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Alex on Autos review of the Gen 2 R1T
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Rivian R1T (2020)
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FiestaST
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Rivian's new Georgia EV factory in limbo
Rivian's big dream of a huge electric vehicle factory in Georgia is facing a problem. The company initially got a €5 billion loan from the government to help build it, but things have gotten a little complicated politically.
Governor Kemp of Georgia has said that the state is looking closely at the financial promises made by the previous government. He's not totally sure about the loan situation, which makes people wonder if the whole project is financially sound. This comes after some temporary hiccups with federal funding earlier this year, which, even though they were fixed quickly, still caused some worries.
Even with this uncertainty about the loan, both Governor Kemp and Rivian have said they're still committed to the project. Kemp has said he wants to protect taxpayer money but also wants to support Rivian. Rivian is staying positive, hoping the money will be there when they need it next year. A spokesperson for the company emphasized their dedication to bringing EV manufacturing to the US and creating lots of jobs. Rivian has already started hiring people for both construction and management positions.
The loan is set up in two parts: the first part is up to €3.06 billion, and the second part is €2.34 billion. Rivian plans to use this money to get their Georgia plant up and running faster. The new factory will make their smaller and more affordable electric vehicles, the R2 and R3. The R2, a midsize SUV, is a really important model for them, and they're aiming to sell it for around €40,600, which is much cheaper than Rivian's current R1S and R1T models.
www.arenaev.com
Rivian's big dream of a huge electric vehicle factory in Georgia is facing a problem. The company initially got a €5 billion loan from the government to help build it, but things have gotten a little complicated politically.
Governor Kemp of Georgia has said that the state is looking closely at the financial promises made by the previous government. He's not totally sure about the loan situation, which makes people wonder if the whole project is financially sound. This comes after some temporary hiccups with federal funding earlier this year, which, even though they were fixed quickly, still caused some worries.
Even with this uncertainty about the loan, both Governor Kemp and Rivian have said they're still committed to the project. Kemp has said he wants to protect taxpayer money but also wants to support Rivian. Rivian is staying positive, hoping the money will be there when they need it next year. A spokesperson for the company emphasized their dedication to bringing EV manufacturing to the US and creating lots of jobs. Rivian has already started hiring people for both construction and management positions.
The loan is set up in two parts: the first part is up to €3.06 billion, and the second part is €2.34 billion. Rivian plans to use this money to get their Georgia plant up and running faster. The new factory will make their smaller and more affordable electric vehicles, the R2 and R3. The R2, a midsize SUV, is a really important model for them, and they're aiming to sell it for around €40,600, which is much cheaper than Rivian's current R1S and R1T models.
Rivian's new Georgia EV factory in limbo
Rivian's $6.6 billion federal loan for its new EV plant in Georgia is facing uncertainty, leaving the company and state officials unsure about the project's future funding.
www.arenaev.com
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Rivian promises to bring hands-free driving in the following weeks
During an earnings call, following the Q4 2024 report, Rivian's CEO had some good news to share. First, the company recorded its first "positive gross profit", and secondly, he teased a new hands-free driving feature for US highways.
Rivian's founder and CEO, R.J. Scaringe, said that the company will release a new feature that would allow drivers to enjoy a hands-free driving experience on the highway. Currently, Rivian's trucks support basic features such as adaptive cruise control and lane centering. With those turned on, the vehicle can accelerate, steer, keep lanes and brake, but only when the driver keeps their hands on the steering wheel.
With the launch of the new feature, drivers will no longer be required to keep their hands on the wheel. This elevates Rivian's advanced driver system to the levels of General Motors' Super Cruise and Ford's BlueCruise.
Additionally, Scaringe promised to bring eyes-off driving features in 2026, which are pretty rare at the moment. These are classified as Level 3 drive assistance and for now, only Mercedes' Drive Pilot has the clearance for specific US and German highways.
www.arenaev.com
During an earnings call, following the Q4 2024 report, Rivian's CEO had some good news to share. First, the company recorded its first "positive gross profit", and secondly, he teased a new hands-free driving feature for US highways.
