Tag: Rivian

Rivian is off to a strong start in February, with the electric vehicle manufacturer selling over 4,000 vehicles—a remarkable 34% increase compared to the same month last year.

This surge in sales has propelled the Rivian R1S into the ranks of the five best-selling electric vehicles in the United States, a notable achievement for the company.

According to reports from Cox Automotive’s February EV Market Monitor, a total of 95,692 electric vehicles were sold in the U.S. last month, marking a 10.5% increase year-over-year, despite a 5.9% dip compared to January’s figures.

Rivian selling over 4,000 vehicles

The Palo Alto Police Department recently showcased the first R1S as a police cruiser, highlighting Rivian’s growing footprint in the law enforcement sector. This introduction signifies not only the vehicle’s expanding role in public safety but also reinforces Rivian’s image as a luxury EV brand dedicated to innovation.

Looking ahead, Rivian is preparing to launch its more affordable R2 model later this year, with a base price of around $45,000. This new vehicle represents a strategic move to tap into a broader market, particularly as Rivian seeks to enhance its competitiveness against rivals like Tesla.

The R1S currently retails for approximately $77,700. However, in an effort to draw more customers, Rivian has reduced leasing prices for the R1S by over $200 per month.

Despite Rivian’s sales momentum, the company anticipates stable deliveries in 2025, ranging from 46,000 to 51,000 vehicles. This plateau is primarily due to the planned temporary shutdown of its Normal, Illinois manufacturing facility to prepare for R2 production. As preparations for production ramp up, anticipation grows around the upcoming model, which promises to maintain the “Rivian essence” while appealing to a wider consumer base.

The Palo Alto Police Department has officially debuted the Rivian R1S, marking the electric SUV’s first role as a police cruiser.

With a stunning 0 to 60 mph sprint time of just 2.6 seconds, the R1S boasts 850 horsepower and an impressive range of 410 miles.

Designed to accommodate up to seven passengers, it also offers more interior space than the current Ford Explorer, making it a formidable option for law enforcement.

Rivian’s electric patrol vehicles could soon be adopted by police departments across the United States

This groundbreaking vehicle is not merely an electric vehicle; it’s marketed as an “adventure vehicle” capable of traversing 3.5 feet of water and featuring greater ground clearance than the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon.

Palo Alto Mayor Ed Lauing emphasized Rivian’s “relentless technical innovation” during a recent “State of the City” address, drawing parallels between the company’s vision and Palo Alto’s reputation for cutting-edge technology. He noted, “Rivian wanted to be the best EV in the future, not the first EV of the past” reinforcing the company’s forward-thinking ethos.

While the R1S has been unveiled, it still requires additional modifications, including the installation of a light bar and push bar, before it can begin patrolling the streets. Police Captain James Reifschneider anticipates the vehicle will be operational within a few months, contingent on the small-scale equipment manufacturer’s timelines.

Interestingly, despite recent political events surrounding Tesla and the White House, Lauing clarified that the choice to adopt Rivian’s technology was made prior and had no ties to contemporary discussions in the political arena.

There is speculation that Rivian’s electric patrol vehicles could soon be adopted by police departments across the United States, signaling a shift to greener technology in law enforcement.

Rivian is set to accelerate its growth in the electric vehicle market with the upcoming production of its new midsize R2 SUV, projected to begin in the first half of 2026.

Starting at an affordable price of $45,000, the R2 will mark a significant price reduction compared to Rivian’s current offerings, the R1S and R1T, which start at approximately $77,700 and $71,700, respectively.

CEO RJ Scaringe recently provided a glimpse of the R2’s body crafted with production dies, emphasizing that the model will maintain the “Rivian essence” that has resonated with its customer base.

Rivian plans to launch its new midsize R2 SUV in 2026: starting at $45,000

Rivian’s CFO, Claire McDonough, reported that preparations at the company’s Normal, Illinois plant are well underway, with sourcing for the R2 nearly complete at 95%.

The R2 is set to feature Rivian’s innovative Maximum drive unit, which boasts a highly efficient design. This new powertrain technology reduces the welds in the stator assembly from 264 to just 24, improving efficiency with fewer bearings and an integrated rotor shaft and gear. This cutting-edge development reflects Rivian’s commitment to enhance vehicle performance through engineering advancements.

Looking ahead, Rivian plans to ramp up production capabilities significantly at its new facility in Georgia, which is projected to come online by 2028 with an annual capacity of up to 400,000 vehicles. For context, the company produced just under 50,000 EVs last year, highlighting the scale of its ambitious plans.

Beyond the R2, Rivian aims to broaden its electric vehicle lineup with the anticipated launch of the R3 crossover and the tri-motor R3X hatchback, making it clear that the company is poised for a promising future on both domestic and international fronts.

