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 Area opening in San Francisco on Thursday, CEO RJ Scaringe revealed a number of thrilling developments to stay up for.
In accordance with the parents at RivianForums, Scaringe stated in the course of 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 massive query is, will present Rivian R1S and R1T homeowners achieve entry? It might rely on whether or not you drive a Gen 1 or Gen 2 mannequin. All Rivian fashions constructed by means of 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 “utterly reengineered” with a whole bunch of {hardware} enhancements, absolutely redesigned software program, and extra.
The upgrades embody its new in-house autonomy system, Rivian Autonomy Platform. It’s powered by 11 cameras, 5 radars, and predictive AI.
Rivian stated 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 digital camera pixels than the earlier fashions. Gen 2 fashions already embody options like Blind Spot Monitoring and Freeway Help.
With the premium model, drivers achieve entry to Lane Change, whereas Rivian stated Enhanced Freeway Help and different options had been coming quickly.
Though all Rivian R1S and R1T EVs embody 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 can 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 inform you that Full-Self Driving (FSD) is enjoyable and may be useful at instances. I’ve used it on longer journeys, like by means of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and it makes driving or sitting within the automotive slightly extra pleasurable.
Though the system nonetheless requires you to concentrate, it permits the car to drive itself nearly wherever with “minimal driver intervention.”
The brand new Really Good Summon characteristic is considered one of my favorites. By means of the Tesla app, you possibly can summon your car to return to you in a parking zone. The car will then transfer round different vehicles, individuals, and objects to seek out you.
Different features, like Navigate on Autopilot, will take over whereas the car is on the freeway, altering lanes (with flip alerts) and braking or accelerating as wanted.
For Rivian homeowners, it will be like an upgraded system from Freeway and Lane Change Help. The “eyes-free” system coming subsequent yr will probably have a number of regulatory hurdles to go earlier than it rolls out, so it needs to be fascinating to see what that may include. Test again for more information quickly. We’ll maintain you up to date with the newest.
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