fxstein
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As discussed in various other threads like Analyze your Rivian's data with ChatGPT AI there is a widely used home automation platform that is fully open source that can help collect and store your data: HomeAssistant
I have been using it for several years and was actually writing my own version of a platform right around the same time HomeAssistant was first started. HomeAssistant quickly got a lot of traction in the Open Source community and is now the most popular home automation platform out there. It regularly is #1 or #2 of all Open Source projects on github (that is an unbelievable feat in 100s of millions of OSS projects).
It used to be difficult to setup at first with lots of YAML files to edit by hand. Over the years it has become easier and easier and for 95% of use cases you set it up on a web browser and interact with it on your mobile phone app.
It is totally private and does not share any of your data with anybody else. This is a core differentiation to services like ElektraFi or similar who collect your private Rivian data for additional use-cases.
So how do you go about installing and running HomeAssistant?
I recommend you start by looking at: HomeAssistant Installation Options
Home Assistant Green is the simplest option. For one time $99 you get the full setup and you will be up and running in minutes. There are other alternatives like Raspberry PI or Intel NUC and it just depends on your level of skills. I personally run a rather powerful Intel NUC with 32GB of RAM and 2TB of storage, because I have integrated hundreds of other devices and keep a full year of detailed data history. So it just depends on your skills, budget and what you want to accomplish.
Within my family I run the predecessor of Home Assistant Green the Home Assistant Blue (no longer sold) for parts of the family and their households.
HomeAssistant is often used to combine the integrations of various platforms like Solar, Heating, Pool, Lights, Garage doors, Security Cameras and Cars/EV. But you can simply use it just for the Rivian. Chances are that you will add other things over time and the possibilities are almost endless.
Once you have decided on the right option, go ahead purchase and install it. Next you need to pick the integrations you want to enable. It will find various devices on your home network by itself. Thinks like Philips Hue, Sonos, Apple devices, Samsung TVs, various appliances from all the main manufacturers. Don't feel the need to turn on everything. Start simple. 1 or 2 things and get to know the platform.
HomeAssistant will NOT find your Rivian or Tesla by itself. To integrate those you will have to install a subsystem called HACS. Simply follow the instructions on its website and it will be up and running in minutes. HACS is the HomeAssistant Community Store. Think of it as an App store run by the community. Anyone can post and offer an integration for new devices. As with any community driven app stores, a word of caution. You will find 1000s of integrations of all kinds, with all kinds of quality (or lack of). Only got for those you have learned enough about that you feel you can trust them.
Once you have HACS up and running, search for Home Assistant integration for Rivian (Unofficial) and install it through HACS. It will then tell you to restart HomeAssistant and allow you to setup the integration. Simply follow the install and configuration steps as outlined. I specially recommend you read the recommendations for not sharing userids, especially if you opted to turn on the integration to control your Rivian. Its all explained really well at the link above.
Once you have that up and running HomeAssistant will collect the Rivian API data 24x7 without you doing anything. It will allow you to setup fancy dashboards, automate tasks and analyze the data even through the likes of ChatGPT.
Here an example dashboard that I created in 2024 and shared a while back: Rivian Dashboard for Upcoming Longterm Phantom Drain Test
I have been using it for several years and was actually writing my own version of a platform right around the same time HomeAssistant was first started. HomeAssistant quickly got a lot of traction in the Open Source community and is now the most popular home automation platform out there. It regularly is #1 or #2 of all Open Source projects on github (that is an unbelievable feat in 100s of millions of OSS projects).
It used to be difficult to setup at first with lots of YAML files to edit by hand. Over the years it has become easier and easier and for 95% of use cases you set it up on a web browser and interact with it on your mobile phone app.
It is totally private and does not share any of your data with anybody else. This is a core differentiation to services like ElektraFi or similar who collect your private Rivian data for additional use-cases.
So how do you go about installing and running HomeAssistant?
I recommend you start by looking at: HomeAssistant Installation Options
Home Assistant Green is the simplest option. For one time $99 you get the full setup and you will be up and running in minutes. There are other alternatives like Raspberry PI or Intel NUC and it just depends on your level of skills. I personally run a rather powerful Intel NUC with 32GB of RAM and 2TB of storage, because I have integrated hundreds of other devices and keep a full year of detailed data history. So it just depends on your skills, budget and what you want to accomplish.
Within my family I run the predecessor of Home Assistant Green the Home Assistant Blue (no longer sold) for parts of the family and their households.
HomeAssistant is often used to combine the integrations of various platforms like Solar, Heating, Pool, Lights, Garage doors, Security Cameras and Cars/EV. But you can simply use it just for the Rivian. Chances are that you will add other things over time and the possibilities are almost endless.
Once you have decided on the right option, go ahead purchase and install it. Next you need to pick the integrations you want to enable. It will find various devices on your home network by itself. Thinks like Philips Hue, Sonos, Apple devices, Samsung TVs, various appliances from all the main manufacturers. Don't feel the need to turn on everything. Start simple. 1 or 2 things and get to know the platform.
HomeAssistant will NOT find your Rivian or Tesla by itself. To integrate those you will have to install a subsystem called HACS. Simply follow the instructions on its website and it will be up and running in minutes. HACS is the HomeAssistant Community Store. Think of it as an App store run by the community. Anyone can post and offer an integration for new devices. As with any community driven app stores, a word of caution. You will find 1000s of integrations of all kinds, with all kinds of quality (or lack of). Only got for those you have learned enough about that you feel you can trust them.
Once you have HACS up and running, search for Home Assistant integration for Rivian (Unofficial) and install it through HACS. It will then tell you to restart HomeAssistant and allow you to setup the integration. Simply follow the install and configuration steps as outlined. I specially recommend you read the recommendations for not sharing userids, especially if you opted to turn on the integration to control your Rivian. Its all explained really well at the link above.
Once you have that up and running HomeAssistant will collect the Rivian API data 24x7 without you doing anything. It will allow you to setup fancy dashboards, automate tasks and analyze the data even through the likes of ChatGPT.
Here an example dashboard that I created in 2024 and shared a while back: Rivian Dashboard for Upcoming Longterm Phantom Drain Test
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