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, bringing physical changes to the ride and handling of all vehicles delivered to date. 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 update represents a significant round of "retuning" for the trucks' overall feel on a day-to-day basis.

The software update, with the version number 2023.34.0, includes improvements to ride quality across all three modes and ride heights. Rivian specifically mentions reduced abruptness when encountering sharp road impacts and decreased harshness when driving over bumps and dips at parking lot speeds. Additionally, the update introduces increased ride comfort in the All-Purpose Soft Ride mode and an improved balance between ride and handling in the Sport mode.

All Rivian models feature a four-wheel independent air suspension with a hydraulic roll-control system. Adjusting air springs for different ride heights presents a complex challenge for Rivian, as each height yields different characteristics. It is likely that the company has had to navigate a multitude of possibilities and fine-tune system pressure and anti-roll behavior accordingly.

In addition to ride and handling improvements, Rivian has added a new feature to this update that enhances the accuracy of battery state of charge predictions. The drive modes for the electric trucks are now integrated into Rivian's mobile-app-based trip planner. Users can select their desired mode when planning a trip, and the charging stops and ranges will be specifically tailored to that mode, along with other variables already considered for the route.

Rivian's approach aligns with other automakers such as Tesla, Polestar, Porsche, Ford, and others who have embraced whole-vehicle over-the-air updates. These updates enable continuous improvement of vehicles even after they have been delivered. While previous updates have focused on EV propulsion tweaks, Rivian's latest update demonstrates that the tuning of ride and handling characteristics is an ongoing process that extends beyond the initial delivery of the vehicles.

FutureCar Staff