Irvine-headquartered EV maker Rivian started on Wednesday rolling out a major over-the-air software update focused on improving energy management, vehicle security, and autonomy visualization.
The update, version 2025.18, introduces a redesigned Energy app and significant upgrades to Rivian’s in-vehicle autonomy interface.
A new machine learning model for Gen 2 vehicles that expands environmental perception to five lanes, up from three, and improves detection of complex scenarios like crossing traffic and parking lots.
“Gen 2 vehicles are now smarter and more aware — and now so are you with enhanced visualization of even more of your surroundings,” the EV maker wrote on X.
The update also includes the debut of Multi-factor Drive, an optional security feature that requires driver approval before a trip begins.
Users can authorize a drive via smartphone or smartwatch notifications or enter a time-based passcode if no confirmation is received.
Rivian said the refreshed Energy app provides more detailed, real-time insights into battery usage and vehicle efficiency.
It introduces new features such as “Trip Target” notifications for optimal charging stops, a live energy consumption graph, and the ability to precondition the battery pack on demand—even before navigating to a charger.
Charging performance has also improved for Gen 1 Max Pack and all Gen 2 vehicles, the company said.
The Gen 2 Large Pack now supports peak DC fast charging rates of up to 215 kW, allowing drivers to add 15% more range in 15 minutes under optimal conditions.
Rivian said it achieved these gains by using computer simulations and real-world validation to refine battery thermal management at the cell level.
The software rollout will be pushed to vehicles in batches, with users notified via their Rivian app once the update becomes available.
Chief software officer Wassym Bensaid told The Verge this week that the company aims to “democratize the access in terms of ‘energy in’ with charging and then ‘energy out’ with how you’re spending your range.”
Regarding energy, the company also intends to launch a bidirectional charging feature in 2026, allowing people to use their vehicle as mobile power generators. This will make Rivian‘s EVs able to charge other devices, other vehicles and even homes.
Over the weekend, Rivian has lowered lease prices for several configurations of its R1T pickup and R1S SUV for orders placed through the end of June. The brand is also offering several discounts on specific trims of the models.
