Rivian, the electric vehicle startup, has announced ambitious plans to rapidly advance its autonomous driving technology. CEO RJ Scaringe revealed the company is working on a supervised hands-free driving system set to launch later this year, with an eyes-off driving system targeted for 2026.
Speaking at the opening of a new Rivian store in San Francisco on January 23, Scaringe emphasized that the company is “hyper-focused” on developing this technology.
The planned supervised hands-free system would be classified as Level 2 on the SAE scale of self-driving capability, requiring drivers to monitor the road and be ready to take control at any time
The more advanced eyes-off system, aimed for 2026, would elevate Rivian’s offerings to Level 3 autonomy. At this level, drivers can take their eyes off the road but must still be prepared to regain control when prompted
Currently, Mercedes-Benz is the only automaker offering a Level 3 system, available on select highways in California and Nevada.
Rivian’s move comes as competition in the autonomous driving space intensifies. The company’s current driver-assist features, part of the Rivian Autonomy Platform, provide alerts and can perform evasive maneuvers but do not offer full vehicle control.
Alongside the autonomous reveal, Rivian has secured conditional approval for a $6.6 billion loan from the U.S. Department of Energy to fund a new manufacturing plant in Georgia. The facility, expected to begin production in 2028, will have an annual capacity of 400,000 vehicles and will initially produce Rivian’s R2 and R3/R3X compact crossovers.
The R2, Rivian’s upcoming more affordable model, is set to enter production in 2026 with a starting price of $45,000 and a range of up to 330 miles. This positions Rivian to compete directly with established players like Tesla’s Model Y and Chevrolet’s Blazer EV in the mainstream electric SUV market. The 2026 model is one such vehicle to benefit from hands-free autonomous driving features.
Rivian Autonomous Driving Explained
Rivian’s autonomous driving technology is part of a broader industry trend towards self-driving vehicles. The SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) defines six levels of driving automation, from Level 0 (no automation) to Level 5 (full automation).
At Level 0, the vehicle has no autonomous features. The driver is fully responsible for all aspects of driving, including steering, braking, accelerating, and monitoring the road environment. While some Level 0 vehicles may have warning systems or emergency interventions like automatic emergency braking, these are not considered autonomous functions as they only operate momentarily.
Level 1 represents the lowest level of automation. Vehicles at this level have a single automated aspect that assists the driver. This can include features like adaptive cruise control or lane-keeping assistance, but not both simultaneously. The driver remains fully engaged and responsible for most functions, including steering and monitoring the environment
Level 2 systems, often referred to as “hands-free” or “driver assist” technologies, can control both steering and acceleration/deceleration but require constant driver supervision. Examples include GM’s Super Cruise, Ford’s BlueCruise, and Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) feature.
Level 3 systems, sometimes called “eyes-off” technology, allow drivers to divert their attention from driving tasks but must be ready to intervene when requested. This level of autonomy is considered challenging due to the complexities of safely transferring control back to a potentially distracted driver.
Comparison of Manufacturers’ Autonomous Capabilities
| Feature | Rivian | Tesla FSD | GM Super Cruise | Ford BlueCruise |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Current Level | Level 2 | Level 2 | Level 2 | Level 2 |
| Hands-Free Capability | Planned for 2025 | Yes, with supervision | Yes | Yes |
| Eyes-Off Capability | Planned for 2026 | No | No | No |
| Operational Area | TBA | Most roads | 400,000+ miles of mapped highways | 130,000+ miles of mapped highways |
| Lane Change | TBA | Automatic | Automatic & on-demand | On-demand |
| Driver Monitoring | Camera-based | Camera-based | Camera-based | Camera-based |
| Hardware | 11 cameras, 5 radars | Cameras, ultrasonic sensors | Cameras, LiDAR, radar, GPS | Cameras, radar |
| Map Dependence | TBA | Less reliant | Highly reliant | Highly reliant |
| Trailering Support | TBA | Limited | Yes | No |
| Current Availability | Limited driver assistance | Beta testing | Available on multiple GM models | Available on select Ford models |
| Future Plans | Level 3 by 2026 | Aiming for full autonomy | Expanding mapped roads | Continuous improvements |
As Rivian advances its autonomous driving capabilities, it joins a competitive field where terms like “self-driving,” “autopilot,” and “FSD” are often used, though true fully autonomous vehicles (Level 5) remain a distant goal for the industry.
Article Last Updated: January 24, 2025.
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Michael Kahn is the publisher of The Weekly Driver, serving as writer, photographer, and content creator. With a keen eye for storytelling and a passion for adventure, he specializes in uncovering the stories and experiences of automobile enthusiasts. Michael’s work is inspired by his love for off-the-beaten-path road trips, global exploration, and the pursuit of exceptional culinary experiences, all captured through the lens of a world traveler and automotive enthusiast.