Prime Highlights:
- Rivian introduces its Autonomy+ subscription, offering self-driving features that improve over time, set to launch in early 2026.
- The company plans Level 4 self-driving, allowing passengers to relax or sleep while the car drives itself.
Key Facts:
- Autonomy+ will cost $2,500 upfront or $49.99 per month and will be powered by Rivian’s custom chips and autonomy computer.
- The upcoming R2 vehicles will use lidar and radar sensors and can drive hands-free on over 3.5 million miles of marked roads in North America.
Background:
Electric vehicle maker Rivian has announced major updates to its self-driving technology to improve customer experience and create new revenue opportunities. The company said its upcoming vehicles will feature lidar sensors, custom chips, and a dedicated “autonomy computer” to support advanced self-driving features.
Rivian also introduced its Autonomy+ subscription, which will offer self-driving features that improve over time. The service is set to launch in early 2026 and will be available for $2,500 upfront or $49.99 per month. By comparison, competitor Tesla charges $8,000 upfront or $99 per month for its Full Self-Driving option.
During the company’s first “Autonomy and AI Day,” CEO RJ Scaringe highlighted that the new system will include a Universal Hands-Free feature, allowing hands-free driving on more than 3.5 million miles of marked roads across North America. The system will continue to improve over time through reinforced learning as more miles are driven.
Rivian plans to use lidar and radar sensors in its upcoming R2 vehicles to reach Level 4 self-driving. At this level, passengers can sit back and relax or sleep while the car drives itself in regular traffic and weather. The technology also opens the door for Rivian to enter the robotaxi and rideshare market in the future, though initial focus will remain on personally owned vehicles.
Rivian’s announcement puts the company alongside other automakers working on self-driving technology, such as Tesla, General Motors, Honda, Lucid, and Nissan. Even though U.S. EV sales are slowing, Rivian’s new approach aims to stay competitive and attract more customers.