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 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 just a few thrilling developments to stay up for.
In response to the oldsters 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 comply with 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 2024 are thought of Gen 1, whereas fashions 2025 and newer are Gen 2.
Rivian launched the second-generation R1S and R1T final summer season. They have been “fully reengineered” with a whole bunch 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 stated 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 embrace 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 have 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 will probably 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 inform you that Full-Self Driving (FSD) is enjoyable and might 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 pleasant.
Though the system nonetheless requires you to concentrate, it permits the car to drive itself virtually anyplace with “minimal driver intervention.”
The brand new Really Sensible Summon characteristic is considered one of my favorites. By way of the Tesla app, you’ll be able to summon your car to come back to you in a car parking zone. The car will then transfer round different automobiles, folks, 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 will be like an upgraded system from Freeway and Lane Change Help. The “eyes-free” system coming subsequent yr will seemingly have just a few regulatory hurdles to move earlier than it rolls out, so it must be attention-grabbing 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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