Rivian and Ben & Jerry’s have officially launched the “Scoop Truck” an innovative electric ice cream truck that will begin operations this week.

The truck, which is based on Rivian’s commercial van platform, aims to serve delicious ice cream at various community events and at the renowned South by Southwest (SXSW) festival in Austin, Texas.

This partnership represents a step toward reducing fossil fuel dependency and promoting sustainability within the food industry.

Prices start at $79,900 for the Delivery 500 and $83,900 for the Delivery 700

Rivian’s electric delivery vehicle boasts a range of up to 161 miles, allowing for more catering gigs and events where ice cream lovers can enjoy frozen treats without the environmental impact of traditional ice cream trucks.

The Scoop Truck gives a glimpse of the future of mobile ice cream sales, blending technology with the pleasure of community events. “With the Scoop Truck, Rivian helped us reduce our reliance on fossil fuels in a small way while making things a little bit cooler”, joked Sean Slattery, US Integrated Marketing Project lead at Ben & Jerry’s. With both companies committed to a cleaner future, this collaboration aligns perfectly with their shared values.

The electric vans come in two models: the Delivery 500, designed for navigating urban landscapes, and the larger Delivery 700, which offers expanded cargo space. Prices start at $79,900 for the Delivery 500 and $83,900 for the Delivery 700, making them a viable option for businesses seeking eco-friendly solutions.

After debuting at SXSW, the Scoop Truck will continue to make appearances at Rivian community events and in Vermont, Ben & Jerry’s home state, marking the beginning of a new chapter in mobile food service. As these electric ice cream trucks roll into neighborhoods, they promise not only to deliver delightful treats but also to pave the way for greener business practices.

Rivian has unveiled a significant software update for its R1S electric SUV and R1T electric pickup truck, introducing a host of advanced features designed to enhance the driving experience.

The latest over-the-air update, version 2025.06, brings with it a new hands-free driver assist system, known as Enhanced Highway Assist, for Gen 2 models (2025 model year and beyond).

This system allows drivers to relinquish control of steering, acceleration, and braking for extended periods while driving on divided highways, building on the capabilities of Rivian’s previous Highway Assist.

The update also allows for a Performance Upgrade at an additional cost of $5,000

In addition, Rivian is expanding its off-road offerings with the introduction of Rally Mode to Performance Dual-Motor models. This feature enhances throttle response and steering precision, providing a more exhilarating experience in Off-Road mode.

The update also allows for a Performance Upgrade at an additional cost of $5,000, boosting the vehicle’s power to 665 horsepower and 829 lb-ft of torque while introducing new driving modes, including Sport, Rally, and Soft Sand.

Another noteworthy addition is the ability for owners to register aftermarket wheel and tire setups in the vehicle’s settings menu, which will assist in providing more accurate range estimates. This is a much-anticipated feature for those looking to customize their Rivian vehicles with different wheels.

Other enhancements in this update include a chime that alerts drivers when the vehicle ahead moves at intersections, automatic side mirror adjustments when reversing, smartphone control for the charge port door, and tire puncture detection capabilities. While most new features will be available to both Gen 1 and Gen 2 models, the chime feature will initially roll out only to Gen 2 vehicles.

Rivian’s latest software update reflects the company’s commitment to continuous innovation and customer satisfaction, ensuring that its electric vehicles remain at the forefront of technology in the automotive industry.

Rivian has rolled out its latest software update (version 2025.06), introducing several enhancements aimed at improving the driving experience of its electric vehicles.

Among the standout features is the Enhanced Highway Assist, a new advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) that enables hands-free driving on compatible highways.

Unlike existing systems that require periodic driver intervention, Rivian’s solution employs an infrared camera to monitor driver attention, promising longer stretches of autonomous operation.

This Rivian upgrade can be added post-purchase

This update also debuts a new “Rally” driving mode designed for dual-motor vehicles. Rally Mode enhances throttle response and steering precision, enabling better performance on a variety of terrains, from mud to asphalt. This feature caters to adventure-seeking drivers looking for a sportier driving experience.

To further elevate vehicle performance, Rivian has introduced a Performance Upgrade available for $5,000, which boosts power output to an impressive 665 horsepower and 829 lb-ft of torque.

This upgrade can be added post-purchase, providing owners of Gen 1 and Gen 2 dual-motor models with the opportunity to enhance their vehicle’s capabilities significantly. Along with three new driving modes—Sport, Rally, and Soft Sand—the upgrade is easily accessible via the Rivian mobile app or account page.

In addition to the headline features, Rivian’s update includes practical enhancements such as automatic tilting side mirrors when reversing and remote charge port closing via the app, streamlining day-to-day usability.

