Rivian has taken strides in unveiling its latest models, the R2, R3, and R3X. These vehicles certainly raise the bar for the company. However, when placed in the broader context of the electric vehicle sector, these advancements, while commendable, serve to highlight the relentless pace set by industry leader Tesla.
Rivian's Surprise Launch
This is not to rain on Rivian's parade. Rarely does an EV manufacturer not named Tesla rule the coverage of any given day. Rivian did show off some development during the launch of the R2 and the surprise announcement of the R3 and R3X.
The R2, positioned as a smaller, more affordable alternative to its predecessor, brings Rivian's distinctive design into a compact, efficient package. With a starting price of $45,000, over 300 miles of range, and the ability to accelerate from 0-60 MPH in under three seconds, the R2 is poised to garner some attention. The subsequent reveal of the R3 and R3X models shows that there are big plans for the future for a company that plans to build 57,000 cars in 2024.
Innovation on Display
Rivian showed off some new technology using the 4695 cylindrical battery cell and structural battery packs for increased range. The DC fast charging system works with NACS and CCS. There has also been a significant increase in autonomous driving capabilities, a new computing system, five radars, and 11 cameras. The company is delaying facility expansion, instead launching the R2 from its Illinois facility to save capital and expedite production.
That’s the good news, but the R2, with its new look, upgraded tech, and lower price, will not be available until 2026. The other two units will be available in 2027. This timing is crucial. While Rivian's new models are indeed groundbreaking, Tesla's "Redwood" project is set to introduce a vehicle at a $25,000 price point, making it highly accessible to the mass market.
Tesla's Countermove: Redwood, Van
The implications of Tesla's manufacturing efficiency and cost reduction advancements cannot be overstated. As Tesla gears up to launch its next-gen vehicle, it is likely already envisioning subsequent innovations that could further extend its lead in the EV sector. Those ideas, which are likely scribbled on Franz von Holzhausen’s notepad at this point, could very well be in development by 2027. Perhaps a highly configurable van, the obvious next step, could be created simultaneously with the other two Rivians coming out. Given the advancement learned year-over-year, a new Tesla product will likely beat Rivian’s prices.
With a production timeline that anticipates the start of manufacturing in the latter half of 2025, Tesla's next-gen vehicle is poised to hit the market around the same time Rivian's R2 begins delivery. Rivian's efforts, though significant, are part of a broader narrative dominated by Tesla's vision and execution. As the electric vehicle landscape continues to evolve, the ability to innovate at scale and meet product demand and consumer desire for affordability, range, and performance will determine the true leaders of the electric revolution. Rivian has a lot of work to do.
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Tesla has begun to reach out to customers in the United States and is offering demo drives of the Cybertruck on an invite-only basis. @brandonhd on X shared the first invite image, and it looks like it's going out quite quickly to multiple locations that have Cybertrucks on display.
Up until now, display vehicles have been for just that – looking, but no touching. Some Tesla delivery centers and showrooms have also allowed viewers to take a seat inside and open it up, but most are still locked away behind the velvet rope.
It’s exciting to see that Tesla has begun to demo them – and it can only be so long until demo drives open up to everyone.
Advisor-led Demo
This Demo Drive is led by a Tesla Advisor – while you’re driving, the advisor will be in the passenger seat, walking you through the experience. They’ll explain steer-by-wire, off-road controls, and will introduce new-to-Tesla buyers to all the features that are currently available.
The list of locations so far for demo drives appears to be fairly limited, but we will hopefully see demo drives roll out throughout the United States, and eventually Canada too. Here is the current list of city/state locations that have seen demo drive invites.
Actually Smart Summon, the successor to Tesla’s Smart Summon feature, has been confirmed to be coming as soon as next month as per Elon Musk. Colloquially known as “ASS”, Actually Smart Summon is supposed to improve on the regular Smart Summon capabilities, which have historically used ultrasonic sensors (USS) to navigate parking lots.
We’re looking forward to Actually Smart Summon, and we’re quite excited about what other features will be unlocked once it finally shows up at our doorstep.
Vision-based Improvements
ASS is supposed to bring Smart Summon to vehicles that don’t have USS – using Tesla Vision. Most recently, Tesla has brought Autopark to vehicles without USS, and Vision-based Autopark has been a huge success. It is faster, more reliable, and smoother than the older USS-based solution. It can also park and maneuver in tighter locations.
Today, Smart Summon is sometimes useful at best, usually a party trick, or downright dangerous at worst. It’s excellent and best used in straight lines, where you have a clear line of sight of the vehicle, and can stop it if doesn’t see an obstacle.
I used Smart Summon today, just before writing this article – my 2022 Model Y (with USS) – did manage to show up just fine – in a straight-line location from where I was parked, after exiting the parking spot fairly cleanly. However, I’ve previously used Smart Summon and have had the vehicle turn towards obstacles, such as cart returns or curbs. Overall, it’s a sometimes-useful feature that has a lot of drawbacks right now.
Smart Summon is also restricted to a certain distance – and it's pretty small. The max distance is shorter than most parking lots, being only about 215 ft (65m). If you’re lucky enough to park close, it's very useful to bring your car right to you.
Actually Smart Summon
ASS will bring FSD V12-like capabilities to Smart Summon – the vehicle will primarily use Vision to drive toward you (or the location you’ve indicated). ASS has been supposed to be coming since about September 2022 and has seen many delays – we’re almost at the 2-year point today.
We’re looking forward to Actually Smart Summon being able to bring the vehicle – safely – right to you. ASS is also one of the key steps towards bringing some other cool features that Elon Musk has previously mentioned – Park Seek and Banish Autopark.
We’re also hopeful that Actually Smart Summon will increase the maximum range a vehicle can be summoned, because the current range is fairly small. Alongside Park Seek and Banish Autopark, we’re closing in on a Robotaxi-based future.
Park Seek and Banish Autopark
When the FSD v12.4 showed up, Elon also mentioned that going forward, vehicles would automatically park themselves when arriving in a parking lot – Park Seek – and that if you got out of the car at the entrance to a business, you could get it to automatically park itself in the parking lot – Banish Autopark. These are two features that are needed for Robotaxi to work – which itself is delayed to October 10th of this year. We’re looking quite forward to them – as in combination with Actually Smart Summon, Tesla has reached the cusp of vehicle autonomy.
A vehicle that arrives, driverless, at the location you’re at, then drives somewhere, parks itself there, and waits for you – is the definition of a Robotaxi.
While we’re likely to have to wait for Banish Autopark and Park Seek just a bit longer, Actually Smart Summon being around the corner is exciting! Gone will be the days of having to run out to your car when you forgot your umbrella – your car will just come right to you instead.
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