Autonomous Driving System Unveiled for Second-Generation Rivian R1S and R1T Models
Rivian, the American electric vehicle manufacturer, has rolled out a significant software update for its R1 models, bringing a host of new features and improvements. Among these updates is the introduction of a new Rally mode for customers with dual-motor R1 models equipped with the optional Performance Pack, as well as the long-awaited Enhanced Highway Assist (EHA) feature.
The EHA is a competitor to Ford's BlueCruise and Tesla's Autopilot, offering hands-free driving on select U.S. highways. Unlike some competing systems, Rivian's EHA requires the driver to maintain attention, keeping their eyes on the road. The update focuses on enhancing driver attention detection and comfort, with features such as extended engagement at stops, better alerts, and accessory support.
One of the most notable additions is the Go Chime feature, which alerts the driver if the vehicle ahead moves when the driver is not paying attention, enhancing situational awareness. Another significant improvement is the new menu option that allows owners to configure wheel size, ensuring more accurate range estimations.
The Rally mode, on the other hand, sharpens throttle response and steering, optimizing performance on a variety of surfaces, including dirt, mud, ice, and asphalt. This feature is not limited to newer or high-performance models, making it accessible to a wide range of Rivian customers.
Other updates include an upgraded tire pressure monitoring system, a new feature that causes side mirrors to automatically tilt downward when reversing to help prevent curb damage. However, the article does not specify whether traction control settings are altered in the Rally mode.
It's important to note that the Enhanced Highway Assist feature is currently available at no cost but will later be part of a subscription service under the Rivian Autonomy Platform+. The Performance Pack, priced at $5,000, boosts output from 533 horsepower to 665 horsepower on Standard+, Large, or Max Pack models.
While Rivian's EHA is improving steadily and competes well in driver assistance, it does not yet offer the same "eyes-off" autonomy as Ford BlueCruise. The company's roadmap shows a focus on incremental quality-of-life improvements and expanding the usability of driver assistance rather than rushing to full autonomy. Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe has suggested that "eyes-off" autonomous driving could arrive next year.
Full urban functionality would require additional Lidar sensors, and the article does not provide information about the availability of this feature in the latest update. The update is only available for R1 models built from 2024 onward due to the lack of necessary hardware in earlier versions.
In summary, Rivian's latest software update brings a host of new features and improvements, including the introduction of the Rally mode and Enhanced Highway Assist. While the EHA is not yet fully autonomous, it offers a significant step forward in driver assistance technology, positioning Rivian well in the competitive electric vehicle market.
- The Enhanced Highway Assist (EHA) feature, a competitor to Ford's BlueCruise and Tesla's Autopilot, is now available for R1 models, offering hands-free driving on select U.S. highways.
- The Rally mode, which sharpens throttle response and steering for improved performance on various surfaces, is accessible to a wide range of Rivian customers, not just newer or high-performance models.
- One of the new features in the software update is the Go Chime, which alerts the driver when the vehicle ahead moves if they are not paying attention, enhancing situational awareness.
- The Rivian Autonomy Platform+ will eventually include the Enhanced Highway Assist feature, initially offered free of charge, but will later be part of a subscription service.