Other features like the “Go Chime” assist drivers by providing gentle reminders when the vehicle ahead begins to move, contributing to a safer driving experience.

As Rivian commits to frequent over-the-air updates, it continues to refine and expand its vehicle offerings, making electric vehicle ownership increasingly enjoyable and efficient for its customers.

Rivian is making strides in electric vehicle efficiency by seeking a patent for innovative wheel covers equipped with active aerodynamic elements.

Filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) in August 2023 and published in March 2024, the proposed design aims to enhance the performance of Rivian’s electric models, including the updated R1S and R1T.

Traditionally, wheel covers help reduce aerodynamic drag but are fixed in place, limiting their versatility. Rivian’s new patent suggests a breakthrough with movable elements that can adjust based on driving conditions.

These covers could serve a cooling function

The wheel covers would feature a series of openings that align with the wheel spokes when in one position and close to create a smooth surface in another, a process activated by a spring mechanism.

These active wheel covers promise more than aesthetic flexibility; they could also alleviate built-up air pressure in the wheel wells, potentially enhancing aerodynamic performance further. When in the open position, these covers could serve a cooling function, reminiscent of the active grille shutters found in many modern vehicles.

The boxy designs of SUVs and pickup trucks, such as Rivian’s electric off-roaders, present unique challenges for minimizing drag. This challenge has prompted other automotive manufacturers to explore similar aerodynamic solutions.

For example, Stellantis recently patented a deployable rear step with an integrated diffuser for pickup trucks, while Hyundai has tested an active air skirt on its Genesis GV60 luxury model, resulting in a notable drag reduction and an estimated increase in driving range.

As the electric vehicle market continues to evolve, these innovations highlight the industry’s ongoing commitment to enhancing efficiency and performance, potentially reshaping the future of electric mobility. Rivian’s pursuit of this patent may signal an exciting development in the quest for better aerodynamics in electric vehicles.

Rivian, the electric vehicle startup, has announced its upcoming mid-size SUV, the R2, which will start at an approximate price of $45,000, representing about half the cost of its current R1S and R1T models.

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The Chief Financial Officer, Claire McDonough, has stated that the company is working intensively to launch the Rivian R2, which represents a crucial step towards the brand’s international expansion.

The production of the R2 is scheduled to begin in the first half of 2026, while the company focuses on expanding its plant in Normal, Illinois, and building a new facility in Georgia, which will start operations in 2028 and will have the capacity to produce up to 400,000 electric vehicles per year.

The brand that wants to rival Tesla in five years

Currently, the supply of components for the R2 is approximately 95% complete.

McDonough has emphasized that the R2 will be just the beginning, with plans to develop smaller models like the R3 and R3X, which will be added to the production line at the new plant in Georgia. Although the R2 will have a more affordable price, its quality is not expected to be compromised; the executive assured that it will still embody the “Rivian essence” in terms of advanced technology and a premium driving experience.

Aside from the R2, Rivian has opened orders for its electric van aimed at customers outside of Amazon and has recently collaborated with Ben & Jerry’s to launch an electric ice cream truck. Additionally, the company closed a loan agreement with the U.S. Department of Energy for up to $6.6 billion, which will help them finance their new plant in Georgia and secure a stronger future in the electric vehicle market.

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Rivian has also expressed its interest in bringing the R2 to international markets, including Europe, highlighting its ambition to significantly expand its global production in the coming years.

Rivian has announced that will allow owners of the R1S and R1T models to unlock greater range and power through an upcoming software update, which is scheduled to be released with version 2025.06.

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This update will include a new “Rally” mode, which promises to improve performance in high-speed conditions, although it will be available for an additional cost of $5,000.

The performance package increases the vehicle’s power from 533 to 665 horsepower and the maximum torque from 610 to 829 lb-ft. This results in a remarkable acceleration time: from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds, compared to 4.5 seconds without the upgrade. Additionally, drivers will be able to enjoy extra modes such as Sport and Soft Sand to optimize the driving experience on different terrains.

Electric cars are joining the DLC trend

Owners also have the option to enhance the battery capacity with three available options: Standard (258 miles), Large (330 miles), and Max, which provides up to 410 and 420 miles for the R1S and R1T, respectively. The max battery option costs $7,000 and allows users to make the most of their vehicle’s range potential.

After reducing monthly lease prices in February, both the R1S and R1T are now available starting at $599 per month, positioning them as a competitive option against the Tesla Model Y.

In addition, users will be able to use Rivian’s rewards program to finance the performance upgrade, which could attract more owners to consider this investment.

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The chief software officer of Rivian, Wassym Bensaid, has confirmed that this update will arrive soon via an over-the-air (OTA) update, although prices and official dates for other future range improvements have not been confirmed.