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Rivian has released a significant software update, overhauling its in-vehicle Energy app and charging experience to provide customers with enhanced clarity on range, charging, and vehicle capabilities. This update also introduces charging curve improvements for select models, an optional Multi-factor Drive security feature, and upgraded autonomy visualizations.
Key Highlights:
- Redesigned Energy App: Offers a cleaner interface with detailed insights into energy consumption and charging.
- Faster Charging: Gen 1 Max Pack and Gen 2 vehicles benefit from improved DC fast charging speeds and reliability.
- Battery Preconditioning: Users can now manually precondition the battery for optimal charging.
- Multi-factor Drive: An optional security feature requiring drive approval via the Rivian mobile app.
- Enhanced Autonomy Visuals: Improved environmental rendering for a more detailed driver display.
The reimagined in-vehicle Energy app aims to help Rivian owners better understand their vehicle’s range and optimize charging. It features a new design with two main tabs: “Charging” for energy inflow and “Energy Monitor” for energy outflow. This consistent layout is shared across the vehicle’s display and the Rivian mobile app.
Key features of the new Energy app include the ability to learn where energy is going by showing a breakdown of consumption during charging (battery vs. other systems) and while parked or driving (climate, outlets, drive systems). The “Trip Target” feature simplifies charging during navigation by indicating the recommended charge level for upcoming stops and notifying the user when it’s reached. An interactive graph in the “Energy Monitor” tab displays projected range impact over time based on recent driving history, offering efficiency insights and tips. The app also features more interactive graphics that update in real-time between the vehicle and mobile app. A highly requested feature, on-demand battery preconditioning, has been added, allowing users to warm or cool the battery pack even before navigating to a charger to optimize charging speeds.
In addition to the app, Rivian has improved the vehicle’s charging capabilities. Both Gen 1 Max Pack and all Gen 2 Rivian vehicles now charge faster and more reliably at DC fast chargers. These vehicles will experience quicker charging times, achievable across a wider range of temperatures. Notably, the Gen 2 Large Pack can charge up to 215kW, adding approximately 15% more driving range in just 15 minutes of charging. Rivian engineers achieved these improvements by optimizing battery temperature through advanced computer simulations and real-world validation.
Security is also enhanced with the introduction of Multi-factor Drive, an optional feature allowing owners to approve every drive. When someone enters the driver’s seat, a notification is sent to the owner’s phone or smartwatch for approval via the mobile app or a time-based passcode.
Finally, the update brings smarter autonomy visualizations. All Rivian vehicles now display a richer representation of surrounding vehicles. Gen 2 Rivians benefit from an upgraded onboard machine learning model, enabling the 360º view to intelligently detect and render vehicles in complex scenarios, such as crossing traffic and parking lots, and extending the perception range to five lanes. This comprehensive update aims to deliver a more confident and convenient ownership experience.
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