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 much 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 parents at RivianForums, Scaringe mentioned through the occasion that the corporate plans to launch a hands-free ADAS characteristic in 2025. Subsequent yr, Rivian will observe it up with an “eyes-free” system.
The large query is, will present Rivian R1S and R1T house owners acquire entry? It may rely on whether or not you drive a Gen 1 or Gen 2 mannequin. All Rivian fashions constructed by 2024 are thought-about Gen 1, whereas fashions 2025 and newer are Gen 2.
Rivian launched the second-generation R1S and R1T final summer time. They had been “fully 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 instances extra highly effective” than the previous system. It additionally options 360-degree visibility with 8X the variety of digicam pixels than the earlier fashions. Gen 2 fashions already embrace options like Blind Spot Monitoring and Freeway Help.
With the premium model, drivers acquire entry to Lane Change, whereas Rivian mentioned Enhanced Freeway Help and different options had been coming quickly.
Though all Rivian R1S and R1T EVs embrace OTA updates, some options could require further {hardware} or software program not included on Gen 1 fashions.
Rivian hands-free and attention-free autonomous freeway driving might be out there 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 instances. I’ve used it on longer journeys, like by the Blue Ridge Mountains, and it makes driving or sitting within the automotive just a little extra satisfying.
Though the system nonetheless requires you to concentrate, it permits the automobile to drive itself virtually wherever with “minimal driver intervention.”
The brand new Truly Sensible Summon characteristic is one in all my favorites. Via the Tesla app, you may summon your automobile to come back to you in a parking zone. The automobile will then transfer round different automobiles, folks, and objects to search 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 could be like an upgraded system from Freeway and Lane Change Help. The “eyes-free” system coming subsequent yr will seemingly have a couple of regulatory hurdles to move earlier than it rolls out, so it must be fascinating to see what that can encompass. Verify again for more information quickly. We’ll preserve you up to date with the newest.
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