Rivian vehicles come with standard connectivity features, but as of June 6th, 2024, Rivian began to offer Connect+, a premium connectivity package.
Connect+ offers a wide range of additional connectivity features for Rivian owners, so let’s take a look at what the standard connectivity offers, and what Connect+ brings to the table.
Rivian offers a 60-day trial of Connect+ for existing owners and to new R1T and R1S owners.
Standard Connectivity
Standard Connectivity comes with a good set of basic features, including regular over-the-air (OTA) updates when connected to WiFi. In addition, it brings live navigation (including traffic-based routing), remote vehicle commands via the Rivian app, phone as-a-key functionality, Alexa (for vehicle commands) and the ability to tether your vehicle to a WiFi hotspot.
For tethering – you can connect to any external Wi-Fi network – including your cellphone’s hotspot or the WiFi network from something like Starlink to get internet access while you’re on the go.
Unless you’re connected to WiFi or a hotspot, you won’t be able to stream music in your vehicle
Connect+ Pricing
Connect+ will cost $14.99 USD per month or $19.99 CAD per month. It is also available as an annual package, at $149.99 USD per year, or $199.99 CAD per year – a discount of 2 months if you purchase annually.
You can sign up for Connect+ through the vehicle infotainment system, through the Rivian App, or by logging into your Rivian account on their website.
Connect+
Connect+ brings various additional features – including a vehicle hotspot for your other devices. This lets you easily stream video on iPads and other devices seamlessly and without any data limits.
In addition, satellite imagery for navigation is also added, improving the basic maps user interface that’s already available as part of Standard Connectivity. Alexa also gets an improvement – you can now use Alexa Connected commands to influence things outside the vehicle, such as opening your garage door or changing your home’s temperature.
Connect+ also brings you data access to streaming – including Spotify, Apple Music, Audible, Tidal, and TuneIn Internet Radio. In a future update, Rivian will also add Google Cast support and a native YouTube app to stream videos.
Another upcoming big feature will be the Gear Guard Live Cam which will allow you to view all the cameras from your Rivian vehicle while Gear Guard is active. Rivian intends to bring this feature to all vehicles toward the end of 2024.
Difference Between Standard Connectivity & Connect+
Feature
Standard
Wi-Fi / HotSpot
Connect+
OTA Updates
X
X
X
Live Navigation
X
X
X
Remote Commands
X
X
X
Phone Key
X
X
X
Alexa Vehicle
X
X
X
Streaming Media*
X
X
In-Vehicle Hotspot
X
Satellite Imagery
X
Alexa Connected
X
Google Cast
X
Gear Guard Live Cam**
(?)
X
* Streaming Media support includes Spotify, Audible, Apple Music, Tidal, and TuneIn currently. YouTube support is coming later in 2024.
** Gear Guard Live Cam may be accessible if the vehicle is connected to Wi-Fi. We’re waiting for Rivian to confirm this feature.
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Rivian’s highly anticipated R2 just picked up another quiet but meaningful technological win ahead of its full pricing and configurator reveal (R2 specs). Rivian is doubling down on ensuring parts commonality between the initial version destined for North America and future versions destined for Europe and the Asia-Pacific markets by integrating next-gen eSIM hardware.
Rivian has announced it is collaborating with the Munich-based firm Giesecke+Devrient (G+D) and AT&T in North America to equip the R2 with this tech that’s currently available on modern flagship devices.
With this partnership, the R2 will be one of the first vehicles in the world to launch with GSMA SGP.32-enabled eSIM technology and 5G connectivity out of the box. While cellular hardware updates rarely make front-page headlines, this specific integration is a massive win for Rivian.
The Power of SGP.32
To understand why this matters, just think about the logistical nightmare legacy manufacturers face when selling connected cars internationally. Manufacturers generally need to manage multiple hardware variants to accommodate the specific cellular networks available in various countries.
The newly finalized SGP.32 eSIM standard, built specifically for automotive and IoT applications, eliminates that friction and simplifies standardization. This architecture allows Rivian to utilize a single global hardware SKU, meaning that as the R2 expands into new international markets, no new hardware is required.
Rivian can seamlessly add or swap Mobile Network Operator (MNO) partners entirely over the air, without ever needing to touch the physical hardware inside the vehicle. For a company that is actively scaling its operations and looking to push the R2 into markets outside of North America, this remote management infrastructure is a game-changer.
The AT&T Connection
While G+D is providing the eSIM hardware and remote management capabilities, AT&T will serve as Rivian’s initial mobile network provider in the United States. AT&T’s 5G network will power the R2’s connected services, from streaming entertainment to local hotspotting and navigation.
Software-Defined Vehicle
Ultimately, the R2 is designed to be a software-defined vehicle that constantly improves throughout its lifecycle. That means its connectivity must function everywhere, no matter what country it's sold in.
Simplifying the parts pipeline from dozens of regional SKUs to just a single global part makes vehicle assembly incredibly simple and helps to future-proof before volume production begins.
Rivian is heading back to Austin this month, and they aren't just showing up as a guest. The electric automaker has returned as the headline sponsor for SXSW 2026, the massive annual festival that blends film, interactive media, and music.
The timing is perfect, as the event falls right on the heels of the official R2 unveiling set for March 12. From March 13 to 18, Rivian will transform its flagship Austin space at 208 S. Congress Ave into the "Electric Roadhouse". This central hub will host panels, live music, and exclusive events, but the real star of the show will be the R2 midsize SUV, which will be on display for the public to explore in person and even ride for the first time.
What to Expect From the Rivian R2
The R2 is easily Rivian’s most important vehicle to date, built on an entirely new platform that is much lighter than the R1S. Rivian is targeting a starting price of roughly $45,000 for the single-motor base model, making it a direct competitor to the Tesla Model Y.
If you're looking for performance, the dual-motor, all-wheel drive Launch Edition is expected to be the first to roll off the line. It features an 87.4 kWh battery pack, putting out 656 horsepower and hitting 0-60 mph in a blistering 3.5 seconds. The R2 also includes clever utility features like front seats that fold totally flat for car camping and a rear window that rolls completely down into the tailgate. It even features a native NACS charging port, ensuring it can use Tesla’s Supercharger network right out of the box.
The R2 Electric Joyride Event
For those who want to do more than just look at a stationary car, Rivian is bringing back its popular "Electric Joyride" event at the 800 Block of Congress. This custom off-road course is built right in the middle of downtown Austin, allowing attendees to experience the SUV's capabilities from the passenger seat.
Rivian Wave
An expert driver will navigate the R2 through steep hills, sharp turns, and uneven ground. The Joyride event runs daily from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm, though hours vary slightly on March 14 and March 18. You can book a spot in advance or simply hop in line while exploring the festival. Just keep in mind that riders must be at least 9 years old and are required to sign a liability waiver.
More Than Just a Car Show
The Electric Roadhouse isn't just about hardware; it's a full cultural experience. Attendees can enjoy live music from local bands curated by KUTX from March 13-15 or relax in the hospitality lounge with coffee served off the tailgate of an R1T.
Tech fans should also look out for the "Are You Faster than a Robot?" challenge. This autonomous robot event will be conducted jointly by Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe and YouTuber Mark Rober, officially kicking off the new partnership between Rivian and Rober’s CrunchLabs.
With volume R2 production slated for mid-2026, this SXSW showcase is the perfect way for the public to get a feel for the vehicle that will define Rivian’s next chapter. If you’re in Austin this month, the Electric Roadhouse is a stop you won't want to miss.
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