Rivian has released its latest owner’s manual (version 2024.39), outlining several details about changes to its 2024.39 software update and several hardware changes coming to Rivian vehicles.
While the 2024.39 update includes several big improvements, such as improved driver display widgets, improvements to Autonomy Platform+, the automatic front camera, support for Dolby Atmos in TIDAL, and more, the owner's manual also lists a few other changes.
New Wiper Speed Positions
This change was mentioned under in the Additional Improvements section of the release notes, but given how useful it is, we’ll outline it here as well.
Previously, the wiper positions, from top to bottom, were: Storm, Downpour, Shower, Drizzle, Sprinkle, Off, and Auto. With the 2024.39 update, the positions have been rearranged, and Off is now the lowest position, while Auto is placed just above it. This makes it easier to turn off the wipers in the vehicle since you can hold the switch down to jump to the last setting.
Rivian Wave
Automatic Front Camera Display
One of the nicest changes with this update is that the front camera will now turn on automatically when it detects objects in front of the vehicle. When Park Assist detects an object in front of the vehicle and the car is moving at speeds below 6 mph, the front camera will automatically be displayed.
Previously, the front camera would only be displayed if the vehicle was shifted from reverse to drive and moving under 7 mph, a threshold that has now been slightly reduced.
LFP Battery Calibration Notifications
Rivian’s 2025+ Dual Standard vehicles come with LFP batteries that need to be charged to 100% in order to be properly calibrated. In the updated owner’s manual, Rivian now clearly states when the owner will receive a notification about fully charging the battery. Owners will receive a notification to fully charge the battery if it hasn’t been charged to 100% in over two weeks or 500 miles. This will help ensure that the LFP batteries remain well-calibrated and the stated range is correct.
Charge Port Locking Behavior
Rivian has also updated when the vehicle’s charge port is locked for their second generation vehicles. Previously, the charge port was only locked when the vehicle itself was locked. Now, with the 2024.39 update, the charge port will lock any time the vehicle is charging, even if the vehicle is left unlocked. If the car is unlocked, the charge port will automatically unlock once charging is complete. If the vehicle is locked, the port will remain locked as well, just like it was before.
Right now, the owner’s manual for Gen 1 vehicles does not have the same statement.
Passenger Seat Storage
According to the manual, Rivian is preparing some changes to the interior storage compartments in future models. The storage drawer located under the passenger seat will no longer be available, leaving only the driver seat with this compartment.
In addition, the R1T, which features storage under the rear row seats, appears to be undergoing some changes. In the manual, Rivian no longer lists the rear seat storage where it used to list it as lockable and waterproof. It’s not clear whether Rivian is no longer claiming these compartments as lockable and waterproof or if there will be other changes.
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Audi is officially joining the Rivian software fold. The German automaker has confirmed that it will begin using the electronic architecture developed through the Rivian-Volkswagen joint venture in its vehicles starting in 2028.
According to a recent report from SmartDroid, the move marks a major turning point for Audi’s electric lineup. While the brand has performed well with the A6 and Q6 e-tron, the switch to "RV Tech" architecture — the name of the joint venture between Rivian and Volkswagen — will allow for true "software-defined vehicles." The first model to feature this tech is expected to be the new Audi A4 e-tron.
The $5.8 Billion Joint Venture
This expansion into Audi is the direct result of the massive partnership first announced in June 2024. Volkswagen originally pledged $5 billion to Rivian, a figure that was later upped to $5.8 billion.
The goal was simple: Volkswagen gets access to Rivian’s world-class zonal control technology and software, while Rivian gets a massive cash infusion and the scale of a global automotive giant. The partnership, co-headed by Rivian’s Wassym Bensaid and VW’s Carsten Helbing, focuses on creating a software and electronics backbone that can support everything from subcompact cars like the upcoming VW ID.1 to premium luxury SUVs.
By building software in-house, Rivian has created a platform that allows for "over-the-air" updates to almost every digital component — including the drivetrain, steering, and suspension. It is a level of vertical integration that Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe has defended since 2018, even when his own board questioned if it was necessary.
Rivian has already received $3.3 billion of the joint venture’s $5.8 billion value so far. Volkswagen is set to pay out another $2 billion to Rivian this year, with the remaining $500 million expected in 2027.
