Frozen R2 shows rear wiper in "Up" position for ice / snow conditions (built-in heater at work)

[Katsudon]

Photo of the R2 rear wiper in the up-position. Also showing the built in heater / heating element at work.

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[SolidTHX1138]

I think people may be making too much of a big deal out of the rear wiper. I think the great thing about the wiper is that it's hidden, but I think I would be ok if it never existed. I've have or had 3 cars (2 Acura RDX, Honda Odyssey) with rear wipers and it was something that was never worth the utility for me.

If anything, I would rather have a good rear glass defroster and rear camera clear of debris or ice.

 

[swflor]

A always on rear view mirror camera solves this and many other use cases.

I know you can just drive around with the rear camera pulled up, but that’s not what I’m talking about here.

 

[SerrikVorrik]

Considering how unimpressed I was with my R1Ts front wiper in even a bit of snow and ice.

 

[Mellowyellow]

Look at those testing conditions. There’s not a wiper or heating element on earth that would do well in those circumstances.

 

[Nixapatfan]

All the people saying they don't need a rear wiper probably aren't driving in really dusty areas or on salted streets in snowy places. A rear camera or window without a wiper becomes useless within a couple of minutes with salt spray coming off from under the vehicle.

Also what this isn't testing is all the crud that doesn't melt that will eventually find its way into that cavity. The heater will pass with flying colors when testing with clean water only.

 

[Yamazaki]

All the people saying they don't need a rear wiper probably aren't driving in really dusty areas or on salted streets in snowy places. A rear camera or window without a wiper becomes useless within a couple of minutes with salt spray coming off from under the vehicle.

Also what this isn't testing is all the crud that doesn't melt that will eventually find its way into that cavity. The heater will pass with flying colors when testing with clean water only.

Agreed. Speaking from experience, dirt/dust can really block off visibility... This includes rear facing cameras. The rear wiper is what allows you to see behind you in those conditions.

 

[Gen(R3)Xer]

If anything, I would rather have a good rear glass defroster and rear camera clear of debris or ice.

They need a defrosting ring around all of the cameras and a spray nozzle to clean them off. Otherwise none of this autonomous stuff is going to work, unless LiDar can really bridge the difference. Does it work well if the sensor is covered in snow and ice?

 

[skyguyscott]

So actually, while the rear view camera in my R1T is the best rear view camera I have owned, it is susceptible to rain and dirt. I really think Rivian ought to employ the same rotating visor technology they use in televised auto racing to either clean continually or as needed. Yes, it's mechanical and prone to failure, and we'll have to fill the cleaning fluid on occasion, but it works and beats not being able to see a usable image. Or employ at least a sun visor and squirter. Do any other vehicles in this space have such a feature?

 

[Count Orlok]

so tiny

 

[elatrickWheels]

The rear camera in the R1S gets washed when the rear window washer is activated, and anyone who drives on snowy roads knows that periodically you need to wash and wipe the rear window in those conditions. Of course, you need antifreeze in the washer bottle in those conditions, too.

 

[richguess]

Every reviewer complained that the Ionic 5 had no rear wiper. Later models have one. Problem solved.

 

[tivoboy]

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

Now just copy this:

https://www.notateslaapp.com/news/4207/tesla-patents-self-cleaning-camera-lens-with-built-in-wiper

 

[dleepnw]

Ice/Snow is one thing but that eventually melts. I think the bigger issue are leaves, dirt, debris, etc getting in there and either blocking drainage or blocking the wiper itself. In the PNW, with all the growth, moss and moisture, there's definitely going to be stuff that gets in there and/or grows. Its going to be a nightmare to clean, let alone keep functioning.

IMO, a potentially over engineered solution.

I'd like to know what the tradeoff was in terms of efficiency by not going with a traditional wiper on the glass or putting it up top.

 

[tivoboy]

I posted this I think in another thread but once my neighbor gets their r2 in the next couple months I’m going to mold and 3d print an insert for that cavity with a thin rubber seal/lip along the top. We get so little rain out here depending on the season that I’d rather pop it out seasonally or periodically vs just letting it pack up with gunk.

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