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 anticipated 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 number of thrilling developments to look ahead to.
In response to the oldsters at RivianForums, Scaringe mentioned throughout 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 homeowners achieve entry? It may rely upon whether or not you drive a Gen 1 or Gen 2 mannequin. All Rivian fashions constructed by way 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 season. They have been “utterly reengineered” with a whole bunch 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 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 might require extra {hardware} or software program not included on Gen 1 fashions.
Rivian hands-free and attention-free autonomous freeway driving might be obtainable 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 way of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and it makes driving or sitting within the automotive just a little extra pleasurable.
Though the system nonetheless requires you to concentrate, it allows the car to drive itself nearly wherever with “minimal driver intervention.”
The brand new Really Good Summon characteristic is one among my favorites. By way of the Tesla app, you may summon your car to return to you in a car parking zone. The car will then transfer round different automobiles, 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 indicators) and braking or accelerating as wanted.
For Rivian homeowners, it could 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 ought to be attention-grabbing to see what that may encompass. Test again for more information quickly. We’ll maintain you up to date with the newest.
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