Rivian Launches Early Access Program for Point-To-Point Hands-Free Driving
Participants must maintain an active Autonomy+ subscription and provide weekly usage data for pre-release features.
Rivian has initiated an invitation-only Autonomy Early Access Program that grants select owners the opportunity to test upcoming driver-assistance features, beginning with point-to-point hands-free driving.
What Happened
The EV maker is inviting owners with an active Autonomy+ subscription to apply for the program through their Rivian accounts. Eligibility excludes first-generation R1T and R1S models due to hardware limitations and does not include owners currently on 60-day trials. The program is currently onboarding participants in California and Florida, with plans to expand to other areas. Accepted users will test the latest vision-based system, which utilizes 10 high-definition cameras and five radars to perceive objects up to 1,000 feet away.
Why It Matters
This initiative allows Rivian to gather real-world data on its next-generation autonomy stack before a wider rollout. Participants are required to use preview features weekly, log issues, enable location and camera data sharing, and complete monthly surveys and potential interviews. The program selects drivers based on high Autonomy feature usage and clean safety records. Membership is reviewed every 30 days and can be revoked, removing access to pre-release features. The first major feature, point-to-point hands-free driving, is scheduled for a limited release in late 2026, with a broader rollout planned for second-gen R1 EVs and the new R2 in the following year. Additional features like Auto Parking and On-Ramp to Off-Ramp are expected this year.
The Bottom Line
Rivian’s driver assistance systems remain supervised, requiring drivers to keep their eyes on the road despite the hands-free capability. Further details on the company’s automated driving plans are expected during the Autonomy & AI Day event on December 9.
