Rivian 'Hyper-Focused' On Launching Hands-Free Driver Assistance System This Year: Report

EV startup Rivian Automotive Inc. RIVN is reportedly planning to launch a hands-free driver assistance system on its vehicles in 2025.

What Happened: The company is eyeing launching a hand-free system this year and an “eyes-off” system in 2026, according to a Reuters report, citing company CEO RJ Scaringe.

The CEO reportedly also said that the company is “hyper-focused on” developing driver assistance technology that gives Rivian drivers the opportunity to do other things when they are at the wheel.

Rivian’s first-generation vehicles come with a suite of assisted driving and autonomy features called Driver+ while Rivian’s second-generation vehicles come with a suite of features called Rivian Autonomy Platform. Both require the driver to pay full attention to the road and be ready to take control of the vehicle when required.

Rivian, in fact, specifically warns against the use of a hand-held device behind the wheel even when the features are deployed.

Why It Matters: Automakers are currently attempting to automate certain aspects or the entirety of driving. However, it is not without safety concerns.

Earlier this month, U.S. auto safety regulator National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) opened a probe into about 2.6 million Tesla vehicles equipped with the company's full self-driving driver assistance technology following a complaint alleging that the use of its "Actually Smart Summon" feature led to a crash.

GM’s robotaxi unit Cruise ceased operations last year after the involvement of one of its robotaxis in an accident in late 2023.

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