TechCrunch Mobility: Rivian’s survival plan involves more than cars

In a recent showcase at Rivian's Autonomy & AI Day in Palo Alto, the company revealed its ambitious plans to go beyond merely selling electric vehicles. The event, which many insiders deemed crucial for Rivian's future, highlighted the firm’s commitment to developing additional revenue streams. While Rivian's approach may not be as far-reaching as Tesla’s, it is clear that the company is working on advanced driver assistance systems that could significantly enhance its offerings. Currently, Rivian’s hands-free driving technology can be used on approximately 135,000 miles of roads. However, this capability is set to expand to 3.5 million miles, including surface streets, by early 2026. To access this advanced feature, customers will need to pay either a one-time fee of $2,500 or a monthly subscription of $49.99. Additionally, Rivian is set to introduce a more sophisticated hands-off driving system, powered by a custom 5nm processor developed in partnership with Arm and TSMC. This processor will serve as the core of Rivian's upcoming autonomous driving system, slated for launch in the R2 SUV by late 2026. Although specific pricing details for this upgrade remain unconfirmed, it is anticipated that it will involve an additional charge. The potential for Rivian to license its technology to other manufacturers is also on the table. The company already has a partnership with Volkswagen Group to share its electric architecture and foundational software. Furthermore, Rivian has spun out two startups this year: Also, focusing on mobility, and Mind Robotics, which specializes in industrial AI and robotics. Analyst Dan Levy from Barclays has noted that Rivian may explore licensing its entire autonomous vehicle platform, or components such as the custom processor. CEO RJ Scaringe hinted at the ease of envisioning such a scenario when asked about selling the processor to Mind Robotics. This strategic pivot toward diversifying revenue sources, particularly those that complement its existing automotive business, seems to be a prudent move for Rivian as it navigates the competitive EV landscape. The company is also developing its own AI assistant, set to debut in its electric vehicles in early 2026. Despite some initial hiccups during public demonstrations of its AI technology, Rivian managed a successful showcase, demonstrating resilience in the face of challenges. As the company forges ahead, it remains to be seen how these innovations will shape Rivian's future in the automotive market and beyond.