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Electric vehicle manufacturer Rivian has released a significant software update for its vehicles, introducing intelligent charging features designed to reduce costs and several improvements to its driver assistance system for a more comfortable and confident experience on the road.
Key Highlights
- Smart Charging Schedule Recommendation: This new feature helps owners automatically charge during off-peak electricity hours, potentially cutting annual charging costs by up to 20%.
- Enhanced Highway Assist: Availability for hands-free driving has been increased by over 50%, with improved lane centering on curved highways.
- Co-Steer Functionality: Gen 2 drivers can now adjust their vehicle’s position within the lane while Highway Assist is active without disengaging the system.
- Custom Audio Settings: All drivers can now customize equalizer profiles, and Gen 2 vehicles receive an updated sound stage for richer audio.
Smarter, Cost-Effective Home Charging
Rivian’s update addresses the high cost of electricity by introducing Smart Charging Schedule Recommendation for both Gen 1 and Gen 2 vehicles. The company notes that many EV owners do not charge during off-peak hours when electricity is cheapest. This new feature allows the vehicle to automatically schedule its charging sessions for times with the lowest utility rates.
By shifting charging times, owners could see significant savings, with some potentially saving up to $900 annually, depending on their location and utility provider. Beyond individual cost savings, this optimized charging strategy supports a more stable energy grid and can increase the use of clean energy by over 10%. To activate the feature, owners can confirm their home location and utility provider in the Rivian app.
Autonomy and Driver Assist Improvements
The update brings notable advancements to Rivian’s autonomy system. For Gen 2 vehicles, a new feature called Co-Steer allows drivers to adjust their lane position while Highway Assist is engaged. This enables drivers to create more comfortable spacing when driving next to barriers or large trucks without deactivating the assistance feature.
Furthermore, the availability of Enhanced Highway Assist has been expanded by more than 50%, allowing for longer periods of hands-free driving. An updated AI-powered perception system improves the vehicle’s ability to center itself within the lane, particularly on highways with tight curves, enhancing overall ride comfort.
Richer Audio and Customization
Audio experience has also been refined in the latest software release. All drivers now have the ability to customize the six existing equalizer profiles and can add two additional user-named slots. These personalized settings are saved to the driver’s profile.
Gen 2 vehicles receive a specific update to their low-frequency response and sound stage. This results in more controlled bass and a richer sense of spatial separation in the audio, making music sound more dynamic and immersive.
More information can be found on the official Rivian website.
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