The R2 Launch and Future Licensing
The R2 platform is the "bootstrap" for this entire operation. Rivian is currently finalizing the rollout of its long-anticipated R2 midsize SUV, which is expected to start reaching customers by the end of spring. The company is banking on the R2 to carry it toward profitability.
Rivian Wave
Rivian plans to roll out the R2 in four distinct phases:
R2 Performance ($57,990): Late Spring 2026
R2 Premium ($53,990): Late 2026
R2 Standard Long Range ($48,490): Early 2027
R2 Standard ($45,000): Late 2027
While some critics have questioned the partnership due to the difficulty of integrating EV-only software into VW's remaining combustion-engine fleet, Scaringe remains confident. During a recent interview at SXSW with Fast Company’s Brendan Vaughan, he dismissed the idea of a Volkswagen takeover, stating, “That’s not the outcome we were looking for.” Instead, he sees the VW deal as the first of many licensing agreements where Rivian provides the "digital backbone" for the entire auto industry.
With Audi now locked in for 2028, it’s clear that Rivian’s tech is no longer just for "adventure" vehicles — it's becoming the standard for the next generation of German luxury. It might not be long before Porsche, another Volkswagen brand, follows suit, or Rivian finds itself in a similar arrangement with an automotive brand outside the VW Group entirely.
Rivian and Uber have just announced a massive partnership to put driverless robotaxis on the road. In a move that sent shockwaves through the EV and tech sectors, Uber has committed to investing up to $1.25 billion in Rivian to deploy a fleet of up to 50,000 fully autonomous R2 robotaxis.
The deal, announced on Thursday, marks a major step toward making driverless rides a mainstream reality. The collaboration aims to put thousands of unsupervised R2 vehicles on the road across 25 cities in the U.S., Canada, and Europe by the end of 2031.
A Billion-Dollar Bet on Autonomy
The scale of this agreement is staggering. Uber and its fleet partners will initially purchase 10,000 autonomous R2 units, with an option to buy 40,000 more starting in 2030. These vehicles will be available exclusively on the Uber platform. Commercial deployments are slated to kick off in San Francisco and Miami in 2028 before expanding globally.
Rivian Wave
RJ Scaringe, Founder and CEO of Rivian, is optimistic about the tech stack powering this fleet. “The scale of Rivian's growing data flywheel coupled with RAP1, our state of the art in-house inference platform, and our multi-modal perception platform make us incredibly excited for the rapid advancement of Rivian autonomy over the next couple of years,” Scaringe said. Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi added that Rivian's vertical integration gives Uber "conviction to set these ambitious but achievable targets."
If you're looking to buy one yourself, here is how the full R2 lineup is rolling out:
R2 Performance ($57,990): Arriving late Spring 2026. This dual-motor AWD flagship boasts 656 hp and a 3.6-second 0–60 mph time. It also features a "Drop Glass" rear window and a semi-active suspension.
R2 Premium ($53,990): Expected in late 2026. This trim offers 450 hp and a 4.6-second 0-60 mph time, though it skips the semi-active suspension.
R2 Standard Long Range ($48,490): The range leader with an estimated 345 miles of range, coming in early 2027.
R2 Standard ($45,000): We don’t know much about the most affordable base model other than that it is currently expected in late 2027.
If you’re still trying to decide which Rivian is right for you, check out our R2 vs. R1S buyer’s guide.
The Jump to Level 4 Autonomy
The R2 units meant for Uber will be a bit different from the early consumer models. While initial consumer R2s will use Rivian’s Gen 2 hardware, the company will pivot to Gen 3 hardware in late 2026. This next-gen suite includes LiDAR sensors and dual RAP1 chips capable of 1600 TOPS of AI compute.
This hardware is what Rivian hopes will enable true Level 4 autonomy — meaning the car can handle all driving tasks in specific conditions without any human intervention. By combining real-world data from its consumer fleet with these high-end sensors, Rivian is betting it can catch up to and eventually surpass current leaders in the space.
The partnership with Uber provides Rivian with both the capital and the platform to prove its tech at a massive scale. As we move closer to 2028, seeing an empty R2 pull up for your Uber ride might soon be the new normal.
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