Rivian (RIVN) plans to launch a brand new Superior Driver Help System (ADAS) this yr to allow hands-free driving. The brand new function 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 just a few thrilling developments to stay up for.
Based on the parents at RivianForums, Scaringe mentioned through the occasion that the corporate plans to launch a hands-free ADAS function 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 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 had been “fully reengineered” with a whole lot 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Rivian mentioned the brand new platform is “10 instances extra highly effective” than the outdated system.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 had 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 shall 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 inform you that Full-Self Driving (FSD) is enjoyable and may 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 somewhat extra pleasurable.
Though the system nonetheless requires you to concentrate, it allows the automobile to drive itself nearly anyplace with “minimal driver intervention.”
The brand new Truly Good Summon function is one in every of my favorites. By way of the Tesla app, you’ll be able to summon your automobile to come back to you in a car parking zone. The automobile will then transfer round different automobiles, individuals, and objects to search 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 might be like an upgraded system from Freeway and Lane Change Help. The “eyes-free” system coming subsequent yr will probably have just a few regulatory hurdles to cross earlier than it rolls out, so it ought to be attention-grabbing to see what that can include. Test again for more information quickly. We’ll hold you up to date with the newest.
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