hot. This only started with the last two sessions. Even after charging for over 12 hours from 15% battery, it didn’t reach 85% charge. I'm still trying to figure out what the problem might be and I haven't reached out to Rivian about it. Anyone seem to have any idea what the issue might be?

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