Rivian has released a major software update for its new second-generation R1 electric vehicles. This update introduces the “Universal Hands-Free” driving software, which the company previewed at its inaugural Autonomy & AI Day last week.
The new feature allows drivers to take their hands off the steering wheel on over 3.5 million miles of roads across the United States and Canada. This includes a combination of highways and surface streets, provided the roads have visible lane lines. However, drivers must continue to supervise the system at all times. Importantly, the software will not stop or slow down for traffic lights or stop signs, nor will it make turns or follow navigation. Rivian notes that if a driver uses a turn signal and manually executes a turn, the hands-free system will re-engage afterward.
This expansion marks a significant step forward for Rivian, which aims to achieve full vehicle autonomy in the coming years. Previously, Rivian’s hands-free system was limited to 135,000 miles of highways. The update carries inherent risks, as rival automakers like Tesla and Ford have faced crashes, fatalities, investigations, and lawsuits related to similar driver assistance systems and lapses in driver attention.
At last week’s event, Rivian detailed its roadmap to eventually enable point-to-point autonomous driving, though that feature is not scheduled to launch until 2026. CEO RJ Scaringe also revealed that the company is developing a new autonomy computer with custom silicon for its upcoming R2 SUV. Combined with a roof-mounted lidar sensor, this technology is intended to one day enable full self-driving capabilities.
Beyond the autonomy features, Thursday’s software update includes other enhancements. Owners of second-generation R1 vehicles gain a new version of the digital key, which can be added to digital wallets on iPhones, Apple Watches, Google Pixels, and Samsung phones. Additionally, owners of quad-motor variants of the Gen 2 R1 EVs are receiving the long-anticipated “Kick Turn” feature and the “RAD Tuner” for customizable drive modes.