Rivian News

R2 Development

Inside Rivian R2 Development and Real World Testing

Rivian just shared a behind-the-scenes look at the R2’s first builds, and it’s clear this vehicle is designed for scale. The R2 is simpler by design, with subframes and suspension components that snap together quickly to speed up assembly. Engineers are fine-tuning every step now to avoid issues when full production starts. These early R2s are already hitting the desert for intense testing. From deep sand and boulders to water troughs and gravel impacts, the goal is to push the…

Read MoreInside Rivian R2 Development and Real World Testing
Rivian R2

Rivian Lays Off 140 Employees to Streamline Ahead of R2 Launch

Rivian has laid off approximately 140 salaried employees, roughly 1% of its workforce, as part of a broader effort to streamline operations in preparation for the launch of the R2 in 2026, according to a report from TechCrunch. The cuts primarily affected Rivian’s manufacturing team and have been quietly rolling out since Wednesday. Multiple former employees, speaking anonymously, said they were told their roles were being eliminated to address “process inefficiencies.” Rivian confirmed the layoffs in a statement, calling it a…

Read MoreRivian Lays Off 140 Employees to Streamline Ahead of R2 Launch

Rivian Just Crippled Its Referral Program and It Feels Like a Slap in the Face

Rivian’s updated referral program quietly launched today, and for a lot of owners, it might seem like business as usual. But for those of us who’ve spent years sharing our experience, helping others make the leap, and sending dozens, sometimes hundreds, of people into Rivians, this new structure feels like a punch to the gut. Here’s how the new setup works: Now let’s be clear: this change will only affect a small group of owners. The vast majority will never…

Read MoreRivian Just Crippled Its Referral Program and It Feels Like a Slap in the Face
Rivian CarPlay

The Case for Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Even if Rivian Doesn’t Want It

Rivian has been pretty clear from day one: they’re not planning to support Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Their position? The in-vehicle experience is better when it’s built from the ground up, not handed off to third-party software. And honestly, there’s some truth to that. The UI is sleek, the native nav is solid, and Spotify, TuneIn, and Alexa are all well integrated. But even with all that, there’s still a strong case for CarPlay and Android Auto, especially the…

Read MoreThe Case for Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Even if Rivian Doesn’t Want It