New Software: Towing and Drive Modes

Improving end-to-end performance through software

By Rivian

Our new over-the-air update improves the towing experience in a redesigned Drive Modes app, another example of how Rivian continually evolves vehicle performance through software.

We took all of the guess work out of towing with new trailer profiles, automatic weight sensing and range prediction, a dedicated truck bed view to monitor your precious cargo, and the ability to activate Snow, Soft Sand, All-Terrain and Rock Crawl modes while towing.

We also redesigned the Drive Modes app for everyone with improved accessibility and ease-of-use for the driver, plus new real-time vehicle data gauges. These updates make it easier to quickly choose the Drive Mode that's right for your adventure and make adjustments on the fly — whether you're towing your boat to the lake, pulling a camper across bumpy backcountry roads, or cruising without cargo in tow.

END-TO-END TOWING

Range Prediction, Off-Road Towing & Truck Bed View

Within the redesigned Drive Modes app, you can now access the new 'Trailers' tab to create up to three unique trailer profiles. Once a trailer is connected, the vehicle senses the weight and aerodynamics of what's in tow and calculates range based on these attributes. We've integrated continuous learning of unique trailer profiles into the range estimation algorithm, which means the more you tow, the more accurate the range prediction becomes for your trip planning.

Drivers can confidently tow across almost any terrain by activating different On-Road and Off-Road Drive Modes while towing. With this update, Rivian's towing capability expands to include Snow, All-Terrain and Soft Sand modes, as well as Rock Crawl for Quad-Motor R1 vehicles.

To further complement the driving and towing experience, we’ve enabled the rear-facing bed view camera in the R1T – providing critical visibility of what’s in tow at all times.

REAL-TIME VEHICLE DATA

In the Drive Modes app, the newly added Gauge View adapts with each Drive Mode and offers dynamic, real-time information about your vehicle's battery and motor temperature, torque, steering angle, tire pressure and more, giving insights into how your vehicle responds based on where and how you drive.

“My daughter loves this view. She calls it the cockpit view.”

Wassym Bensaid, SVP, Software Development

We've carefully selected data visualizations that efficiently communicate important information in different driving scenarios. For example, the Pitch and Roll gauges in Off-Road modes will help you navigate tricky terrain, while elevation data can inform your energy consumption along a route.

DRIVE MODE SELECTION

The Drive Mode settings have been re-located to the left side of the screen, closer to the steering wheel, making it more easily accessible to the driver. Drive Mode controls are placed for glanceability and reach, so you can quickly navigate to the Drive Mode that's right for your trip. Additionally, we've introduced flicking gestures that makes it easier to get to and select what you want, especially while bumping around off-road. This means you're able to quickly transition between different Drive Modes, like Conserve and Snow, without having to take your eyes off the road.

Our vehicle software keeps getting better thanks to the direct feedback we receive, and this update was largely informed by our owners. We're excited to see what these new features unlock for our community.