Rivian released a software update for its second-generation R1 electric vehicles that introduces its new “Universal Hands-Free” driving system, expanding hands-free operation well beyond limited-access highways.
The feature, unveiled last week at Rivian’s first Autonomy & AI Day, allows drivers to remove their hands from the steering wheel on more than 3.5 million miles of roads across the United States and Canada, including selected highways and surface streets, provided lane markings are clearly visible.
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Rivian said drivers must continue to supervise the system at all times. The software does not stop or slow the vehicle for traffic lights or stop signs, does not make turns and does not follow navigation routes. If a driver signals and manually completes a turn, the system can re-engage afterward.
The rollout marks a significant expansion of Rivian’s driver assistance capabilities. Prior to the update, the company’s hands-free system was limited to about 135,000 miles of highways. Rivian has outlined plans to enable point-to-point autonomous driving in the future, though it said that functionality is not expected to be available until 2026.
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The move also places Rivian among a group of automakers pushing more advanced driver assistance features, an area that has drawn scrutiny following crashes involving similar systems from rivals such as Tesla and Ford Motor, some of which resulted in regulatory investigations and lawsuits.
At last week’s event, Rivian Chief Executive RJ Scaringe said the company is developing a new autonomy computer with custom-designed silicon for its upcoming R2 SUV, scheduled to debut in 2026. The system will be paired with a roof-mounted lidar sensor and is intended to support higher levels of automated driving over time.
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The latest software update also introduces additional features unrelated to hands-free driving. Owners of second-generation R1 vehicles can now add an updated digital key to mobile wallets on iPhones, Apple Watches, Google Pixel devices and Samsung smartphones. Customers with quad-motor versions of the Gen 2 R1 models are also receiving the long-promised “Kick Turn” feature, along with “RAD Tuner,” which enables more customizable drive modes.
