Robert Van Varick’s Post

https://lnkd.in/dKvgWzxP "Bigger than sharing batteries or bigger than sharing motors...(is) the ability to leverage our electronics stack." Great The Verge / Decoder conversation with RJ Scaringe and Nilay Patel - compelling software-defined vehicle discussion of Rivian's approach to EE architecture / ECUs / system software stack, platform-sharing w/ VW and what joint venture CARIAD will develop, and how VW / other future partner OEMs will be free to develop vehicle UXUI / ADAS / other software features themselves. Interesting to hear how this partnership and the network architecture they develop can simplify development & lower costs thru volume, how design and software are developed in separate lanes at Rivian, and how Unreal Engine sits on top for compelling in-car experience. Rivian's tech/software story, supporting their sustainability messaging and good-looking vehicle lineup, makes them look like the smartest in class right now.

I'm just back from Seattle, and I can FINALLY tell you (as the only female journalist on the trip) what I was up to!! Driving the second generation Rivian R1S and R1T. Read my story Ars Technica! . . . In their effort to move toward profitability and prep for the upcoming (and highly buzzy R3 and R3x) builds that will be coming out of the Normal plant in 2026, Rivian deleted more than 1.6 miles of wiring, reduced the number of ECUs (17 to 7) and made them faster, changed up their motor and battery configs and now offer a Tri- and Quad-Motor that put down as much as 1,025 hp and 1,198 lb-ft of torque and (Rivian says) go 0-60 in under 3 seconds. ( I only saw 3 second times in both the R1T & R1S on the drag strip yesterday--but it was my very first time on a drag strip ever!) . . . They've also built an "Autonomy Compute Platform," but unlike Tesla and their 🙄🙄🙄 "self driving" marketing, Rivian is doing it right. They'll roll out some limited hands-free highway assistance to all owners at the end of the year (and offer it in the new R1T and R1S)that leverages both AI and ML to improve the experience. Sadly, there's still no Apple Car play, but there is (optional) Apple Music and Google Cast integration. . . . It was a rainy, dirty, muddy, fast, and fun few days in the Evergreen State seeing friends, hanging out, enjoying the incredible scenery (hello Twin Peaks anyone?), and covering Rivian, a company that I (personally) think is poised to continue to shake up the 🙄🙄🙄 hubris in the rest of the automotive industry. https://lnkd.in/gknvVghV

Super impressed with the Rivian team for unveiling the exciting R2 and R3 today. As a Tesla fan on my second Model 3, the design, interior space, efficiency, and performance of the Rivian R2 unveiled today is truly amazing and will sure give the Model Y a run for its money. I especially like the fact that Rivian didn't remove the steering stalks. Along with the unveil, Rivian also introduced a new cylindrical 4695 cell. While watching the video I couldn't help to think what if they utilized a multi-layer cuboid cell using the Ion Storage Systems solid-state battery platform? All things being equal, a cuboid cell offers ~15-20% more volume than a cylindrical cell within the Rivian battery containment design - volume that can be used to either reduce the number of cells (cost & weight) or increase the overall capacity of the battery pack (range). https://lnkd.in/eT393fwQ

Rivian has confirmed it will not offer Apple CarPlay in its vehicles, focusing instead on developing its own in-house software. CEO RJ Scaringe emphasized the importance of a cohesive user experience and maintaining control over their ecosystem. This decision aligns with Rivian’s commitment to innovation and a seamless in-cabin experience. Despite potential customer disappointment, Rivian’s strategy reflects its dedication to delivering unique, integrated EV technology. https://lnkd.in/gwc3VABq #Rivian #ElectricVehicles #EV #CarPlay #SoftwareDevelopment #InHouseSoftware #TechInnovation #AutomotiveTech #UserExperience #RJEcosystem #ElectricSUV #SustainableMobility #GreenTech #EVMarket #TechNews #AutomotiveNews #RivianInnovation #FutureOfMobility #EVTechnology #RivianCEO

Rivian planning to ramp up it's production in anticipation of R2 release! Rivian's R2 on the market for 2026 is targeting a consumer looking for more affordable options in an EV SUV. Other companies have yet to fully crack into this market as well other than Tesla. It will be interesting to see how other OEMs shift gears in the coming years for EV production as well. SCN - Search Consulting Network has seen the big 3 shifting production of EVs and Hybrids depending on regulations and the market as well. #scn #rivian #automotivejobs #wearehiringnow

