Rivian R1T, R1S software update brings changes to ride experience

author: FutureCar Staff    

Rivian has released its latest over-the-air update for its R1T and R1S electric trucks, which brings physical changes to the ride and handling of all the vehicles that have been delivered so far. According to a Rivian spokesperson, the ability to continually enhance various aspects of their vehicles, including driving dynamics, is one of the major benefits of the Rivian platform.

This is not the first time Rivian has made adjustments to the ride and handling of its vehicles through software updates. Previous updates have introduced new modes like Soft Sand and Snow, which brought new ride-and-handling profiles. However, this latest update might be the most comprehensive round of "retuning" yet, aiming to improve the overall feel of the trucks on a day-to-day basis.

In the official release notes, Rivian stated that they have improved ride quality across all three modes and ride heights. They specifically mention reducing abruptness when driving over sharp road impacts and minimizing harshness when encountering bumps and dips at parking lot speeds. Additionally, the update includes enhancements to specific modes, such as increased ride comfort in the All-Purpose Soft Ride mode and improved balance between ride and handling in the Sport mode.

All Rivian models are equipped with a four-wheel independent air suspension and a hydraulic roll-control system. Adjusting the air springs to different ride heights presents a complex challenge for Rivian, as each height yields different characteristics. It is likely that the company has fine-tuned the system pressure and anti-roll behavior to optimize the overall ride and handling experience.

Another notable change in this update is the integration of drive modes into Rivian's mobile-app-based trip planner. When planning a trip, users can now select the mode they will be using, and the charging stops and ranges will be planned specifically for that mode. This feature provides drivers with more reassurance that they will arrive at their destination with the predicted battery state of charge.

Rivian's approach to over-the-air updates aligns with other automakers like Tesla, Polestar, Porsche, Ford, and others who believe in continuous improvement even after the vehicles are delivered. While previous updates have focused on EV propulsion, Rivian is demonstrating that the tuning of ride and handling characteristics is also an ongoing process.

FutureCar Staff