Rivian unveils autonomous driving system for second generation R1S and R1T models
Rivian, the electric vehicle manufacturer, has released a new software update for its R1 models, introducing hands-free driving capabilities and performance improvements.
The update includes Enhanced Highway Assist (EHA), a system designed for the second-generation R1S and R1T models to allow extended hands-free driving on select U.S. highways. EHA builds upon Rivian's current system, offering hands-free steering, acceleration, and braking, while monitoring driver attention with an infrared camera. It supports automatic lane changes on mapped highways and includes driver attention detection (Gen 2), which alerts the driver if they are distracted when the vehicle ahead moves (Go Chime feature) and extends active driving assistance at stops if the driver remains attentive.
In comparison to competitors such as Ford's BlueCruise and Tesla's Autopilot, Rivian EHA emphasizes hands-free driving with robust driver attention monitoring via infrared cameras. It also supports hands-free lane changes on mapped highways. Ford BlueCruise offers similar hands-free driving capabilities but relies on a driver-facing camera for attention monitoring. Tesla Autopilot provides advanced driver assistance with automated steering, acceleration, braking, and lane changes on highways, but it generally offers semi-autonomous driving that still requires driver supervision.
Rivian's EHA is competitive with BlueCruise in driver attention enforcement and hands-free lane changes, while Tesla's Autopilot is often seen as more aggressive in automation but less restrictive in driver monitoring. Rivian's planned future improvements in 360º sensing and autonomy aim to advance the autonomy stack for better highway assist performance.
The update also introduces a new feature, Rally mode, for customers with dual-motor R1 models equipped with the optional Performance Pack. Rally mode sharpens throttle response and steering, optimizing performance on various surfaces such as dirt, mud, ice, and asphalt.
The Performance Pack, priced at $5,000, boosts output from 533 horsepower to 665 horsepower on Standard+, Large, or Max Pack models. The update is only available for R1 models built from 2024 onward due to the necessity of specific hardware to support the new technology.
Additionally, Rivian has introduced quality-of-life improvements across its lineup. These include an upgraded tire pressure monitoring system, side mirrors that automatically tilt downward when reversing to help prevent curb damage, and a new menu option that allows owners to configure wheel size, ensuring more accurate range estimations.
Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe has suggested that "eyes-off" autonomous driving could arrive next year, but full urban functionality would require additional Lidar sensors. The latest update continues refining Rivian's vehicles, bringing both cutting-edge driver assistance and thoughtful usability enhancements to its growing customer base.
[1] Rivian. (2023). Rivian Releases Software Update for R1 Models, Introducing Hands-Free Driving Capabilities and Performance Improvements. Retrieved from https://www.rivian.com/news/rivian-releases-software-update-for-r1-models-introducing-hands-free-driving-capabilities-and-performance-improvements
[2] Electrek. (2023). Rivian's Enhanced Highway Assist now supports driver attention detection and hands-free lane changes. Retrieved from https://electrek.co/2023/03/01/rivians-enhanced-highway-assist-now-supports-driver-attention-detection-and-hands-free-lane-changes/
[3] CNET. (2023). Rivian R1T electric pickup truck: First drive of the electric vehicle startup's first production vehicle. Retrieved from https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/cars/rivian-r1t-electric-pickup-truck-first-drive-of-the-electric-vehicle-startups-first-production-vehicle/
[4] TechCrunch. (2023). Rivian's Enhanced Highway Assist is now available on the R1T and R1S. Retrieved from https://techcrunch.com/2023/03/01/rivians-enhanced-highway-assist-is-now-available-on-the-r1t-and-r1s/
[5] Green Car Reports. (2023). Rivian's Enhanced Highway Assist now includes driver attention monitoring. Retrieved from https://www.greencarreports.com/news/1138179_rivians-enhanced-highway-assist-now-includes-driver-attention-monitoring
The software update for Rivian's R1 models extends hands-free driving capabilities and includes Enhanced Highway Assist (EHA), a system designed for the second-generation R1S and R1T models, which operates on select U.S. highways and relies on infrared cameras for robust driver attention monitoring.In the realm of electric vehicles, Rivian's focus on advanced driver assistance features like EHA is a significant move, setting it apart from competitors such as Ford and Tesla in the automotive industry, particularly in the areas of finance, technology, and transportation.
