Electric vehicle maker Rivian is ramping up its efforts in autonomous driving technology. CEO RJ Scaringe announced that the company plans to introduce hands-free driver assistance systems in 2025 and fully “eyes-off” capabilities in 2026, Reuters reported.
Rivian’s advancements aim to enhance the driving experience by allowing drivers to focus on other activities, such as reading or using their phones, while the vehicle takes over. Scaringe said the feature would add “an enormous amount of value to customers” by giving them their time back.
Rivian
Rivian’s current vehicles, equipped with the “Rivian Autonomy Platform,” already offer assistance like lane-keeping and adaptive cruise control but still require driver attention. The company’s next steps, however, signal a bold move into more sophisticated territory.
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Competition and safety concerns
Rivian’s announcement comes as major automakers, including Tesla, are racing to refine autonomous driving technology. Tesla has faced increased scrutiny recently, with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) opening a probe into 2.6 million of its vehicles over concerns about accidents linked to its remote driving features.
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This heightened oversight reflects a broader challenge for automakers pursuing advanced driver assistance systems. Balancing innovation with safety remains critical, as regulatory agencies and consumers demand robust safeguards alongside convenience.
Although the new Trump administration hasn’t made any official changes at the NHTSA, Trump’s transition team signaled last month that they want to scrap the organization’s crash reporting requirement for self-driving vehicles, a move that could eliminate a degree of scrutiny from Rivian as it expands its autonomous technology.
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Impact of political shifts on Rivian’s plans
The development of Rivian’s autonomous technology is unfolding against the backdrop of shifting U.S. policies on EVs. Earlier this month, Rivian finalized a $6.6 billion loan agreement with the Department of Energy to fund a production facility in Georgia, which is set to produce its new R2 and R3 midsize SUVs.
Rivian
However, recent actions by President Donald Trump, including the revocation of a 2021 executive order that aimed to ensure that half of all new vehicles sold in the U.S. by 2030 would be electric, have introduced uncertainty. Trump has yet to sign any executive orders to roll back EV tax credits or impose tariffs on goods from Mexico and Canada as he promised to do on the campaign trail, but reports indicate such actions are still coming from the administration.
Scaringe said the challenges proposed by Trump’s potential tariffs “could be really damaging” to current automakers’ supply chains, increasing costs for companies and consumers alike. Scraringe said that Rivian is monitoring the administration closely when it comes to tariff policy developments.
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Final thoughts
As Rivian prepares to roll out its advanced autonomous systems, the EV maker is positioning itself as a key player in the race toward self-driving vehicles. The stakes are high, with consumers, regulators, and competitors watching closely.
By delivering on its promises for hands-free and “eyes-off” driving, Rivian could set a new standard for the EV market. However, the path to full autonomy will require navigating not only technological hurdles but also political and regulatory roadblocks.
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