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 couple of thrilling developments to look ahead to.
Based on the parents 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 observe it up with an “eyes-free” system.
The large query is, will present Rivian R1S and R1T house owners acquire entry? It might depend upon 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 have been “fully reengineered” with lots of 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 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 embody 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 have 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 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 inform you that Full-Self Driving (FSD) is enjoyable and may be useful at occasions. I’ve used it on longer journeys, like by the Blue Ridge Mountains, and it makes driving or sitting within the automotive a bit extra gratifying.
Though the system nonetheless requires you to concentrate, it allows the automobile to drive itself virtually wherever with “minimal driver intervention.”
The brand new Really Sensible Summon characteristic is one among my favorites. By means of the Tesla app, you possibly can summon your automobile to come back to you in a parking zone. The automobile will then transfer round different vehicles, individuals, and objects to search out you.
Different features, 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 seemingly have a couple of regulatory hurdles to cross earlier than it rolls out, so it needs to be attention-grabbing to see what that can encompass. Test again for more information quickly. We’ll hold you up to date with the newest.
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