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 Area opening in San Francisco on Thursday, CEO RJ Scaringe revealed a couple of thrilling developments to look ahead to.
In keeping with 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 massive query is, will present Rivian R1S and R1T homeowners acquire entry? It might 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, absolutely 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Rivian mentioned the brand new platform is “10 instances extra highly effective” than the outdated system.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 might require further {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 may 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 slightly extra gratifying.
Though the system nonetheless requires you to concentrate, it allows the automobile to drive itself nearly wherever with “minimal driver intervention.”
The brand new Truly Good Summon characteristic is one among my favorites. Via the Tesla app, you possibly can summon your automobile to come back to you in a car parking zone. The automobile will then transfer round different vehicles, individuals, 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 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 seemingly have a couple of regulatory hurdles to go earlier than it rolls out, so it must be attention-grabbing to see what that may include. Verify again for more information quickly. We’ll hold you up to date with the most recent.
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