Photo: @itskyleconner via X
Earlier this month, Rivian finally unveiled the revamped R1 model that everyone has been waiting for. Despite subtle design changes, the R1S and R1T are significantly improved under the hood. Rivian promised that some of the new features introduced in the refreshed vehicles will also be made available to existing owners in future software updates. Here’s what was confirmed:
Rivian was considered by many to be a close relative of Tesla thanks to their similarly grounded approach to car manufacturing. In fairness, Rivian had a great role model in Tesla and followed its success formula pretty closely. But they weren’t afraid to stray when it suited their purposes, and they made mistakes themselves when they started building a new factory before optimizing production at their existing facilities.
Despite these initial issues, Rivian is well-regarded for its superior engineering and technology, and the R1T and R1S are EV Not only that, but despite being a young company, its manufacturing quality is considered to be a step above what Tesla and other US automakers offer. However, this did not help it to make profits, and Rivian struggled more than Tesla.
Not only is market conditions tougher, but Rivian’s vehicles, while well-made, were far from optimally cost-efficient — a problem that all startups face, especially when using off-the-shelf parts to build their vehicles: Suppliers are relentless, and they demand significantly higher prices for parts due to the low production volumes typical of startups.
But as Rivian ramped up production, it designed its own parts to cut costs. It also renegotiated contracts based on current production volumes to get more favorable rates from suppliers. This led Rivian to redesign its current vehicle lineup to address some deficiencies while also becoming more cost-efficient. The refreshed R1 EV may look largely unchanged on the outside, but the inside is vastly improved. Rivian changed just about everything, including the motor, suspension, battery, electronics and software.
Photo: @itskyleconner via X
This made existing owners jealous, with some even receiving their vehicles weeks before the official launch. Thankfully, Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe promised that features introduced in the refreshed model will be backported to existing vehicles wherever possible. Naturally, Rivian won’t have a new motor, battery pack, or new electrical architecture. However, as Rivian’s head of software Wassym Bensaid confirmed in a recent Reddit AMA session, many software features will be in the Gen-1 vehicle.
Believe it or not, the features coming to existing R1 vehicles won’t be limited to software. Rivian has committed to replacing Gen-1 vehicles that came with non-functioning wireless chargers. Some owners have confirmed on social media that they received new wireless chargers from the refreshed models. However, other hardware components, including the new high-resolution cameras, won’t be available as a retrofit.
This limits the range of driver assistance features available to older vehicles. While the Gen-2 R1 EV will get new self-driving features thanks to the new Autonomy platform, older vehicles don’t have the necessary hardware to support it and are stuck with the current Driver+ system. So don’t expect lane change-on-demand in your Gen-1 Rivian, because it’s not going to happen. Other features are coming to older vehicles, though, and existing owners have every reason to be excited.
The 2024.19 software update is already in internal testing and is expected to reach owners by the end of June. The update introduces a new visual interface with 3D cell-shaded graphics introduced in the Gen-2 R1 models. The software update also includes significant improvements to the suspension system, improving comfort for older R1 vehicles, especially the R1S. This should bridge the gap between the refreshed models and the Gen-1 EVs.
Photo: Rivian
While the pre-refresh model’s cameras are lower resolution, Rivian also promised to offer a live camera view for monitoring blind spots when engaging turn signals, an idea that increases safety when turning or changing lanes, and owners appreciated when it was introduced in the refreshed R1. But Bensaid said the first-generation vehicle won’t have more advanced phone features, including an Apple Watch as a key. While Rivian could theoretically provide access to the vehicle from an Apple Watch via Bluetooth, Bensaid said the experience would be substandard.
One of the most surprising features to come to an older car is three-zone climate control, which is expected to arrive later this year, allowing rear-seat passengers to control temperature and fan speed independently of the front-row controls. Until then, Rivian will improve climate control with a redesigned climate control. Air conditioning equipment 2024.19 Software Apps.
Another R1 refresh feature confirmed to come to existing vehicles is Launch Mode, but only on quad-motor models. Performance won’t be as good as on the Gen-2 quad-motor and Gen-2 tri-motor models, however. Rivian will update the infotainment system to Dolby Atmos support on all existing vehicles, but only vehicles with premium audio will receive it on Gen-2 models. Finally, cabin RGB lighting control is a given, but it won’t have as granular control as the Gen-2 EVs.