EV startup Rivian is racing previous many rivals with its all-electric journey automobiles. But, what many might not know is that the know-how inside a Rivian is simply as alluring because the design. Rivian is utilizing software program to achieve a bonus over the competitors.

Rivian took a web page from Tesla in designing and constructing its electrical automobiles from the bottom up, with a deal with software program.

Though it’s a pricey technique, it has given Rivian a bonus because it scales manufacturing. “It’s a incredible benefit as a result of ranging from a clear slate permits us to be taught from the successes but additionally the errors of others,” defined Wassym Bensaid, Rivian’s VP of software program growth.

Bensaid stated in an interview with MotorTrend that “being able to configure each piece of {hardware} in all the automobile by means of software program was one of many major concerns” from day one.

Rivian persistently pushes updates to its automobiles, including new options like camp mode and snow mode, navigation enhancements, added vary, improved experience high quality, and extra.

As Bensaid explains, constructing Rivian automobiles as a “absolutely built-in end-to-end” machine helps it overcome one of many largest challenges within the business.

Legacy automakers, together with Volkswagen, have realized growing and managing software program is crucial within the digital period. He stated the largest disruptions within the business “rely closely on software program, and this requires a basic strategy” to growth.

Software program helps Rivian scale previous EV rivals

“It’s a brand new actuality the place software program is the middle of the automobile expertise,” Bernsaid stated within the interview.

Within the new linked, digital period, “The auto business has struggled to deal with a number of {hardware} configurations,” he added.

In the meantime, Rivian has centered on scalability since day one. Its software program has been a “key differentiator” because it expands, in accordance with Bensaid.

For instance, all three Rivian EVs run on the identical software program, the R1T, R1S, and EDV. By operating completely different configurations fairly than a completely new stack, Rivian is streamlining the method.

The EV maker delivered 15,564 automobiles within the third quarter, up 24% from Q2 and simply beating expectations. Manufacturing additionally rose 17% quarter-over-quarter to 16,304 models. Following the sturdy efficiency, Rivian raised its 2023 manufacturing aim to 54,000, up 2,000 from its earlier goal.

The expansion comes amid a number of automakers, together with Ford and GM, delaying EV investments. Lucid additionally minimize its 2023 manufacturing goal after deliveries and manufacturing failed to achieve traction.

With most of its software program constructed in-house, Rivian has a bonus. The EV maker can push updates to its automobiles rapidly. It additionally permits Rivian to deal with what issues most to drivers.

“Our automobile is aware of the most effective EV vary primarily based on the habits of the driving force, the suspension and ride-height place, the driving mode, climate, temperature, and the battery well being” that’s repeatedly calibrated by means of software program, Bensaid stated.

Electrek’s Take

Scaringe stated on the corporate’s earnings name earlier this week that vertically integrating its in-house computer systems, software program stack, and propulsion system is a “substantial aggressive benefit.”

Whereas legacy automakers like Volkswagen have delayed vital EVs, together with the electrical Porsche Macan and Audi Q6 e-tron, over software program, Rivian is utilizing it to its benefit.

The corporate will take what it’s realized in ramping the R1 platform to make its second-gen fashions much more environment friendly. Rivian will reveal its R2 platform subsequent yr, which will likely be constructed at its new facility in Georgia. Rivian will likely be an organization to look at over the following few quarters because it expands the model.