Rivian (RIVN) plans to introduce an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) this year for hands-free driving. The new feature is expected to be similar to Tesla's Full-Self Driving (FSD). In 2026, Rivian will up the ante with an “eyeless” system.
Rivian plans to drive hands-free by 2025, without eyes by 2026
At the new Rivian Space opening in San Francisco on Thursday, CEO RJ Scaringe revealed a few exciting things to look forward to.
According to people in RivianForumsScaringe said during the event that the company plans to introduce a hands-free ADAS feature in 2025. Next year, Rivian will follow us with an “eyeless” system.
The big question is, will current Rivian R1S and R1T owners get in? It may depend on whether you are driving a Gen 1 or Gen 2 model. All Rivian models built in 2024 are considered Gen 1, while 2025 and newer models are Gen 2.
Rivian introduced the second generation R1S and R1T last summer. They are “completely rebuilt” with thousands of hardware upgrades, completely redesigned software, and more.
This development includes its new internal autonomy system, the Rivian Autonomy Platform. It is powered by 11 cameras, five radars, and predictive AI.
Rivian said the new platform is “10 times more powerful” than the old system. It also has 360-degree visibility and 8X the number of camera pixels than previous models. Gen 2 models already include features like Blind Spot Monitoring and Highway Assist.
With the premium version, drivers get access to Lane Change, and Rivian said Enhance Highway Assist and other features are coming soon.
While all Rivian R1S and R1T EVs include OTA updates, some features may require additional hardware or software not included on Gen 1 models.
Rivian hands-free driving and unfocused highway will be available on the upcoming R2 model. The small electric SUV will come out in the first half of 2026, starting at around $45,000.
Electrek's Take
As a Tesla Model 3 driver, I can tell you that Full-Self Driving (FSD) is fun and can be useful at times. I've used it on long trips, like in the Blue Ridge Mountains, and it makes driving or sitting in the car more enjoyable.
While the system still requires your attention, it allows the car to drive itself almost anywhere with “minimal driver intervention.”
The new Actually Smart Summon feature is one of my favorites. With the Tesla app, you can call your car to come to you in a parking lot. The car will then go around other cars, people, and objects to find you.
Other functions, such as Navigate on Autopilot, will take over while the car is on the highway, changing lanes (with turn signals) and braking or accelerating as needed.
For Rivian owners, it will be the same advanced system from Highway and Lane Change Assist. The “eyeless” system coming next year will have a few regulatory hurdles to clear before it can be released, so it should be interesting to see what that will entail. Check back for more information soon. We will keep you updated.
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