The Sunday Drive – R2 Configure Emails, Service Layoffs, and Driver+ Lawsuit

Things slowed down a little this week. From June 15 through June 21 the dust from the R2 launch started to clear, configure emails picked up, and a few stories landed that are worth your time.

R2 configure emails are ramping up a week after launch, so reservation holders are starting to get the call to spec. More in Rivian R2 Configure Emails Ramp Up One Week After Launch.

On the less fun side, Rivian laid off hundreds from its service teams a week after the R2 launch, which is tough timing given the wave of new owners about to land. Rivian Lays Off Hundreds From Service Teams a Week After R2 Launch.

Rivian also got sued over Driver+ hands-free driving claims on Gen 1 R1T and R1S. Worth reading the details in Rivian Sued Over Driver+ Hands-Free Driving Claims on Gen 1 R1T and R1S.

Rivian opened its first all in one location in Rocklin, CA, where sales, service and delivery share one roof instead of being spread across separate sites. More in Rivian Opens First All-in-One Location in Rocklin, CA.

There is also a new ChargeScape partnership bringing utility managed charging to owners, which could mean real money back for letting the grid optimize when you charge. Details in Rivian Partners With ChargeScape to Bring Utility-Managed Charging to Owners.

Wrote an editorial this week on why Rivian’s boring software updates are the ones that matter most. The flashy feature drops get all the attention. The unglamorous stability work is what I actually notice living with these vehicles every day. Full take in Why Rivian’s Boring Software Updates Are the Ones That Matter Most.

Couple of personal notes to close out. My revamped Rivian Accessory Guide is live, fully rebuilt and worth a look if you are kitting out an R1 or planning ahead for R2. And I got my invite Tuesday to configure my own R2. No VIN yet, but I am beyond excited and you will all be along for the ride once it is here.

That is the week. Configure emails are going out and the picture after launch is already messier than the hype suggested. And I have an R2 of my own to go build, which still does not quite feel real. Catch you on the next Sunday Drive.