Rivian (RIVN) plans to launch a brand new Superior Driver Help System (ADAS) this yr to allow hands-free driving. The brand new characteristic is predicted to be just like Tesla’s Full-Self Driving (FSD). In 2026, Rivian will up the ante with an “eyes-free” system.
Rivian plans hands-free driving in 2025, eyes-free in 2026
On the new Rivian House opening in San Francisco on Thursday, CEO RJ Scaringe revealed a couple of thrilling developments to sit up for.
Based on the oldsters at RivianForums, Scaringe mentioned in the course of the occasion that the corporate plans to launch a hands-free ADAS characteristic in 2025. Subsequent yr, Rivian will comply with it up with an “eyes-free” system.
The large query is, will present Rivian R1S and R1T house owners achieve entry? It may rely on whether or not you drive a Gen 1 or Gen 2 mannequin. All Rivian fashions constructed by way of 2024 are thought of Gen 1, whereas fashions 2025 and newer are Gen 2.
Rivian launched the second-generation R1S and R1T final summer season. They have been “utterly reengineered” with lots of of {hardware} enhancements, totally redesigned software program, and extra.
The upgrades embrace its new in-house autonomy system, Rivian Autonomy Platform. It’s powered by 11 cameras, 5 radars, and predictive AI.
Rivian mentioned the brand new platform is “10 occasions extra highly effective” than the previous system. It additionally options 360-degree visibility with 8X the variety of digital camera pixels than the earlier fashions. Gen 2 fashions already embrace options like Blind Spot Monitoring and Freeway Help.
With the premium model, drivers achieve entry to Lane Change, whereas Rivian mentioned Enhanced Freeway Help and different options have been coming quickly.
Though all Rivian R1S and R1T EVs embrace OTA updates, some options could require extra {hardware} or software program not included on Gen 1 fashions.
Rivian hands-free and attention-free autonomous freeway driving might be accessible on the upcoming R2 mannequin. The smaller electrical SUV is due out within the first half of 2026, beginning at round $45,000.
Electrek’s Take
As a Tesla Mannequin 3 driver, I can let you know that Full-Self Driving (FSD) is enjoyable and might be useful at occasions. I’ve used it on longer journeys, like by way of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and it makes driving or sitting within the automobile just a little extra pleasurable.
Though the system nonetheless requires you to concentrate, it permits the automobile to drive itself nearly anyplace with “minimal driver intervention.”
The brand new Truly Sensible Summon characteristic is considered one of my favorites. Via the Tesla app, you possibly can summon your automobile to return to you in a car parking zone. The automobile will then transfer round different automobiles, folks, and objects to seek out you.
Different capabilities, like Navigate on Autopilot, will take over whereas the automobile is on the freeway, altering lanes (with flip alerts) and braking or accelerating as wanted.
For Rivian house owners, it will be like an upgraded system from Freeway and Lane Change Help. The “eyes-free” system coming subsequent yr will doubtless have a couple of regulatory hurdles to go earlier than it rolls out, so it must be fascinating to see what that can include. Verify again for more information quickly. We’ll preserve you up to date with the newest.
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