During a recent Ask Me Anything (AMA) session on Reddit, Rivian's Chief Software Officer, Wassym Bensaid, shared new details about the software and hardware integration of the upcoming R2 platform.
Among the features discussed, Bensaid confirmed that Rivian will introduce a PIN-to-lock function for the R2's new gloveboxes, mirroring a popular security feature found in Tesla vehicles.
Electronic Latching and Security
Unlike the current R1T and R1S, which lack a traditional passenger-side glove compartment, the upcoming R2 SUV features dual gloveboxes. When asked if owners will be able to securely lock one or both of these new compartments with a PIN, Bensaid confirmed the hardware is already designed for it.
"The R2 dual gloveboxes are designed with an electronic latching mechanism that integrates directly with the vehicle's software security architecture," Bensaid explained.
Currently, the plan is for the compartments to lock and unlock automatically based on the owner's physical proximity to the vehicle, functioning exactly like the exterior doors.
Pin Protection to Come Later
While proximity locking is convenient, it does not protect valuables if the owner leaves the vehicle unlocked while camping or hands a physical key card to a valet. To solve this, Rivian is taking a page directly out of Tesla's playbook.
Tesla introduced its Glovebox PIN feature several years ago. The update allowed owners to lock the physical compartment behind a four-digit touchscreen passcode. It was a quality-of-life update that has since become a standard expectation for vehicle security.
According to Bensaid, Rivian is prioritizing a similar layer of digital security. "PIN-based locking is on the roadmap, coming later in the year," he confirmed to the Reddit community.
Rivian will also introduce Valet mode next year, which will likely also keep the glovebox locked when it’s activated.