Rivian's founder and CEO, R.J. Scaringe, said that the company will release a new feature that would allow drivers to enjoy a hands-free driving experience on the highway. Currently, Rivian's trucks support basic features such as adaptive cruise control and lane centering. With those turned on, the vehicle can accelerate, steer, keep lanes and brake, but only when the driver keeps their hands on the steering wheel.
With the launch of the new feature, drivers will no longer be required to keep their hands on the wheel. This elevates Rivian's advanced driver system to the levels of General Motors' Super Cruise and Ford's BlueCruise.
Additionally, Scaringe promised to bring eyes-off driving features in 2026, which are pretty rare at the moment. These are classified as Level 3 drive assistance and for now, only Mercedes' Drive Pilot has the clearance for specific US and German highways.
Rivian promises to bring hands-free driving in the following weeks
Eyes-off driving is also expected in 2026.
www.arenaev.com
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Redline Reviews review of the updated 2025 R1T Tri-Motor
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Rivian to offer paid upgrades for extra power and range
Rivian is preparing to introduce a new way for its customers to enhance their vehicles. Starting with the 2025.06 software update, owners of the second-generation R1T and R1S models will have the option to pay for increased power. Later this year, those with the Large+ battery pack will also be able to unlock additional range.
The initial offering focuses on boosting the performance of the Dual Motor trim. Currently, buyers can add the Performance Pack for €4,500, which increases power from 533 horsepower (397 kW) and 827 Nm of torque to 665 horsepower (495 kW) and 1,124 Nm of torque. This upgrade also includes two new drive modes, Sport and Soft Sand. The power boost will be available as a paid software unlock, but Rivian has not yet confirmed pricing details for this software upgrade. The company will offer various payment options, including a one-time fee, a subscription, or a trial period.
Following the power upgrade, Rivian will offer the ability to unlock extra range for vehicles equipped with the Large+ battery pack. This battery pack is essentially the same as the Max pack, but its range is limited by software. According to Wassym Bensaid, a Rivian executive, this range unlock will be the next feature available after the Performance Pack upgrade. The exact amount of extra range and the cost of the unlock are still to be determined.
Rivian's idea to offer paid upgrades is apparently driven by the potential to streamline production. The company claims that building vehicles with uniform hardware across the range, and then offering custom software will greatly reduce manufacturing complexity and improve their bottom line. Essentially, Rivian wants to produce one vehicle with many performance settings, rather than manufacturing many separate models.
www.arenaev.com
Rivian is preparing to introduce a new way for its customers to enhance their vehicles. Starting with the 2025.06 software update, owners of the second-generation R1T and R1S models will have the option to pay for increased power. Later this year, those with the Large+ battery pack will also be able to unlock additional range.
The initial offering focuses on boosting the performance of the Dual Motor trim. Currently, buyers can add the Performance Pack for €4,500, which increases power from 533 horsepower (397 kW) and 827 Nm of torque to 665 horsepower (495 kW) and 1,124 Nm of torque. This upgrade also includes two new drive modes, Sport and Soft Sand. The power boost will be available as a paid software unlock, but Rivian has not yet confirmed pricing details for this software upgrade. The company will offer various payment options, including a one-time fee, a subscription, or a trial period.
Following the power upgrade, Rivian will offer the ability to unlock extra range for vehicles equipped with the Large+ battery pack. This battery pack is essentially the same as the Max pack, but its range is limited by software. According to Wassym Bensaid, a Rivian executive, this range unlock will be the next feature available after the Performance Pack upgrade. The exact amount of extra range and the cost of the unlock are still to be determined.
Rivian's idea to offer paid upgrades is apparently driven by the potential to streamline production. The company claims that building vehicles with uniform hardware across the range, and then offering custom software will greatly reduce manufacturing complexity and improve their bottom line. Essentially, Rivian wants to produce one vehicle with many performance settings, rather than manufacturing many separate models.
