Rivian, the renowned electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, has recently acquired Iternio, the Swedish mapping company responsible for developing the widely-used A Better Routeplanner (ABRP). This strategic move by Rivian aims to enhance the trip-planning experience for EV owners, introducing a range of exciting upgrades.
In an official press release issued on Thursday, Rivian confirmed its acquisition of the popular EV route planner, ABRP. The ABRP app has gained immense popularity across five platforms, including iOS, Android, Web, CarPlay, and Android Auto. Notably, it has already been incorporated into the Polestar 2.
With millions of users in the US and Europe, ABRP has established itself as a leading trip-planning solution for EV owners. It takes into account various factors such as charging infrastructure and weather conditions to provide optimal route suggestions.
RJ Scaringe, the CEO of Rivian, expressed the company’s intention to integrate ABRP’s capabilities into their upcoming trip-planning release. Rivian wasted no time in delivering on this promise, as the latest software update, launched on Thursday, introduced a host of new features.
The recent enhancements made by Rivian have greatly improved the trip-planning experience. The navigation system has been upgraded, and the mobile app now incorporates ABRP-powered trip planning. R1T and R1S drivers can now enjoy greater control over their route planning and preferred arrival range, directly from the Rivian mobile app or center display.
In our latest mobile app & software update: enhanced trip planning powered by ABRP. Plan a trip on your Rivian mobile app, send the plan to your vehicle and head out, like we did with @BayAreaRivians to drive to the top of Mount Diablo for sunset.🗺👈🛻🌄https://t.co/6eOIggbPVs pic.twitter.com/FCWRoCVO2b
— Rivian (@Rivian) June 22, 2023
Using the app, users simply need to input their destination, and the system will provide valuable information. This includes the remaining driving range, the planned route with charging points, estimated charging durations, and the anticipated remaining range upon arrival.
Moreover, users can conveniently plan their trips on the app and send the details directly to their vehicles. The app now features a new “trip preferences” option alongside the “start navigation” button. This allows users to select their desired arrival range and charging options. Additionally, the app offers the flexibility to avoid highways, tolls, and ferries, catering to individual preferences. Users can also save frequently taken trips for easy access by selecting the “use always” function.
Rivian has indicated that these recent enhancements are just the beginning of their efforts to improve the trip-planning experience. The company is actively working on introducing features such as multiple stops for trips and further customization options for charging. EV owners can expect a seamless and highly personalized journey planning experience from Rivian in the near future.
