Rivian, the electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, is reportedly in talks to acquire A Better Route Planner (ABRP), an innovative and widely popular EV route planning service. ABRP, often hailed as the ABBA of the electric car world, was developed by a group of Swedish EV owners in 2018, aiming to simplify and optimize route planning for EVs.
Unlike traditional navigation systems, ABRP takes into account specific EV models and calculates remaining battery status upon arrival, while also identifying optimal charging stations along the route based on the vehicle’s range. This user-friendly software revolutionizes the planning process for EV drivers, ensuring efficient and convenient long-distance travel.
ABRP’s brilliance lies in its simplicity. Users only need to enter their destination and select their EV model, leaving the software to handle the rest. It meticulously devises the most suitable charging plan for the entire journey, minimizing stops and optimizing charging times.
The company’s ingenuity quickly gained global recognition, solidifying ABRP as the world’s most popular EV route planner. As a result, major investors have expressed interest in partnering with the company.
According to an exclusive report from Electrek, Rivian has approached ABRP with acquisition discussions already underway. Rivian, known for its commitment to expanding charging infrastructure in rural and off-grid locations, plans to bolster ABRP’s growth and continue its support. The integration of Mapbox, Rivian’s current mapping engine, into ABRP seems highly likely.
Rivian’s interest in ABRP aligns strategically with its plans for rapid expansion. With an aim to increase its vehicle fleet twofold this year and continue expanding annually, Rivian recognizes the value of streamlining route planning for its customers. This acquisition would not only benefit Rivian R1T and R1S owners but also enhance the overall software experience for all EV users, solidifying it as a mutually advantageous move for the EV community.
As the talks progress, industry enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the outcome, hopeful for a future where EV travel becomes as seamless and convenient as driving internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.
