Volkswagen and Rivian take different approaches when it comes to the physicality of their vehicles’ interiors. While Volkswagen recognizes the importance of physical touchpoints like climate control buttons and audio knobs, Rivian has made a surprising move by removing a touchpoint without informing its customers. Recently, owners of second-generation Rivian R1 vehicles discovered that key fobs were no longer provided as standard equipment.
The news of this change spread through platforms like Reddit, where a frustrated R1S owner expressed their disappointment. They not only expressed frustration about not being able to purchase the key fob separately until a later date but also raised questions about the potential cost savings for Rivian. After all, if Rivian doesn’t provide key fobs, are they profiting from it? This issue becomes even more perplexing because Rivian vehicles are known for their off-road capabilities, so having a physical key fob would be useful in remote areas.
Reddit users and members of the Rivian forum called Rivianist pointed out the limitations of the company’s alternative solutions – the proprietary mobile app and the associated KeyCard. These options only work when there is cell service available, and if your smartphone dies, you lose access to your Rivian. This raises security concerns when leaving your vehicle with a valet, at a service shop, or even when self-parking. Incidents of Tesla owners accidentally unlocking the wrong car or having their vehicles stolen have also been reported.
Furthermore, there’s the inconvenience of having to dig your phone out of your pocket or bag when your hands are already full. Keyless entry is not always convenient in these situations. However, it’s worth noting that key fobs are not without their faults either. Some Rivian owners reported depleted batteries within a month, while others mentioned that their key fobs have lasted for years. The battery life and proximity range for locking and unlocking the vehicles can vary. In response to these complaints, Rivian may be working on a next-generation key fob.
The decision to remove key fobs raises the question of whether intervention from regulatory bodies like Capitol Hill is necessary, similar to their efforts to save AM radio. While Rivian still offers the option to purchase a key fob, it begs the question of why they charge for it and why there is a delay in availability. One would think that there must be a stockpile of generic, interchangeable key fobs somewhere in the company’s office that could be made available to customers. Even if the batteries are dead, it should be a simple fix for Rivian to fulfill the desire for a physical touchpoint among its owners.