Never say never, but ask yourself this question: Why would Apple buy a company like Rivian, with a market cap of $11B, when they can wait for it to lose momentum and buy it at a much cheaper price? Additionally, consider what they are getting for that price. From a patent perspective — structural module replacement, K-Turn, and removable batteries? Rivian's production capabilities are decent, but it's well known that the significant manufacturing boost was expected to come from the Georgia plant (now stalled). Then there's the price of the vehicle. Even Apple might struggle to justify that premium in the mass market, especially with a loss of over $30k per vehicle. Styling is appealing, albeit sometimes polarizing, but Apple already has industrial designers. Lastly, from a software perspective, it's clear Apple can handle that independently with the vast resources at their disposal. The core issue with EVs lies in the 'body on skateboard' design approach. It's not that these platforms lack complexity, but rather that they're rapidly becoming more uniform, along with their components — batteries, motors, and potentially even the software (though I remain skeptical about the latter). I foresee companies like Magna International, Foxconn, and others stepping up to produce versatile skateboard platforms that anyone could customize with their own body designs — something these companies are also capable of manufacturing. If Tier-1 suppliers such as Aptiv, Continental, and ZF Group were not concerned about upsetting their OEM customers, they'd likely start producing complete skateboards (plus software), sans the body. For further insights, refer to my article on this topic here: https://lnkd.in/ebgMxa9k. In this scenario, Fisker's real value would lie in transforming into a design studio for OEMs, where their expertise could truly shine, unburdened by manufacturing. Tesla plays a different game — loads of IP, innovative design concepts, vertically integrated manufacturing capability, brand, and other pursuits aligned with their theme of renewable energy and innovation. They have their own problems, but they took advantage of ‘first mover,’ made a fortune off of early ZEV credits, and they build a fairly reliable and supported product. If they made a conventional truck right now, it would be in my driveway. In my eyes, they are the only EV company that stands a chance against established OEMs — especially Stellantis — which is doing great things under Carlos Tavares. Lucid Motors is subsidized by Public Investment Fund (PIF) monies, so they’ll probably stick around for awhile. I seriously thought they’d be gone by now, but I didn’t factor in the virtue signaling value for the Saudis. Regardless of public statements on renewables, we know they’re not abandoning their oil reserves. So, you never know, they might pull off a reasonably priced vehicle at some point and surprise us all! #ev #automotive #automotiveindustry #automotivedesign

Rivian's CEO explains why there won't be just one winner in the EV market. "This is such as big space. We as a planet consume 90 million new cars a year," Scaringe said. "This, by definition, needs many successful companies building many different flavors of what a car might be." "They give customers lots of choices that make customers run toward these new options," he added. RJ Scaringe you are spot-on! One flavor, albeit a niche, is electric amphibious highway legal vehicles, with engineered ability to provide great handling and performance on the road. The fully submerged computer controlled hydrofoils also delivers an amazing smoother longer range electric boating experience. Not only can these types of vehicles reduce road congestion by using water routes in combination with land routes, but in a flood emergency, they provide a method for escape for one's family. #tridentls1 - is also a "quality of life enhancer" being a convertible electric vehicle, worth the slight reduction in aerodynamic efficiency, as any convertible owner today will attest. #electrichydrofoil #electricboats

🚀 Exciting News 🚀 🔮 Prediction: The race for the software-defined vehicle is heating up, and Rivian might have just set a new standard with its latest advancements. As the automotive industry continues to shift towards software-driven innovation, Rivian's bold move to change 600 parts on its R1S SUV showcases a commitment to pioneering change. 💡 General Commentary: - Rivian's relentless pursuit of cheaper manufacturing costs and enhanced EV performance is a testament to their dedication to pushing boundaries. - Chief of Software Wassym Bensaid's leadership highlights the critical role that software development plays in the future of the automotive sector. - The dynamic changes made to the R1S SUV indicate a transformative shift towards a more agile and adaptable manufacturing model in the competitive market. 🔭 Looking Ahead: - It will be fascinating to see how Rivian's software-defined vehicle will revolutionize the driving experience and set a new benchmark for the industry. - Other automakers are sure to follow suit, creating a ripple effect of innovation that will benefit consumers with more advanced and efficient vehicles. - The next chapter in the automotive industry is unfolding, and Rivian's groundbreaking approach signals a new era of software-driven cars. Join the conversation and share your thoughts on Rivian's game-changing strategy in the comments below! Let's drive towards a software-defined future together. 🚗💻 #AutomotiveInnovation #SoftwareDefinedVehicle #FutureofMobility #RivianRevolution

Rivian’s sporty R3X will be the first R3 to hit the streets Rivian’s R3X electric SUV will arrive before the base model, Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe says on today’s episode of Decoder. Even though Scaringe still doesn’t provide an exact date when the performance variant will roll out, it will be “as soon as we possibly can.” “We’re launching R2 first, allowing some time to get that stable, and then launching R3,” Scaringe says. “I will say this: The first R3 that we’re launching, it’s going to start with R3X.” We first got a glimpse at the upcoming R3 lineup during the EV maker’s R2 reveal event in March. R2 / R3X launch event Rivian hasn’t released many details about the R3 or the R3X, but it has said the more compact SUV will cost less than the R2, which starts at $45,000, along with “more... Continue reading… https://lnkd.in/eia-T3YS

I interviewed the driver of this Rivian Amazon van Here’s what he said: I asked him, “What do you think of the van?” “Aw man, if I’m being honest, it’s not good.” He went on to describe the way it drove, how he really didn’t use the brake because the van stopped when he took his foot off the accelerator. (Which is how EVs work, but it seems like this was the first EV he’s driven). However, once we got talking about the rest of the experience, he was RAVING -There’s a lot of space -The AC is really good -There’s a fan in the back In fact, he spent more time talking about the good things than the bad things. He had one little complaint at the end. “The volume only goes to 20. If I could turn it up more, I would!” We in the auto industry talk a lot about EV adoption, and fleets are a way to encourage that. But if you don’t EDUCATE the people driving the vehicles, it’s not going to make a difference. It’s not enough to make a change, there has to be care for the people affected by the change as well. In this case, it seems like we can do better. #automotive #automotiveindustry #electricvehicles #amazon #rivian #ev #evadoption #eveducation