Rivian, an American electric vehicle manufacturer, has opened its doors to CNET for an exclusive look inside its test labs. The labs, located at Rivian’s Palo Alto, California campus, are where the company develops and tests the electrical hardware and software for its second-generation R1T pickup truck and R1S sport utility vehicle. This behind-the-scenes tour offers a glimpse into the secret world of automaker testing and development.
One of the main attractions in the labs is the “lab car,” a vehicle that resembles something out of a Transformers movie. This unique car allows Rivian to test new software features before implementing them in their production vehicles. It’s a way for the company to ensure that their software is working properly and meets their high standards before releasing it to customers.
The tour also includes a visit to Rivian’s enormous garage, where visitors can get a firsthand look at how Rivian’s software-driven approach comes to life in the new R1S. This is the first time that someone outside of the company has had the opportunity to drive the R1S, and the experience is described as both intimidating and exciting. The R1S is praised for its responsiveness and overall driving experience, with one reviewer calling it “a really good truck.”
One of the most interesting aspects of Rivian’s software development is its ability to update features over the air, similar to how Apple or Google updates your phone. This means that Rivian can not only update basic features like the infotainment system but also make changes to things like battery management and vehicle performance. This capability is made possible by Rivian’s in-house development platform, which allows them to quickly and easily push updates to their vehicles.
In addition to their innovative software approach, Rivian has also redesigned the electrical system in their second-generation vehicles. By consolidating electrical control units (ECUs) into zones based on their location in the vehicle, Rivian has been able to reduce the weight of their cars by 44 pounds. This not only improves the range of the vehicles but also reduces the number of potential points of failure, increasing overall reliability.
Rivian is not just focused on building great vehicles; they are also committed to providing a great charging experience. Similar to Tesla, Rivian has its own charging network called the Rivian Adventure Network. They recently announced a new reliability score that rates fast chargers on any network, including Tesla Superchargers, so drivers can find reliable locations. Rivian also delivers over-the-air updates roughly every month to add new features and updates to its vehicles.
Overall, the tour of Rivian’s test labs provides a fascinating insight into the world of electric vehicle development. From their innovative software-driven approach to their redesigned electrical system, Rivian is pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the EV industry. As one reviewer puts it, “It feels more like how Apple approaches building a device like the iPhone, developing both the software and hardware in-house, rather than how I imagined an automaker would build a car.” With their unique approach and attention to detail, Rivian is poised to make a significant impact in the electric vehicle market.