Rivian to offer paid upgrades for extra power and range
Rivian will soon allow owners of its R1T and R1S electric vehicles to pay for software upgrades that unlock extra power and range.
www.arenaev.com
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RIVIAN CEO 
️ RJ Scaringe on the electric future and unifying vision | Interview @ SXSW - iJustine
️ RJ Scaringe on the electric future and unifying vision | Interview @ SXSW - iJustine
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TheStraightPipes review of the 2025 Rivian R1S Gen 2
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Unbox Therapy first look at the Gen 2 Rivian R1S
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Rivian R2 enters final stages of testing
Rivian is moving full steam ahead with its next big thing, the R2. This new five-seat electric SUV promises to deliver the brand's signature blend of adventure and clean design to a much broader audience, carrying a far more accessible starting price of around €38,400. But as the first validation models roll off a pilot assembly line for intense testing, the big question looms: in a market flooded with electric cars, is a familiar face with a friendlier price tag enough, especially when customers have to wait until 2026?
At first glance, anyone familiar with Rivian's larger R1S SUV might experience a case of déjà vu. The R2 is, to put it mildly, a spitting image of its predecessor. It sports the same friendly, upright stance and the unmistakable vertical "stadium" headlights that have become a Rivian hallmark. Some might call this brand consistency; others might see it as a missed opportunity for a fresh design. But this safe bet on a proven look is paired with some thoughtful new tricks that add a layer of practical charm.
The most talked-about feature is a fully powered rear window that slides down into the tailgate, a handy touch for ventilation or carrying long items like surfboards. It's complemented by pop-out rear quarter windows, enhancing airflow throughout the cabin. Up front, a spacious trunk, or "frunk," provides ample storage, while inside, the driver and front passenger are treated to two glove boxes.
Rivian has clearly made deliberate choices to hit that €38,400 price point. The cabin feels more utilitarian than the luxurious R1S, trading some of the high-end finishes for more durable materials. Yet, thankfully, it keeps the practical and quirky spirit of the brand. The flashlight, cleverly stowed in the driver's door, is back. For the adventure-seeking Rivian crowd, both the front and rear seats fold completely flat, transforming the entire cabin into a spacious sleeping platform, perfect for a spontaneous camping trip.
www.arenaev.com
Rivian is moving full steam ahead with its next big thing, the R2. This new five-seat electric SUV promises to deliver the brand's signature blend of adventure and clean design to a much broader audience, carrying a far more accessible starting price of around €38,400. But as the first validation models roll off a pilot assembly line for intense testing, the big question looms: in a market flooded with electric cars, is a familiar face with a friendlier price tag enough, especially when customers have to wait until 2026?
At first glance, anyone familiar with Rivian's larger R1S SUV might experience a case of déjà vu. The R2 is, to put it mildly, a spitting image of its predecessor. It sports the same friendly, upright stance and the unmistakable vertical "stadium" headlights that have become a Rivian hallmark. Some might call this brand consistency; others might see it as a missed opportunity for a fresh design. But this safe bet on a proven look is paired with some thoughtful new tricks that add a layer of practical charm.
The most talked-about feature is a fully powered rear window that slides down into the tailgate, a handy touch for ventilation or carrying long items like surfboards. It's complemented by pop-out rear quarter windows, enhancing airflow throughout the cabin. Up front, a spacious trunk, or "frunk," provides ample storage, while inside, the driver and front passenger are treated to two glove boxes.
Rivian has clearly made deliberate choices to hit that €38,400 price point. The cabin feels more utilitarian than the luxurious R1S, trading some of the high-end finishes for more durable materials. Yet, thankfully, it keeps the practical and quirky spirit of the brand. The flashlight, cleverly stowed in the driver's door, is back. For the adventure-seeking Rivian crowd, both the front and rear seats fold completely flat, transforming the entire cabin into a spacious sleeping platform, perfect for a spontaneous camping trip.
Rivian R2 enters final stages of testing
Rivian's new R2 electric SUV is now in its final testing phase, promising over 300 miles of range and a {{$45,000}} starting price in a familiar package ready to challenge the EV market in 2026.
www.arenaev.com
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Auto Focus review of the Gen 2 Rivian R1S
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Rivian R1S Quad vs Lucid Gravity Dream Edition vs Porsche Macan Turbo Electric vs Audi RS Q8 Performance vs Range Rover Sport SV — Cammisa Ultimate Drag Race Replay - Hagerty